Eat: Tomato Soup and Parmesan Croutons

I've had my two littlest ones at home sick the last few days and I've been spending my time adjusting pillows and blankets, dosing meds, encouraging fluid intake, giving cuddles, and….. cooking…trying to entice their appetite to come back.

I've been enjoying reading Ree Drummond's book gifted to me by a friend; so I was excited to try out one of The Pioneer Woman's latest recipes for homemade tomato soup and parmesan croutons….

House of Marlowe

… super easy and delicious; I'll never buy canned tomato soup again (and I won't have too…. this one recipe makes a 6 month supply) :)  

Oh yeah, and those crispy parmesan croutons floating around in the soup for a minute or two…. those were amazing too… just beware… once you get started; it's hard to stop!

Bon appétit!

Eat Cake for Breakfast….

… so says Kate Spade; and I tend to agree (in moderation, of course) :) 

I'm blaming my wonderful baker of a mother who introduced me to all variety of delicious sweet breads, muffins and pound cakes growing up…. along with the grey skies and cold weather... for the inordinate amount of baking I've been doing lately; tempting me to warm up the house with a hot oven and delicious smells…. trying out new recipes to add to the existing repertoire…

these two definitely made the cut...

Buttermilk blueberry breakfast cake

Chocolate Banana Bread

Baked anything good lately?

EAT

Happy December folks!  It takes a lot of planning and conscious effort (along with Christmas music and hot cocoa) not to let the busyness of this month steal my holiday joy.  As life goes... at a time when my daily 'to do' list is overflowing with Christmas time extras; I'm also entertaining more than ever.  As you know, I'm a big proponent of keeping it simple…. so this month will involve a lot of one dish + salad +baguette + wine + store bought dessert type of gatherings which will hopefully have me soaking up the time with friends and family instead of sweating over the kitchen stove.

Thought I'd share three easy dishes that I've made in the last couple of weeks that were big hits for both the kids and adults alike...

1/2/3

Penne alla Vecchia Bettola
Autumn Chopped Salad
Linguini with Shrimp Scampi

… and if the schedule just doesn't allow…. there's always a pizza to be ordered or a rotisserie chicken to be bought…. joy to the world! :)

Anything help you keep your sanity this time of year?

EAT

"What are we having for dinner?"…… 8 times out of 10; they are the first words texted or said to me by my girls after school each day.  Any other moms relate?

In the last year or so I've challenged myself to try a new recipe once a week so that my family and I could break out of our rut tradition of weeknight dinners…. tacos, salmon, burgers…. and I have to admit that it has been a lot of fun.

There are so many amazing online sources nowadays that make finding simple and delicious recipes easy (not to mention all the mouth-watering photos on Pinterest)…. and, of course, while I've struck out a few times with frowns and groans at the table; more often than not I get the reward of a quiet voice saying (after a bite or two in trepidation) "This is really good"…. :)

Here are a few recipes that have passed the test recently….

Ina Garten marinara

Southern Living Granny Smith Apple Pie

Caprese Tomato Soup

Ina Garten Linguini with Shrimp Scampi

Harvest Cobb Salad

Asian Honey Chicken

   

EAT: Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

In the realm of life's simple pleasures; the smell of pumpkin bread baking in the oven ranks pretty high on my list.  And, thanks to a sweet friend who was willing to trek to the American Food store here to hunt down a can of pumpkin for me (it's about as impossible to find as chicken noodle soup; JIF peanut butter and Rice Krispies…. fellow Americans, don't take canned pumpkin for granted! ;)) ; I was able to indulge in that pleasure yesterday afternoon...

recipe 

This recipe is seriously worth giving a try…. a cinch to whip up; it's super moist and delicious… and, it goes without saying that chocolate makes anything taste better!  

It's hard to believe; but the girls have Fall Break all next week and we're heading out on a road trip thru  Tuscany to Rome and Florence.  If you are a fellow lover of 'la dolce vita'; please join us on Instagram…. be back soon!

Alfresco...

Thanks to a combination of sunny days, mild temps and a lack of pesky insects to send the kids scrambling; we've enjoyed nearly every meal outdoors on our small terrace the last few days.  A particular treat was breakfast alfresco on Saturday.... I have to admit; sitting outside in your pjs enjoying this delicious french toast is a good thing for grown-ups and kids alike... I may have started a new tradition...

The View from Here...

Easter is always one of my favorite days of the year and this year was no exception.  It was a blessing to have my mom visiting from the States and to wake up to sunshine on what was predicted to be a rainy day.  We took part in all of the beloved Easter traditions; watching the girls delight in their Easter baskets and hunting eggs; worshipping and celebrating Jesus' resurrection at church; and enjoying a leisurely and simple brunch followed by naps, an afternoon walk, and facetiming friends and family back at home....

I've just finished reading this book; and I loved how menus of special gatherings of friends and families were captured in writing so as to remember the meal shared together.  Thought it would be fun to start doing this for my girls too...

