French recipe
When Gui's mom was over for dinner on Friday, she talked about a super easy chocolate cake that sounded delectable. I eagerly asked her to email me the recipe, and this afternoon I received an email from her with only this in the body:
AMADEUS
4 personnes:
4 eggs, 75g sugar, 100 g black chocolate
100g butter ( 10g for the mould ), 55 g flour ( 10 g for the mould)
oven : 210
Now, that's what I call simple. I'll give it a try and post about how it turns out - looks like I'll be figuring a lot out on my own.
AMADEUS
4 personnes:
4 eggs, 75g sugar, 100 g black chocolate
100g butter ( 10g for the mould ), 55 g flour ( 10 g for the mould)
oven : 210
Now, that's what I call simple. I'll give it a try and post about how it turns out - looks like I'll be figuring a lot out on my own.
Saturday morning at a Parisian market
This morning, Gui and I started the day a little earlier than normal for a Saturday and headed out to the marché. I checked to see what markets would be open first because I've learned that in Paris, markets are always open at different days and times. So, we headed up a few metro stops from our station to the Marché President Wilson - how fitting.
The morning air was crisp and cool and the market shoppers were out in full force today. But, we managed to find everything we came for and even a few extra goodies. I'd been wanting to pick up some seasoned black olives, a few spices, melon (which is really in season right now) and some onions (I've never seen a decent one at any supermarket here). We also scooped up some loose mint tea, a bag of sea salt and some almond powder. And, after getting a mouth-watering whiff of the rotisserie, we unhesitatingly picked up half a bird and a bag of drippings-soaked fingerling potatoes. The smell was literally like crack - I couldn't get enough. With haste, we headed home and dove into the most succulent rotisserie chicken lunch that I've ever feasted on. Midway through the meal, I announced that I would never again eat an HEB rotisserie chicken and reflecting on that statement now, I'd like to adjust it and say that I'll never again eat any rotisserie chicken unless it smells as good as that one. I think (and hope) we've created a new Saturday ritual chez nous.
The morning air was crisp and cool and the market shoppers were out in full force today. But, we managed to find everything we came for and even a few extra goodies. I'd been wanting to pick up some seasoned black olives, a few spices, melon (which is really in season right now) and some onions (I've never seen a decent one at any supermarket here). We also scooped up some loose mint tea, a bag of sea salt and some almond powder. And, after getting a mouth-watering whiff of the rotisserie, we unhesitatingly picked up half a bird and a bag of drippings-soaked fingerling potatoes. The smell was literally like crack - I couldn't get enough. With haste, we headed home and dove into the most succulent rotisserie chicken lunch that I've ever feasted on. Midway through the meal, I announced that I would never again eat an HEB rotisserie chicken and reflecting on that statement now, I'd like to adjust it and say that I'll never again eat any rotisserie chicken unless it smells as good as that one. I think (and hope) we've created a new Saturday ritual chez nous.
Sweet surprise
So, despite what I thought, my last baking endeavor was not a complete disaster - although, I did still forget one key ingredient.
I was attempting to make this "Easy Jam Tart" that was recently posted on one of the blogs that I stalk. I didn't have any cornmeal so I stuck with the recipe that it was originally adapted from and used only flour. But, after combining everything, the dough seemed so sticky. I went back to reread the recipe and realized that somehow I used 100 grams less flour than I was supposed to. After a little cursing, I added the missing flour into the dough, but not having mixed the added flour with the baking powder and salt, I was worried about how it'd turn out. I also don't have a springform pan, so I was worried about how that might affect the baking process.
Not being a baker and all, this easy tart wasn't as easy as it should've been, but after it came out of the oven, I breathed a small sigh of relief. It seemed to turn out just fine. After a delicious dinner of lasagna rolls and salad, I nervously served it up to my (French) mother-in-law and received a round of compliments. The apricots were super sweet, so having forgotten to add the token cassonade to the crust (grrrr), I was a little relieved that the key ingredient wasn't missed so much. Now that I have my shiz together, the easy jam tart just might live up to its name next time around.
I was attempting to make this "Easy Jam Tart" that was recently posted on one of the blogs that I stalk. I didn't have any cornmeal so I stuck with the recipe that it was originally adapted from and used only flour. But, after combining everything, the dough seemed so sticky. I went back to reread the recipe and realized that somehow I used 100 grams less flour than I was supposed to. After a little cursing, I added the missing flour into the dough, but not having mixed the added flour with the baking powder and salt, I was worried about how it'd turn out. I also don't have a springform pan, so I was worried about how that might affect the baking process.
