Eggs- The French Way - Simply Perfect

One of my favorite recipes is from an excellent book on French culture, “Entre Nous, A Woman’s Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl” by Debra Olliver.


MS Olliver includes a recipe for "Simply Perfect Eggs" and it has become my go to recipe for eggs at home. MS Olliver noted that eggs are more likely to be served for dinner than for breakfast hence the need to ensure that they are “perfect”. Making perfect eggs has been a French obsession for centuries.

The final results are International House of Pancake caliber fluffy eggs; you cannot lose with this recipe.

Try it for the family this weekend. Please note please allocate enough time to make your perfect eggs, no rushing, patience please.


Simply Perfect Eggs




8 fresh eggs


11/2 cups rich cream (more and less)


Salt, fresh ground pepper


4 tablespoons grated cheese or finely minced herbs if desired.


Break eggs into a cold heavy skillet, add cream and stir gently until fairly well blended. Never beat! Add seasoning (and or cheese and herbs) just before serving. This takes about half an hour- poky, but worth it.





My cheese of choice is goat which adds to the fluffy factor or Gorgonzola, but goat keeps the recipe pure and simple. I always put butter in the cold skillet to start and the heat is medium or low never high.



Enjoy for lunch or dinner!

Books by Debra Olliver
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

It's Friday! Au Revoir ! French Week concludes with French Wines.

Burgundy, France


To conclude our "All Things French Week" we take you to the wonderful wine regions of France for a tour of French wines.
The last few years have been tough for French wine.
The online site France24  reports that 2010 was the first year that Champagne was outsold by Italian and English Sparkling wines.
We hope that French wines enjoy a rebound very soon.
These are some of the best picks we gathered from our sources.

The main grape regions in France are as follows

Bordeaux
Burgundy
Champagne
Alsace
The Loire Valley
The Rhone Valley
Jura and Savoire
Southwest France
Languedoc-Rousillon
Provence

A friend from France told us that her favorite is Sauternes (a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc) a sweet white from the Bordeaux region which is eaten with Fois Gras during the holidays.
so the first wine on our list...

Chateau Haut Bergeron Sauternes,Bordeaux
Vanilla, coconut, dried apricots and subtle spices.

Remy Pannier Chinon 2006
Cabernet franc grape, great with seafood and a good substitute for a Pinot Noir.

Hugel Gewurztraminer Alsace 2005
Very tasty and great with spicy foods.

Mouton Cadet Blanc, Baron Phillipe de Rothschild, Bordeaux AC France
A blend of Savignon Blanc,Muscadelle and Semillon. Hints of citrus, peaches and slight minerality.

Cheateau Gruaud- La Rose Bordeaux,  France

Bouvet Brut- Loire Valley, France
Wilted blossoms, sweet hay, a crips apple- quince flavor and creamy texture.

Louis Jadot BeaujolaisVillages, AC Burgundy France
Starting with strawberries and candy floss then to raspberries and red apple flavors. A fun wine.

Trimbach Pinot Gris,Alsace France
Fruity, dry with a crisp acidity.

Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif de France (dessert wine)
Sweet Cherries,homemade cranberry sauce lead to red cherry, lemon zest, cardamom, red pepper, coffee, almond and a int of spearmint ending in a long orange oil finish. wow!

Michel Redde Poilly Fume
smoky gunflints and herbal scents and clean acidity make this wine a winner!
Barton and Guestier Cabernet,Sauvignon France
Cherry and Spice aromas with a peppery but nice finish.

Jaboulet. Cotes du Rhone France
Red berry fruit and smoky black cherry scents.

Chateau Greysac Bordeaux,France
Cedar spice scent, plum fruit taste.

Lefalive (Domaine) Puligny-Montrachet, France.
Chardonnay with layers of baked apples and peach fruits, very consistent taste. A bit pricy but worth it.

Alsace, France


Trimbach Riesling, Alsace
Bone dry, a balance of  delicate and intense fruit flavors and mouthwatering acidity.

Le Vieille Ferme,Cotes du Ventoux,France
Raspberry ripe, lively red at a great price.

Thank you for supporting us during this wonderful "All Things French" week. We look forward to hearing from you.


Have a fantastic weekend!