Easter Brunch

Mimosas & Juices 

Deviled Eggs

Quiche Lorraine

Simple Green Salad

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Strawberries & Raspberries

Memaw's buttermilk biscuits

Peach Preserves

Jell-o Jigglers (for the kids)

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

The refrain of the old hymn "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" is still playing in my head... 

T'Goodness'IF...

if you like a little 'kick' in your food... try out this guacamole recipe I made earlier this week... addictive!

starting to pull out some warm weather clothes.... this top would be a great addition to wear with just about anything; 

This quote reminds me of my girls.... and is so true...;

Dreaming of creating a version of this at my home in Kentucky when we return.... boxwoods and hydrangea are the perfect pairing in my book!

Bon weekend everyone!

Food: Quiche Lorraine

I've been spending a fair amount of time in the kitchen recently trying out new recipes; and this past weekend when hosting an old friend from the States for brunch... I jumped on the opportunity to make one of my favorite dishes:  a quiche.  

I love quiches because they are hearty, super easy to make (generally), and good for just about any time of day.  I chose this recipe for its simple ingredient list and use of Gruyere cheese which is produced in, not surprisingly, the town Gruyere about an hour away from us in Switzerland.  I purchased a store bought crust which basically meant all I had to do was fry the lardons (i.e. chunks of bacon) and do a little whisking.  I also made Emeril's simple salad vinaigrette listed in the margin of the recipe for an easy salad accompaniment and  "Yaaaaaa'll"....... (as my sweet Texan friend would say).... it was so good. 

I took the above photo the following day when I enjoyed leftovers for a late breakfast....
and I'm already thinking about when I'm going to make it again.

Inspiration in the kitchen...

You know that aged old advice.... "Don't go to the grocery store on an empty stomach"?  Well, I have an addendum to the rule.... "Don't go on Pinterest either!"  I swear all those perfectly styled food pics and yummy looking dishes get my mouth watering every time.

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I got lured into making these delicious little vanilla bean pound cake loaves....

Truth be told, I might have just been looking for an excuse to don this little number...

no, not a little black dress or pretty lingerie (sorry, honey!)... but a new apron. (Yes, I get delight in the simplest of pleasures).  I'm a die-hard apron wearer (I know.....living life on the edge) and this might just be the one that inspires me to spend a lot more time whipping up sugary confections in the kitchen.  ...I'm pretty sure my guy will be ok with that! :)

Anything inspiring you in the kitchen these days?

My Sweet....

.... that's what my girls' Italian doctor calls them when we go in for a visit..... totally endearing.  

Speaking of sweets, I made these brownies for a luncheon yesterday and they were delicious!  If you forego the icing in favor of a sprinkling of powder sugar like I did; they can be whipped up in no time flat.  Gooey chocolate goodness.

Recipe here....

oh, and thanks to the Sucre Shop on Etsy; I have a couple of things to add to my Valentine's Day post from yesterday.  Wouldn't these make the "sweetest" gifts?

these darling mini scoops paired with a small decorative bowl filled with conversation hearts or sour cherry balls (my personal favorite).... tied with cellophane and a pretty gingham ribbon

or

these wooden knives tied with a bow to a jar of jam..... or for the expats here - American peanut butter!

J'adore!  

T'Goodness'IF

it's time to stock the bar for holiday entertaining.... isn't this a beaut?

speaking of beauty.... really, how does one get their hair to look so gorgeous?

a short-sleeve coat may not be all that practical... but it sure is cute (especially paired with stripes)

made this for dinner Tuesday night.... delicious!

Cheers to the weekend!

manger: "eat" in French

pesto photo credit

While we certainly enjoy the American tradition of a burger & fries occasionally;  I get particularly excited when my kids request something a little more, well, sophisticated for dinner..... especially when it is as simple and healthy (relatively speaking) as this recipe I made last night.... a creamy and delicious homemade pesto (it will have your house smelling divine) tossed with a store-bought rotisserie chicken and pasta.  I like to add a baguette and a tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad... and sit back and watch as voila!... I spy empty plates and we manage an enjoyable dinner without the accompaniment of Mr. Heinz. :)

Tried any good recipes lately? 

craving....

.....you'd think it would be the season's offerings of pumpkin spice lattes and freshly baked apple pies.... or my never-ending desire for things like fried egg sandwiches, cheese grits and guacamole...... 

but, nope, instead I can't get my mind off of this....

.... Parker & Otis' Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich

This recipe was posted back on October 1 and I haven't stopped thinking about it since... which in my mind qualifies as crazy a real craving.... so I'm giving in... it's what's for dinner tonight...

oh, and if you are ever in the neighborhood of here.... I'd suggest you order one of theirs.  A friend and I shared my first one of these back in October 2011.... and, oh yeah..... I'm still thinking about that one too....

Food: Summer Staples

Lately, my grocery list has a theme and it goes like this....

