And feeling a great deal like THIS today!
Enjoyed a wonderful evening with family and friends at Donna, Dayne and Eric's Annual Chili Extravaganza.
This is Chili that literally takes three days to prepare and is made from various roasts instead of ground beef. And whose secret recipe is guarded like Ft. Knox. It is amazing! Assorted crackers...grated cheese...layered spiced cake with cream cheese icing and the guys fixing impromptu Rice Krispy Treats later in the evening...still served gooey, warm and unformed! Perfection.
Entertainment, the Stand up Comedy of Russell Peters and Jeff Dunham.
Laughter...Good food...Good Company...and Love!
So, today we FAST. As a matter of fact, I don't think I am even going to miss food until Monday or Tuesday! Still in my leopard pajamas after a long hot soak in a bubble bath...may throw on a strand of pearls, a spritz of perfume, grab a cup of hot tea with lemon and call it a Sunday!
Started my (virtual) explorations of France on the 1st with Paris. For such a small country...this could take the entire year! So many many things to do/see/learn. Being the "foodie" I am...the obvious start for me was French Cuisine. And what a better place to begin was to learn how to make Authentic French Crepes.
Basic Crepe Recipe
(for two)
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup cream (or milk in a pinch)
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon butter
Beat until smooth. Add a little water if mixture does not pour easily. Pour 1/4 cup at a time into well buttered 12" skillet. Swirl skillet until the bottom has a even coating. Cook over moderate heat until the top is dry. Remove from skillet and repeat.
These can be stuffed with almost anything sweet or savoury.
Learning.
Mine (above) needed to be a bit browned...and the Tucker-Cat had already decimated the whipped cream from the holidays, which would have added immensely. All and all though, quite satisfied with the results.
Going to start the week learning "The 5 Mother Sauces".
Bechamel
Veloute
Espagnole
Hollandaise
and surprisingly- Classic Tomato Sauce. (...who knew...???)
Already ahead of the game a little, as I learned years ago how to make a suitable roux...the base of the five. Which also happens to be the beginnings of Biscuits and Gravy...a Hoosier Staple.
And through the magic that is the Internet (and particularly You-Tube) was even able to experience an Air France landing at De Gaulle after dark. The "City of Lights" unbelievably beautiful on approach. And of course (after the fact) the New Year's Eve Celebrations on Champs Elysees.
So, come along...and we shall explore France together, this year!
Mais, oui!
Fun Fact:
Did you know ALL the shops in Paris are closed all day on Sunday?