Additional sources
Wine Guide
Wine Essentials
French Lessons
The Wine Lovers Cookbook


Images by istockphotos

All Things French Week- "Le temps de faire du shopping" Travel and Shop Pick- Montreal

I remember my first visit to the Ste Catherine area of Montreal. I was so dazzled and overwhelmed by the fabulous apparel and accessories choices, I did not make a  single purchase. The selections were exquisite, edgy, unique and had European flair. One of the best places in the world to shop and what a beautiful city to do it.


Les Ailes de la Mode
This gorgeous department store sells everything from Paper Denim and Cloth to Diesel.
677 rue Ste- Catherine W

Bella Pella
Edible ingredients in bath and body products. Edibles like olive oil and avocado are just a few of the ingredients. Try the chocolate massage bar.
3933 Rue St Denis

Blue Marine and Co
Great store with extensive inventory for hanging out,  from denim to knits.
977 rue Ste- Catherine W

Couleurs
Mid Century design,Scandinavin vases and vessels and 1960's Ouebecoise ceramics.
3901 rue St-Denis

Jacob
As my Canadian friends can attest, one my favorite stores anywhere in Canada. Jacob is a very similar to Zara, trendy work related clothing and fun clothes for going out.
1220 rue Ste Catherine

Eco Darling
Recycled and sustainable home accessories, clothing and beauty products.
69 rue Villeneuve Quest

Rugby North America
Wonderful leather goods like handbags and jackets.
3526 Blvd St Laurent

Mimi and Coco
Italian made tees and tanks and great prices.
4927 rue Sherbrooke

Dex
Sexy,sexy but classy clothing from this great store.
3651 Blvd St Laurent

 Friperies (Friperies is French for secondhand)

ERA
Just featured in NY Times article about Montreal this store sells top labels including Dior and Gucci.
1800 rue Notre Dame Quest

La Gaillarde- Friperies
Vintage picks at great prices. Lots of reworked pieces too.
4019 rue Notre Dame Quest

Preloved
Vintage clothing made from reclaimed vintage fabrics. Loved all across Canada.
4832 Blvd St- Laurent

Swing
Every era and at great prices.
151 Ave,des Pins Est

Browns

From Adidas to Manolos this family owned business established in 1940 carries venerable brands from all over the world.

1191 rue Ste -Catherine

Mona Moore

Best show store in Montreal, brands from top names including Mark Jacobs and Pierre Hardy. A must visit.

1446 rue- Sherbrooke W

Space FB

A favorite of many in Montreal, designed by Francois Beauregard, clean wonderful athletic clothes in beautiful colors.

Les Cours Mont Royal Shopping Center

Espace Pepin

Art and Fashion are always a wonderful combination. Artist Lysanne Pepin showcases her work along with a fashion line from local designers.

350 rue St Paul W

Jack's

Best selection of Mid Century modern furniture and housewares at great prices.

1023 and 1036 rue Ontario

James

A great store to visit, they are always a step ahead of the trends. They stock edgy labels before anyone else.

4910 rue Sherbrooke W

Abe and Mary's

We love shopping and giving to a good cause. This store is an apothecary, a cafe and lovely merchandise from Philip Lim among others. The best thing is that one percent of every sale goes to Alzheimer's research.

4175 rue Jean Talon Quest

Indianica

Beautiful Inuit art, jewelry and craft. The moccasins for children and infants are very cute!

79 rue St-Paul Est

Au Revoir!

Images courtesy istockphotos.

All Things French Week- " Le Temps De Lire" French Culture and Lifestyle Books.

These our French culture and lifestyle book choices. They help provide some insight into the French culture.



Debra Olliver
Entre Nous: A Womans' Guide to Finding her Inner French Girl.
What French Women Know: About Love,Sex and other Matters of the Heart and Mind.

Lavender

Carol Drinkwater
The Olive Farm
The Olive Tree
The Olive Harvest
The Olive Route- Audio
Memoir and travelogue, these stories tell journey of English writer Carol Drinkwater and her husband from thier purchase of a Olive farm in the south of France. At times poignant,Carol reveals her struggles to have a baby while juggling her new roles on the farm.

Olives at a Provencal Market

Helena Frith Powell

All You Need To Be Impossibly French- A Witty Investigation into the Lives, Lusts and Secret of French Women.

