The Beauty of Spring

I just wanted to share a picture I took recently.

While at the market buying groceries last week, these caught my eye, I knew I had to buy them. They bring a sign of hope that spring is coming. They make me happy.....

 I hope this brightens your day.

 

My time in Provence

My time in Provence last fall was more than I had hoped for...

I had the privilege of staying in the home of a dear family living there. Their names are Francisca and Jean-Pierre. 

They not only opened up their home and the way they live, But they made me feel like part of their family,

 and fed me like a king.

Being able to experience what its like to live there was a "Dream Come True,".... a memory I will cherish forever.

 After a long train ride, they picked me up at the train station, and brought me to their enchanting home in the country side of Provence. Their home is and old farmhouse they had restored.

 After I got settled 

 we sat down outside on their patio to eat one of the most wonderful, unexpected, best meals of my life...

 First they brought out a vegetable lasagna which  Francisca had prepared using fresh vegetables from their garden along with a whole grain bread that Jean-Pierre had made. So when we finished the lasagna, she brought out the salad, after that, a cheese platter with all kinds of delicious cheeses from their region, and a basket filled with fresh figs, quinces and pears all from their fruit trees. And of course a carafe of wine.

 To finish 

off that amazing meal, Francisca served the best Mousse au chocolat I have ever had.

j'adore mousse au chocolat…..

All our meals except breakfast were eaten outside, which I loved. We walked along the Rhone in the morning seeing a flock of white swans. They would walk their dogs along it every morning.

Their fruit trees, their  garden, the blue shutters that they would close at night, the smell of them cooking outside in the evening, the wine....their simple but pure living is what this world needs more of...

Even though my French wasn't very good and Francisca's English wasn't good, there was no language barrier between two mother's hearts.

I was truly blessed to experience it. And I pray you can too.

Don't ever stop believing.

                           the table we ate our evening meals

roof tops of homes in Provence

                                     Chateauneuf de Pape 

Squash soup Francisca made

                                      L'lsle Sur la Sorgue

                                               Avignon 

                                         their driveway 

a view from Chateauneuf de Pape

Dessert Table

A beautiful dessert table

I had the privilege of making desserts for a dear friends wedding reception.  

 I'm blessed to be traveling to Provence soon....I"ll be sharing pictures and recipes

a bientot

   

 

Pavlova's

Pavlova's

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made these recently for a child's afternoon Tea Party.

They're one of my favorites.

 

These delicate meringue-based beauties are named after 

the famous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. It was said, "She does not dance; she soars as though on wings."  The meringue was made in resemblance of her Tutu.

They're a meringue dessert with a crisp crust,soft and light on the inside, topped with fruit and 

whipped cream.

They'll melt in your mouth...the perfect summer dessert.

A toute a l'heure!

        

     Paris temp 70

 

Pendeur's Menu

just a few of my specialties

 

                   Cinnamon Rolls with cream cheese icing

made fresh the morning of

   Cookies

   chocolate chip every one's favorite  

       oatmeal with raisin or cranberries

Scones

  lemon and blueberries, 

chocolate chip espresso


"Live Event" Crepe Bar 

Strawberry Crepe

                                                                     
                                                                           
                                                                                                                       Paris Temp 43  

                                                                                                               

Pendeur's Maison de Patisserie

Autumn Pastries

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with cream cheese frosting.

Mon petit (my little).... space where I sell my French Autumn Pastries, I make for the Spice Traveler. A shop on the square in downtown Prescott, AZ.


Fall in Provence

a side street I had coffee at while in Provence last fall.....charming!

                      Paris temp 62

New Desserts

Tiramisu Dessert Shots

I love making these....

Flourless Chocolate Cake & Chocolate Mousse

If you're a passionate chocolate lover, this dessert is for you. It's layers of a rich flourless chocolate cake and silky chocolate mousse.
It's chocolate heaven! 

 

Choquettes

I was inspired to make these choquettes  that I would buy everyday, at the patisserie, just a few steps away from the flat I was renting while in Paris. Missing them.... I made them when I got back home. They are one of my favorites!   


 
                                                      Paris temp 66