Le Jour des Crêpes - Crepes Day!

When February 2nd comes around each year, in the US, we think of a little shy brown furry creature that wakes from his slumber, ventures out in the bitter cold, and is either wearing his sunglasses or wiping the sleepies from his eyes. 

We call this Ground Hog Day. 

[3]: www.barefootoffshore.com

 For many of us, who especially live in the cold, dark corners of the United States, rely on this information to get us through the remaining weeks of winter. If the ground hog sees his damn shadow, we're invested into another six more weeks of winter. This news is intolerable for many, and vacations are booked immediately to warmer locations like Mexico and the Caribbean. Punxsutawney Phil and Pothole Pete are the famous duo always competing for attention, trying to out do each other's fortune telling for winter's curious predictability. 

I believe they are at a tie.

Le Jour des Crêpes

En France, 2 fevrier 2013

J'adore les crêpes!  So why not celebrate Le Jour des Crêpes with France? I have nothing against ground hogs, just long, dark and cold winters. In fact,  Ground Hog Day and La Chandeleur have similar predictions regarding the duration of wintertime. However, the French eat a lot of wonderful crêpes to get through it. On La Chandeleur, a bit of fortune telling goes on too. It is tradition to hold a coin in your writing hand and a crêpe pan in the other, and flip the crêpe into the air. If you manage to catch the crêpe in the pan, your family will be prosperous for the rest of the year. [1]  My lucky penny has worked every time!

My favorite French proverbs and sayings for La Chandeleur:

À la Chandeleur, le jour croît de deux heures
On Candlemas, the day grows by two hours 

Chandeleur couverte, quarante jours de perte
Candlemas covered (in snow), forty days lost 

Crêpes are traditionally served on Candlemas (La Chandeleur), February 2. This day was originally Virgin Mary's Blessing Day, but became known in France as "Le Jour des Crêpes" (literally translated "The Day of the Crêpes", but sometimes given colloquially as "Avec Crêpe Day" or "National Crêpe Day" [2]  MORE HISTORY OF CREPES

The next time the ground hog comes out with his "Ray-ban" sunglasses, announcing six more weeks of winter, I won't get depressed, because I will be making crepes instead! Les Crêpes are one of my favorite foods. They are so versatile, light and tasty. They can either be made sweet, savory or sumptuous. I hope you have a creative day and make some crepes any way! Hey, that rhymes!

Crêpes Recettes :

Basic Crêpe Recipe:
Serves 6

• 2/3 c. flour
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. super fine sugar or Splenda(omit sugar if making them savory)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1-1/2c. whole milk
• 2 Tbsp. melted butter
• 4 Tbsp. water (to thin if necessary)

Instructions:
in mixing bowl, add flour, salt, sugar, mix. Make well in middle, add beaten eggs, milk and melted butter. Whisk well until batter is smooth. Set aside to rest and incorporate for an hour in refrigerator. 

You will notice that the mixture has thickened. You may add a little water to thin. 

Heat two (7-8") crepe pans (preferably non-stix) over medium heat. Add a dab of butter to coat the pans. My first crepe is always a sacrificial lamb (my tester) to let me know if my pan is hot enough or too hot. Use a soup ladle or 1/2 c. to pour batter into pan. Quickly tilt and rotate pan to spread batter evenly around pan. To flip, I drop into second pan to cook the other side. Cook on each side, 1-minute. I gently use a spatula to free the crepe from pan.

Continue cooking the crepes, stirring the batter each time and brushing pan with butter. Use can use a piece of wax paper or cloth under crepes' stack. Crepes can be made in advanced, chilled (or stored in freezer for up to 6 months in a tightly sealed zip-lock freezer bag).  