Mireille Guiliano

French Women Don't Get Fat

French Women for All Seasons- A Year of Secrets, Recipes and Pleasure.

Women,Work and the Art of Savoir Faire

French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook

Ann Barry

At Home in France.

Betsy Draine

A Castle In The BackYard: The Dream Of A House in France.

Peter Mayle

A Year In Provence

Encore Provence-New Adventures In The South of France

Toujours Provence

French Lessons- Adventures in a Knife,Fork and Corkscrew

Provence A-Z, A Francophiles Essential Handbook

Aquired Tastes

Michael Sanders

From Here You Can't See Paris, Seasons of a French Village and its Restaurant

Pont de Alexandre Bridge

 

Michael Sadler

An Englishman In Paris: L" Education Continenale.

An Englishman A la Champagne

Mary Roblee Henry
A Farmhouse in Provence, An American finds old stones,new wine and love among the French.  

Yvone Lenard

The Magic of Provence- Pleasures of Southern France.

Love in Provence- Romantic Adventures In The South of France.

Patricia Wells

At Home in Provence- By Patricia Wells and Robert Freston

We've Always Had Paris..... and Provence:  A Scrapbook of Our Life in France.

Catherine Millet

The Sexual Life of Catherine M.

Marguerite Duras

The Lover

Simone De Beauvoir

The Second Sex

Au Revoir!

These books are available at online book retailers and book stores.

Thank you for joining us for day 3 of All Things French Week!


Images courtesy of istockphotos


 



All Things French Week! Online Shop - Basic French. Fantastique!

Basic French (A lifestyle thing)

We chose Basic French (a lifestyle thing) as our French shopping online pick because we felt they epitomized what we love about the French people and their culture. The site is clean, simple, cohesive, and tres chic! Quintessentially French. We also like the site because it is easy to navigate, the descriptions are clear, and we love the information and stories of each item. Basic French has been featured in many magazines, such as, Country Living, Everyday with Rachel Ray, and Domino.


The Basic French team is headed by Carol Neiley who has lived in France with her family since 2007. Please check out her blog on the Basic French site and follow her as she travels and sources inventory for the site in France. We applaud the Basic French team for bringing a wonderful slice of French life and culture to us in the United States. The items are just a few days away via mail. The site will be doubling in size and add new lines in the near future, so stayed tuned!

Please find below their bestselling items, some of which are also our favorites.

http://www.basicfrenchonline.com/

Bestsellers

Foutas - Images courtesy of Basic French

100% cotton fringed foutas can easily be used as a hammam towel, a colorful table runner, or a light weight shawl. They can be used for picnics, guest towels and beach towels. They would be great as throws for sofas at home. Foutas are machine washable and come in amazing colors. I could see myself in one of them as a shawl for chilly evenings in the Atlanta spring and fall.

Red Foutas- Images courtesy of Basic French

Blue Foutas- Images courtesy of Basic French

Mercuryless colorful, indoor/outdoor thermometers  - Images Courtesy of Basic French

This item would add a spicy pop of color to any kitchen or garden!

Marniere Dress/Bensimon Sneakers - Images courtesy of Basic French

So French, so Chic! The Marniere Dress (the site also sells tees for women, men and kids) and Bensimon sneakers. The dress is 100% cotton interlock, with navy/ecru stripes, 3/4 sleeve, boat neck, and just-above-the-knee length. Marniere dresses are made in Brittany and feature Breton stripes. The 1858 Act of France introduced Breton striped shirts as the uniform for French navy seamen. Breton stripes are featured on the flag of the Brittany province.

Bensimon sneakers - cotton canvas with rubber sole and toes. The ultimate in French style, worn and loved by celebrities everywhere.

Pressed cardboard valises with contrasting handles - Images Courtesy of Basic French

These would be great as makeup cases, or storage and luggage for our little ones. They come in bright colors with contrasting stitching and interiors.

Valises - Images courtesy of Basic French

Valises - Images courtesy of Basic French

Valises - Images courtesy of Basic French

Linen Dish Cloths - Images and description courtesy of Basic French

100% linen dishtowels made of the finest fabric and printed in 11 great colors: green, eggplant, light blue, brown, red, white, pink, navy, black, yellow or orange. Basic French reports that these wash well, and get softer and softer over time. They are a favorite of the team.