Heirloom or cherry tomatoes

Shallots & garlic

Olive oil & balsamic vinegar

Sea salt

Baguette

Prosecco

Dark Chocolate

Buffalo mozzarella

Fresh basil

These are the core ingredients I keep on hand (along with lemons, pasta, and a wedge of sharp cheese) to whip up some easy (and cool) summertime favorites; like....

Caprese Salad
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Angel hair with Pesto (love this with shrimp or rotisserie chicken added)
Tomato Panzanella Salad
and
Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

served with a glass of bubbly Prosecco = yum!
(the dark chocolate goes without saying, right?)

What are you eating this summer?

Food & Drink: The Spritz

In the spirit of "fake it till you make it" (because, yes, the temps are still hovering in the high 50's here in Geneva); I'm trading in my cold-weather red wine apertif for warm weather refreshment.  While, this and this will still make a strong showing this summer; I can't help but add this ubiquitous European favorite to my bar...

.... on a hot summer's day; this is about as pretty and refreshing as they come...
... add a couple of good friends, some music, a warm breeze, and a comfortable seat outdoors... and, yep, perfection.... can't wait!

Ode to the Cappuccino...

Cappuccino Smile

by Ivan Donn Carswell

Ah, the aromas of that conversation,

the brimming, cappuccino smile
swirled in chocolate rich and cinnamoned,
the gentle coffee curlicues interlaced
in arabesques of creamy foam, redolent
upon your lips, lilted in the cup of your
countenance, glazed in syrup gilt.
Your words were velvet plumes
of soothing, honeyed dews
you tea-spooned in my mind,
the flavoured greetings savoured
fleeting glimpses of delight,
the jasmine scented night tasting of Swiss
pastries, sugared and freshly baked.

... I'm writing my own in photos.....

Here's to finding delight in simple pleasures this weekend!

Fancy This.....in the kitchen

Thought I would share a few things I'm loving in my kitchen right now
.... simple things, really, that add a little "special" to the otherwise ordinary 

Monogrammed glass cutting board - A friend gave me one of these as a housewarming gift several years ago and I still love it; makes chopping up those pesky onions a little less of a chore.
Prosecco as an apertif - the perfect "warm-up" to dinner at home or out
Baked salmon in parchment - I made this Friday night and it was delicious; so easy and healthy.... and made me feel a little like Ina... :); destined to become part of the dinner rotation.
Savon liquid de Marseille Amande - I've long been loyal to this soap; but discovering the almond scent has taken it to a whole new level.
Nespresso milk frother - this alone has made living without Starbucks bearable. :)

Happy President's Day to everyone in the States!  

I hope you get to enjoy the day off from the usual Monday routine....

Food: The Supper Club

It's true, I've struggled a bit in the cooking department since my move to Switzerland six months ago..... everything from the logistics of grocery shopping, to finding the necessary ingredients, to working with my fondly referred to "easy bake oven".  But, in the spirit of this goal.... I'm trying to enjoy "la cuisine" again; baking and cooking my way thru these two cookbooks this year...... one with my neighbor here in Geneva and one with my neighbor back in the States.... (aren't good neighbors the best?!?)......

It's not what you might think though..... my neighbor from the States actually sent me the French cookbook and upon surmising (rightly so) that I hadn't quite gotten around to it; challenged me to taking turns choosing a recipe or two every couple of weeks and both trying it out and comparing notes (did I mention she went to culinary school and is an amazing cook?).  Ha!  We've just finished up our third recipe and I have to admit that it is a lot of fun.... I'm definitely stepping out of my comfort zone on this one.... but when I'm rewarded with a delicious potato gratin or lovely madeleine.... it is definitely worth it.

Now,  the other "supper club" was born simply out of a mutual literal "hungering" among expats for some good 'ol Southern comfort food.... with each of us hosting a southern (as in south of the Tennessee border) meal once a month..... a great excuse to get together and indulge in casseroles, cobblers, cornbread and the like....... It actually takes a bit more work because cream of chicken soup, buttermilk, self-rising flour, and cheddar cheese are hard to come by here..... but, my oh my, it sure tastes like home.....

banana pudding pie

spiced honey madeleines

spinach and bacon quiche

Have you ever hosted or participated in a supper club?

Food: Open Faced Baguette Sandwiches

...... because decorating, entertaining, shopping for presents, helping out at school, nursing sick children, getting out Christmas cards, baking treats, and all the rest can leave a momma downright exhausted this month..... I'm pulling out the quick and easy recipes.  This is what we'll be having for dinner tonight.....

Real Simple

The kids will enjoy a simpler version with pizza sauce and cheese and I'll throw in a mixed green salad and fruit..... with the promise of hot cocoa and a Christmas show afterwards.... I don't think anyone will be the wiser that I didn't spend an hour in the kitchen preparing dinner (there's time to resolve to become a gourmet chef in the new year, after all!)

Do you have a secret to keeping your holiday cheer this season?