WORLD OF CREPES  

LOTS OF RECIPES AND IDEAS FOR BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER & DESSERT

Eggs Benedict with Crepes

http://www.world-of-crepes.com/breakfast-crepes-recipes.html

Banana Split

http://www.world-of-crepes.com/banana-split-dessert-recipe.html

[1] http://french.about.com/od/culture/a/chandeleur.htm

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cr%C3%AApe

[3] photo reference http://www.barefootoffshore.com/2012/02/ground-hogs-day-2012/

corde a linge - clothes line

Did you know that it's illegal to hang your clothes outside in some communities?  Yes, illegal! When I first moved to California, I quickly discovered that hanging my jeans, socks, towels, underwear, San Diego Charger's jersey, were all illegal to display to complaining neighbors. It was a violation of the homeowners association and city codes. For a state the defines themselves as "green' or "progressive" or "cares about the environment", it's all a bunch of hooey!

I have since moved away from California. I am glad to tell you that in Florida, the entire state has a "Right to Dry" law. I know, you have to pass a law in order to hang your clothes outside on the line on your own property. All I can say, "These are progressively bizarre and contradicting times"

 RIGHT TO DRY WEBSITE

Top Ten Reasons to Line Dry

10) Save money

You can save more than $25/month off the monthly electric bill for many households.

9) Clothes last longer

Where do you think lint comes from?

8) Pleasant Scent

Clothes and linens smell better without adding possibly toxic chemicals to your body and the environment. Yankee Candle thinks so, too...

7) Saves Energy, Preserves Environment, Reduces Pollution

Conserve energy and the environment, while reducing climate change. Learn how!

6) Healthy Work

It is moderate physical activity which you can do in or outside. You can even lose weight!

5) Get the Sunshine Treatment

Sunlight bleaches and disinfects.

4) Replace another appliance

Indoor racks can humidify in dry winter weather.

3) Avoid a Fire

Clothes dryer and washing machine fires account for about 17,700 structure fires, 15 deaths, and 360 injuries annually. The yearly national fire loss for clothes dryer fires in structures is estimated at $194 million. See a diagram of the critical danger zones of the dryer.

2) It is fun!

And can be an outdoor experience that is meditative and community-building. It may also help you avoid depression.

1) It is truly patriotic

Demonstrates that small steps can make a difference. You don't have to wait for the government to take action!

 http://www.laundrylist.org/en/line-drying

In France, do you realize that most people don't even own a dyer. They have to hang their clothes on the line. Can you imagine them being forced to buy a dryer to dry their clothes? The entire country would go on strike! For a country that relies greatly on their government for many things, they also have a lot of French Liberté. Vive la liberté., Long live freedom is their motto and they use it!

For me, I am a freedom loving patriot, who likes to save money and cares about the environment. But mostly, I'm just a country mouse at heart, living in the city, who enjoys hanging her clothes. I have a really easy system in my garage, where inclement weather is never an issue. I have six lines, each at about 10-feet in length, which can carry about two loads of laundry. Tip: you may want two of your lines to be long enough to carry one sheet each across. 

I've lived in many different places: an apartment, a home with a garage, not a garage, a yard, or sometimes with just a balcony. I always found a way to hang my clothes, even if it was just one line that would hold some under garments. This line was usually next to the dyer;-)

Occasionally, I will used my dyer too, especially to fluff the towels or when I don't feel like hanging 50 pairs of socks. I'm not anti-technology, in fact, its a real luxury that I am grateful for. 

Are you convinced in giving it a try? 

I chose to show my laundry in black and white, to not only entice to you hang, but to convince y'all that it can look like art. Are ya convinced yet? Maybe a little? Well, to this artist and country mouse, it's a beautiful work of art!

May our clothes line connect some day and all of your linens smell fresh as the sky. Wishing y'all a beautiful day on the line!

Happy Mother’s Day – Bonne Fête des Mères

There are all kinds of mother’s and I would like to wish all of us a very happy day. We have the most important role in this world and La Dame Nature is giving us guidance along the way.


I am the mother of two anges (Aria and Sunny, twins that passed away 2001) and four furry companions named, Paris, Maui, Missy and Mikey. I am the mother of my home, taking care of those who visits with great pride, love and devotion. I also consider myself the mother of my backyard, taking care of all the critters that visit me daily. My mother passed away last year and this mother's day won't be the same without her, she will be deeply missed, but I know she is always with me. She taught me how to be a mother and I consider this my deepest prayer of gratitude.