Not being a baker and all, this easy tart wasn't as easy as it should've been, but after it came out of the oven, I breathed a small sigh of relief. It seemed to turn out just fine. After a delicious dinner of lasagna rolls and salad, I nervously served it up to my (French) mother-in-law and received a round of compliments. The apricots were super sweet, so having forgotten to add the token cassonade to the crust (grrrr), I was a little relieved that the key ingredient wasn't missed so much. Now that I have my shiz together, the easy jam tart just might live up to its name next time around.
Transatlantic swap?
After once again screwing up a perfectly perfect recipe because of my conversion miscalculations, I decided I'd have to hit some Stateside people up for a set of standard American measuring tools. But, then I started thinking that it might be kind of presumptuous to ask my friends or family to just up and ship some American-esque things off to me (which isn't a cheap, simple or time-efficient request) without some kind of incentive.
So, I came up with an idea. I'll do a swap! I don't know if they already have that kind of thing available on the internet - I know they have swap-sites and clubs, but I'm not sure if they involve only sending things that the person on the receiving end doesn't know about. I propose to put out a list of things I'd like to have, and then return the favor for something you might like to have from Paris. It's not really a novel idea or anything, but I think it's a good way for me to feel like I'm returning a favor for someone who's willing to go out of their way to help me out a bit. Also, I'm not asking the whole world to send me something - just maybe my peeps from back home. (You know who you are!) I'm hoping this might keep my mom from going crazy with all my requests for books, foodstuffs and random things from home. (Sorry, mum.)
As for that baking disaster - it's still in the oven, so I'll update (with pictures) after it's done. We're having my mother-in-law (that word is still weird for me to say) over for dinner tonight, so if the dessert is ruined, I'm running of to the boulangerie at the corner!
So, I came up with an idea. I'll do a swap! I don't know if they already have that kind of thing available on the internet - I know they have swap-sites and clubs, but I'm not sure if they involve only sending things that the person on the receiving end doesn't know about. I propose to put out a list of things I'd like to have, and then return the favor for something you might like to have from Paris. It's not really a novel idea or anything, but I think it's a good way for me to feel like I'm returning a favor for someone who's willing to go out of their way to help me out a bit. Also, I'm not asking the whole world to send me something - just maybe my peeps from back home. (You know who you are!) I'm hoping this might keep my mom from going crazy with all my requests for books, foodstuffs and random things from home. (Sorry, mum.)
As for that baking disaster - it's still in the oven, so I'll update (with pictures) after it's done. We're having my mother-in-law (that word is still weird for me to say) over for dinner tonight, so if the dessert is ruined, I'm running of to the boulangerie at the corner!
Visual review
I thought I had more videos than I actually did, but the only one I do have isn't so great (all you can hear is wind, so maybe you should turn your speakers down if you decide to check it out).
I had such a blast and going through all the pictures reminded me how much we got to do and enjoy during our short stay. I can't wait to do it again!
I had such a blast and going through all the pictures reminded me how much we got to do and enjoy during our short stay. I can't wait to do it again!
Un bon week-end
We spent the holiday weekend with friends in Normandy. The last time I was in Normandy was on my first trip to France - two years ago. This year, we were able to visit with our old friends from Texas and a couple of friends who came to visit us last year in California. It was really cool catching up with everyone, and it was as if time had never passed. I love that.
I discovered a few things about myself while visiting Normandy, too. 1) My new favorite sport is bike-riding, and I plan on entertaining myself with a few rides a week in the huge park just near us...once I find a bike. 2) I no longer think that the only place in France I can live is Paris; give me familiar faces, sea and sand and I'll pack my bags and head anywhere around this lovely country. I can't express how great it was to be back around good friends. I even spoke French for 90% of the weekend without wearing myself out. 3) After eating three glorious meals a day, I've found myself spoiled rotten but totally motivated to keep up the habit. And finally, 4) I can make a mean mayonnaise.
I couldn't upload all the pictures (and videos) tonight, so you'll have to wait until tomorrow for the album. For now, here are a few of my favorites from a perfect weekend.
I discovered a few things about myself while visiting Normandy, too. 1) My new favorite sport is bike-riding, and I plan on entertaining myself with a few rides a week in the huge park just near us...once I find a bike. 2) I no longer think that the only place in France I can live is Paris; give me familiar faces, sea and sand and I'll pack my bags and head anywhere around this lovely country. I can't express how great it was to be back around good friends. I even spoke French for 90% of the weekend without wearing myself out. 3) After eating three glorious meals a day, I've found myself spoiled rotten but totally motivated to keep up the habit. And finally, 4) I can make a mean mayonnaise.
I couldn't upload all the pictures (and videos) tonight, so you'll have to wait until tomorrow for the album. For now, here are a few of my favorites from a perfect weekend.
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