Bonjour Provence !
As always, I have a hard time saying good-bye to Paris, but the time had sadly come to say au revoir (for now) and board the train south.
With baguette in hand and a paper bag full of berries (we never go anywhere empty handed since "the day we nearly died" on our last trip - see here), we whizzed through the French country side reading, napping and of course, eating. Three hours later, Paris was a distant memory as we stepped out into the warm country air of Provence.
Into the village of La Roque Alric, to be precise.
I was in giddy, head over heels, love.
I was tres happy.
I was home!
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A big day for the ladies!
Today was a big day for the little ladies.
Having already walked over 20km (and I'd just like to add that we had done 19km the day before....are we amazing or what?!) and having already treated ourselves to one of the best mille feuilles so far, we decided we needed another treat. Yes, this treat also came in the form of food. Surely you're getting the gist of this holiday by now so this should be no surprise?
If you ever head over to Paris, and in particular the Marais area (really, why wouldn't you?) then you need to do yourself a favour and eat HERE!
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The day we walked 20km . . .
We awoke to a stunningly beautiful Parisian morning. The sky was blue, the sun was out and our tummies were rumbling (yeah, I know, something new!).
So after our morning ritual of yoghurt and cafe cremes on our terrace , we set off on foot, not giving a toss which direction we headed or where we ended up.
Our discovery of the day .....hehe....
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Paris in a Pita Pocket !
Have you ever looked through a restaurant window, stopped dead in a crowded street, skipped on the spot (and yes, clapped your hands in glee), and without having looked at the menu just known you HAVE to eat there?
To be honest, I'm a skipper and clapper from way back as I do this constantly, and today was no exception when I looked through the window of this little beauty....Miznon
Fresh produce lined the windows (and any another available surface area inside), and big smiles welcomed us into this loud and bustling little venue.
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The French Egg !
l'oeuf.
Or as we (when I say we, I mean those of us that are French or who like to believe they are) like to say "oh mon dieu!"
I'm not shy in saying that I've dreamt about this little French egg. Seriously! And it's exactly how I remember it. Bright yellow yolk, slightly salty and wonderfully creamy.
Dipping a well buttered baguette into it is simply the cherry on top!
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Our Paris Apartment . . .
Our Paris apartment...is located in our favourite Arrondissement (the Marais), it's big, it's comfortable and it's oh so peaceful.
It also has a terrace where we spend most mornings watching the morning unfold, eating breakfast and generally just waking up.
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Moi - The Pastry Chef !
After an afternoon spent kneading, rolling and egg washing, I've decided to think of myself as an officially trained French pastry chef.
The fact that I showed up to the wrong cooking school initially, in my eyes, plays no part in my "promotion".
The French may not agree, but pfft .....
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4 smelly days later . . .
Our luggage has arrived!
Guess how we celebrated....oh yeah baby....
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French Yoghurt !
Do you know what one of my all time favourite things in France is?
Their yoghurt.
Oh mon dieu!
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Les Papilles . . .
To continue my birthday celebrations (yes, I plan to celebrate the entire month of May), we headed off over the Sienne to our favourite restaurant from our last visit to Paris - Les Papilles (see here)
It did not disappoint.
4 courses and many hours later, it was time to roll back out into the busy Parisian streets. I was one very happy (and full) little lady.
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Bonjour !
Bonjour!
One guess where I am.....I'm in heaven!
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Happy Birthday To Me !
Guess what......
Today's my birthday and the Taurean in me wants everyone to know!
And to celebrate, I thought I'd share this fluffy Vanilla Birthday Cake with Whipped Vanilla Bean Frosting with you.....
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SRC | Chicken Pot Pie
I'd like to introduce you to Sarah, the brains behind The Pajama Chef. I love that Sarah learnt to bake cookies at her grandma's knee (very envious) and I love that she would wear pajamas all day, every day if she could. A girl after my own heart. I also love that Sarah is my secret blog for this month's Secret Recipe Club.
Choosing this month's recipe was a toss up. I was craving her Cilantro/Lime Hummus, but then I saw three little words that for some unknown reason make me smile, clap my hands and wiggle my bum at the same time every time.
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COOKBOOK: My Darling Lemon Thyme
I'd promised myself a little while ago, that while I was saving for my adventure back to France that I WOULD NOT buy any cookbooks.
Well that promise flew well and truly out the window, and in fact, I think it only lasted 2 weeks.
I'm so pleased it did as otherwise I may not have found this stunningly beautiful cookbook that I have fallen head over heals in love with.
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Gift Idea: Lavender Chocolate Truffles
Here is a little gift idea for you, which might also help use up any left over Easter Eggs you no longer want to look at.
This little idea is also for those times when you need or want to bring a present, but have no idea what that present should be. Perhaps the person already has everything. Perhaps they've asked for nothing, but you can't bare the thought of not bringing anything.
For all of those times, I think you'll find this little gift box to be a wonderful answer. Quick to put together, but made with utter love and joy.
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A delicious raspberry and almond tart . .
I thought I'd share with you the little tart I made recently for my sister-in-law.
I think you're going to like it.
It's just a simple little tart with a bottom made of flaky, buttery, sweet shortcrust pastry. A middle filled with soft fluffy almonds, and a crown of plump fresh raspberries.
Served with some thick double cream...do you really need anything more?
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Chocolate Easter Egg Cakes
Happy Easter everyone!
I thought I'd share with you just one simple little idea of what you could do with all those chocolate Easter eggs you're inevitably going to accumulate over Easter.
Such a simple use of the chocolate which also means you won't have to consume as much yourself, as you'll be able to pass these little cakes back out to others for them to enjoy. You'll be loved by everyone.
Win/win!
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In Season: Mushrooms
Did you know that researchers have found that just a handful of mushrooms have approximately 12 times more of the powerful antioxidant (L-Ergothioneine) than wheatgerm? Did you know that antioxidants slow the ageing process from the inside out, which not only affects your appearance but more importantly, helps prevent degenerative disease.
I didn't! Thank God I'm already a fan!
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