This mother’s day I will start this special morning with a prière silencieuse of gratitude and kisses from my puppies. Then I will make my favorite breakfast,œufs pochés sur du pain with fresh fruit and café au lait and enjoy it on my terrace over looking my bayou. Actually, I kicked it up a notch and made Nova Scotia œufs pochés sur du pain, which is with smoked salmon and caviar. Yum!

 

How to make the perfect poached egg, it's all about timing and a splash of vinegar.

Ingredients:

eggs, muffin, cracked citrus pepper**, vinegar, salt, parsley, smoked salmon and caviar (optional)  
** how to make citrus pepper blend in next blog.

Poaching means to boil or simmer in liquid. So I put a little water in a shallow pan, just enough to cover the eggs. But before I crack my eggs, I add a 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar and a pinch of salt to the water and let it heat up to just to a boil, NOT a rigorous boil. The vinegar help coagulate the eggs, keeping them in form. As soon as I crack my eggs, I turn on the timer for 2-minutes, no more, no less. While the eggs are cooking, toast your favorite bread, I use english muffins and drizzle with olive oil. 

  Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon, to drain water and set on your toast. I chop parsley or chives, sprinkle with salt and citrus pepper to taste. Smoke salmon and caviar, spinach and goat cheese, or ham and asparagus are all nice options.

Then it’s time to walk around the neighborhood with my puppies for theirs and my exercise.  Nova Scotia œufs pochés sur du pain isn't for weight watchers, n'est pas!

After our return and a quick drink at the watering hole, we’ll go to the garden and fill the mangeoire d’oiselle and tend to the veggie garden. I’ve been procrastinating putting up a birdhouse for a special family this spring, but it’s time! The birds have paired up and looking for the best nest spots to start their families. The cycle of life continues. Les volières d’oiselle are so easy to make, just make sure to get the measurements correct, especially their entrance hole, so predators can’t get in.

http://www.the-scoop-on-wild-birds-and-feeders.com/howtobuildabirdhouse.html

I am an artist, so a visit to my atelier, will be one of my highlights during this day and everyday.Visit my site and see what I've been up to these days. I love sharing my work.

http://sierradante.com/

Le diner is our favorite way to exhale from the day. I’m looking forward to a lite angel hair pasta with cherry tomatoes, drizzled in olive oil. I will sprinkle some of my homemade goat cheese on my arugula salad with pomelo (a sweet grapefruit) slices drizzled with olive oil. This is a lite meal, leaving room for a homemade brownie! While I finish my last sip of red wine and savor my bit of brownie, I will say a final prayer of gratitude. J’adore ma vie. 

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/best-brownies/Detail.aspx

Look for my future blogs, when I share my goat cheese making process. It's easy and fun!

http://www.cheesemakingrecipe.com/

 Hope you enjoy your special Mother’s Day. Always a pleasure talking with you. Bon Journee!

vocabulaire:
 
Happy Mother’s Day – Bonne Fête des Mères (bun* feht day mair) 

mother nature - La Dame Nature

angels – anges

silent prayer - prière silencieuse

poached eggs on toast - œufs pochés sur du pain

bird feeder – mangeoire d’oiselle

build a bird house – volière d’oiselle

art studio - atelier

I love my life – J’adore ma vie

Le Jour de la Terre -- Earth Day

22 avril 2011

plant some trees – plantent des arbres

plant some flowers – plantez des fleurs

plant a veggie box – plantez un potager

compost – fût de compostage

recycle – recyler

pick up litter – fait disparaître les ordures

bird feeder – mangeoire d’oiselle

bird house – volière d’oiselle

water fountain – fontaine d'eau

I love – j’adore

My god - Mon Dieu!

Le Jour de la Terre is one of my favorite days of the year. It’s a time to appreciate this amazing planet, which is so full of gifts to receive everyday. In celebration of this beautiful planet, my family plantent des arbres, des fleurs et un potager. We live in Florida, so we add plants to our yard that are appropriate for our region's climate. Fortunately, I enjoy the regional varieties and they work well in my yard. This month, we planted some special ornamental trees. I’ve always wanted a pomelo grapefruit tree because j’adore the sweet taste of this unusually large juicy fruit. I look forward to a bountiful crop next winter month, when the fruit ripens with its anticipated deliciousness.