The Lale Line - Images courtesy of Basic French

This line, from the French designer Lale, is a new addition to Basic French. The team reports that they make excellent quality items for kids. They also make barettes, makeup bags, pencil cases, and the Basic French team loves the unique patterns.

Lale Marlene Suitcase - Images and description courtesy of Basic French

The Marlene suitcase is perfect for a sleepover, storing toys, socks or anything really. Invisible zipper closure, fully lined in contrasting fabric, leather handle, fully collapsible.

Lale Bag - Images courtesy of Basic French

More from the Lale line - Images courtesy of Basic French

Bestsellers For Kids

Pink Children's Valises - Images courtesy of Basic French

Babar Valise - Images courtesy of Basic French

Pressed cardboard valises with contrasting handles and stitching with colorful scenes of Babar and his family, as shown. Babar the Elephant is a French children's fictional character who first appeared in Histoire de Babar by Jean de Brunhoff in 1931. Loved by children all over the world!

Appoline The Cat stuffed toy - Images courtesy of Basic French

A dressable doll from the venerable Moulin Roty workshop.

Balthazar and Valentine stuffed dolls - Images courtesy of Basic French

Moulin Roty's plush, 9" dressable dolls with adorable clothes and lots of French character - Valentine (girl, left) and Balthazar (boy, right).

"Debardeur" (sleeveless tank) from LaCocotte - Images courtesy of Basic French

100% cotton, fabulous quality "debardeur" tank t-shirt from LaCocotte with fluorescent pink silkscreened chick on white t-shirt or metallic silver on French blue.

"Debardeur" - images courtesy of Basic French

Amour Bib - Images courtesy of Basic French

So Cute! AMOUR bibs are 100% cotton terry and machine washable. Available in pink + white stripes with pink ribbon tie closure or lime + white stripes with aqua ribbon tie closure.

"Ma Poupee" by Moulin Roty - Images courtesy of Basic French

"Ma Poupée" dressable, moveable doll in 7-piece outfit. Alice is blond and Clarisse is brunette.

Other FashionMom team favorites

• La Bello Lip Balm - super moisturizing
• Klorance Chamomile Shampoo
• Vichy Baby Booties - love these!
• Dog Collars
• Toile Matchbook Notebook
• Giles Dewavrin Candles
• Striped Pajamas
• Aigle Rubber Boots for kids
• Rhodia Notebooks

Happy Shopping!

 

Au Revoir!

All Things French Week! - Kids in Paris - Allons-Y!

Kids Travel Pick- Paris

Please note: I did not provide any directions or metro information, so please ensure that you ask for travel information at your hotel. The Paris Metro is very easy to use and navigate.

Paris is one of the best places to travel with growing kids. It is the perfect place for them to embrace another culture and immerse in another language.

Our picks would cover a 10 to 14 day period.

Fast Facts

Central Paris is divided into the Right Bank to the north of the Seine and the Left Bank to the South. In the middle are two islands Lle de la Cite and Lle St-Louis.

The city has 20 arrondissements which start at number 1 in the middle around the Louvre and then spiral out clockwise.

Children under 4 years travel free and then 4 to 9 year old children travel at half price.
Children under 18 get in free at all national museums.

Most children in Paris do not have school on Wednesday so activities will be plentiful on Wednesdays.

Notre Dame

The famous Gothic Cathedral. Make sure that the kids visit the Crypte Archeologique  which has underground excavations of Roman ruins.

If you do not have toddlers, tackle the 255 steps up to the North Tower.

Be sure to watch the rollerblades at Pont du Double.

Ile St Louis

Quaint shops run the length of one of the entire island.

Arch de Noel has wooden toys, plush animals and Babar plates.

Pylones has fish shaped pens and other gadgets.

Ice Cream Maker Berthillon is the main attraction. Try the Blackcurrant sorbet!
There is also the la Charlotte de L’lsle tea room which serves the most exquisite cakes.

Louvre

This museum will require time and patience in spades, I suggest 2 days to ensure that everyone is happy.

To keep them enthralled, head to the Ancient Egypt exhibit. The collection is amazing and there are many things that the kids would love. Visit the Louvre Bookshop for Children where they carry titles in English. Universal Recto has food from all over the world.

