I am a creature of routine, and a monumental planner. This can make traveling with me either an adventure, or a pain in your behind. When time is at a premium, and there is always so much I want to see, I tend to over schedule my days at my destination, sometimes to the point of near exhaustion.… Read full article
Every time I travel to France, I make it a personal goal to try as many different kinds of Creme Brulee as I can. Really…I do. It is still my very favorite dessert, even here in the States, but the french take it to a higher “place” using lavender and other unusual flavorings not usually found back home.… Read full article
We are entering the bloom season for lavender in Provence, and if you have never stood amidst the blanket of purple and breathed in it’s fragrance, than you have missed out on a amazing experience!
“The Lavender Route” in France connects over 2,000 producers of the plant, which is primarily used in perfumed and medicinal products.… Read full article
Red Wine Sangria
Red Wine Sangria
Santé
By June, the flowers in my neighborhood are really starting to blossom. The lilacs have busted out, and the fragrance as I pass on my bike is simply intoxicating. Riding through the nearby meadows, wild with color, reminds me of my visit to Giverny, France and discovering the magical and yet peaceful place that was once home to one of my favorite artists, Claude Monet.… Read full article
Girls Guide To Paris just recently named their Top 10 pastry shops in Paris, and to my delight…my favorite pastry shop made number 3! Un Dimanche à Paris was a fairly recent discovery of mine, and quite by accident (which is how I have discovered MANY wonderful surprises in my life!)
I was with my Mom and some friends who were visiting Paris for their very first time.… Read full article
Ok. I’ll admit it. I’m excited about the Tour de France. I know…it’s still a couple weeks away, starting June 29th, but I’m already getting ready. For one thing, I am a bicyclist. Not like the ones you see riding in the Tour….far from it.… Read full article
Vincent Van Gogh has always been one of my favorite artists. I love his paintings, but I’m even more intrigued by his life. Several years ago I visited Arles, a town in the south of France where Van Gogh spent some time painting, and enjoyed many of the characteristics of the area that drew Van Gogh to it.… Read full article
When June begins, and the anniversary of D-Day approaches, I can’t help but think about my time to Normandy. On one particular occasion when visiting the area with a dear friend whose own father was in WWII (though not in Europe) the idea of visiting the beaches and the American Cemetery on his behalf, was something very important to to her.… Read full article
Here is a wonderful recipe for Merlot chocolate cake. Great way to celebrate any day.
Ingredients
2 cups flour
3/4 cup cocoa
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter
1 3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups red merlot wine
Slivered almonds or shaved chocolate for decorating
For the wine jam mixture
1/2 cup grape jelly
2 to 3 tablespoons red wine
Prepare in two 9-inch cake pans
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