Everyone wants to see the Mona Lisa so add that to the list for the adults at any rate. Ms Lisa and other works of art would be in the Apollo Gallery.

Also see: Grand Gallery of French painting.

Jardin Des Tuileries- After all what is this place called Paris without a garden or park!

See the Arc du Carrousel and head into the garden. . There are paths, pools and sculptures. The little ones may have pony rides, rent sailboats or float in the pool. There is a playground, a carousel and a bouncy trampoline park for ages 2 to 14.

The Musee de L’Orangerie has two rooms with Monet’s painting of water lilies at Giverny.

Centre Pompidou

Kids will love the great spaceship building which houses video art and installations.

This building also houses paintings from Picasso, Matisse, Kandinsky and Miro.

Visit the Galleries des Enfants which has great temporary exhibits for children and has children’s movies.

Musee National Picasso- Marais

Always a favorite of kids,  this Picasso museum also allows for parents and children to enjoy the streets of the Marais.

Musee de la Maggie- a child oriented museum with tricks, optical illusions, funny mirrors. There is usually a magic show.

Take Metro 1 to St Paul or The Bastille.

Stops for the sweet tooth in all of us! But oh what a treat for the kids! 

Left Bank
Pierre Hermes Pierre- 72 Rue Bonaparte
Patrick Roger Chocolatier- 108 Boulevard Saint German
Le Petit Verdot- Rue du Cherche Midi
la Patisserie des Reves

Right Bank
Carett- 25 Place des Voges
404-Rue des Gravillers
La Chocolaterie de Jacques Genin- 133 Rue de Turenne
Boulangerie Malineau- 18 Rue Vielle du Temple
Chez Jean- 1 Rue Saint Lazare
Le Restaurant Gastronomique- Hotel Le Bristol

The Champs -Elysees

Most Famous Ave in the world. The wide sidewalks and shops make this a dizzying stop on your trip.

Shops and restaurants line the entire route. Of Course you must walk over to the Arc de Triomphe built by Napoleon.

At its foot is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier which honors those killed in the 1st World War.

Eiffel Tower

 This visit is the ultimate high for children. The tower was built to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution for the 1889 World’s Fair. Go early to get your ticket and take the elevators to the first and second levels, and then all the way to the top. There is a great restaurant in the tower on the first level.

You will get wonderful views of Paris from every angle. Amazing, invigorating and wonderful.

Also visit the Champs de Mars gardens and the carousel.

The Sewers

Great learning experience for everyone.

The Egouts De Paris museum. Dredging machines show how the tunnels (labyrinths) are cleaned and technical explanation panels reveal that the system also serves to bring drinking water to Parisians and to regulate water levels to prevent floods. 1300 miles of sewers in a network of tunnels unique in the world are laid out like a

Paris street

map. Wow.

Alma Marceau via metro

Basilique St

Denis –

Visit this magnificent church and see the Royal Necropolis where there are more than 70 sculptural royal tombs including that of the smart and tough Queen Anne of Brittany.

Stade de France-

For the soccer lovers.

Visit the site where the France hosted the World Cup in 1998. There are fantastic guided tours including trips to changing rooms and the tunnel to the stadium.

Versailles

The Home of Louis X1V the Sun King.
 For children, the State Apartments with the 240 foot long Hall of Mirrors,  is as magnificent today as it was the 18^th century.

A must visit is the Petit Trianon the mini palace retreat of Queen Marie Antoinette and the Hameau which has a dairy and water mill. An unforgettable visit for the entire family.

Giverny

Monet’s House in Normandy

The Fondation Claude Monet is where Impressionist painter Monet lived from 1883 to 1926. The pink and green house is furnished the same as it was at the time. The Museum of American Art is not far away with works from the late 19^th and 20^th centuries.

Other picks

Luxembourg Gardens

Pont de Alexander Bridge

Chinatown

La Villette

Centre Pompidou

Musee Rodin
Some children may be disturbed by the sight, so please take that into consideration, then take a visit to The Catacombs- Six million dead Parisians reside in this underground grave. The skulls and skeletons were exhumed from overcrowded cemeteries in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Au Revoir!

Images courtesy istockphotos