 The best way to celebrate earth day, every day with my family is by spending time outside. To encourage social gatherings outdoors, instead in front of the tv, I created a special outdoor room. I call it my garden room, only enter my room if you want to laugh, relax, play, and create many memories!

 

My garden room

 

Passion Flower (Florida climate)

Mon Dieu! All that garbage we ALL produce – recycler! My family is grateful to have a recycling program in our beach village and they pick up twice a week! How easy is that? We also have a separate bin for our organic material, fût de compostage. Compost sounds so much better in French, n’est pas? Our bin consists of layers of dirt, egg shells, grass clippings, weeds, potato & bananas peels, and with all those grape fruits I'll be eating, grapefruit peels! Do not put meat or fats in the bin, they'll really attracts rodents. Give composting a try, your garden will thank you!

Our beach community also has a great program fait disparaître les ordures. We get together once a year and pick up litter in areas of greatest need. Our beach can look pretty rough after the spring breakers leave. On a daily basis, during my walks with my dogs, I bring a trash bag and pick up their “business” and any trash I find along the way. This is easy stuff!

Through out the year, we maintain our bird sanctuary. I know that sounds grand and fancy, but it’s really simple to do. Birds love a beautiful garden, just like we do and by adding un mangeoire d’oiselle et un volière d’oiselle will increase your chances for them to visit your yard on a daily basis. It is also important to provide a fresh water source, like un fontaine d'eau for the birds. Ironically, we are surrounded by water where I live, but it’s a salt water bay. All the birds in my neighborhood really appreciate my fresh water fountain. In fact, after a good rain, I see birds bathing themselves in the puddles every where. Every morning we wake up to the birds singing and thanking us for the gifts all through out the beautiful garden.

l'avenir appartient à ceux qui se lèvent tôt : the early bird catches the worm

There’s so many ways to enjoy Earth Day. Enjoy, participate, celebrate Earth Day your way!
Website about Earth Day and how you can celebrate it: http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2011

 Always a pleasure talking with you. Bon Journee!

Is Hollywood going français? - Trois Films to see

Is Hollywood going français? Is it just my french obsession or am I seeing more and more french influence around the US these days? I wonder if the french president, Nicolas Sarkozy's wife has anything to do with this, she even appears in Woody Allen's movie, Midnight in Paris. It doesn't hurt that Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. is très belle et charmant. Hollywood gets inspired in bizarre ways, sometimes it's purely economical. I once read in an article that Woody Allen can't afford to film in New York anymore, so he films in his next favorite city, Paris, where the jazz is hot and the city is lit on. This is all to my benefit, of course. Please make more movies in France, Hollywood!

 Midnight in Paris

 A romantic comedy in Paris, what's not to love?

Woody Allen, love ya!

Three Muskateers
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1509767/

  The legendary musketeers are now down on their luck, they must unite and defeat a beautiful double agent and her villainous employer from seizing the French throne and engulfing Europe in war. This movie will be hot!

 Burlesque

A small-town girl ventures to Los Angeles and finds her place in a neo-burlesque club run by a former dancer. J'adore cabaret!

vocabulaire:

très belle et charmant: very beautiful and charming

J'adore cabaret: I love caberet 

T – 160 days until Provence – scarves, sandals & white linen

I’m starting to feel the pressure to learn as much langue de français as possible. Just 160 days until I’m in Provence, speaking with the natives and celebrating one of my favorite places on earth.  Unfortunately, the more I learn, the more it seems to fall out the other end (my other ear, not the rear)! Oh, lo lo lo!

One thing I have learned, I’m more prepared then I was last year (derrière année). In fact, my travels to France seem to get more relaxed and familiar every time I visit. But this time, I will bring two pairs of sandals…and more scarves! Walking around Saint Val du Vence, Goult, Amboise,Giverny, and Paris, I actually blew out a pair of sandals.  But, I am prepared now. I was a good girl and did my research on the internet. I asked the question on the Google search engine, “What are the most comfortable woman’s sandals on earth?” Of course, several brands popped up, but I read the blogs and remarks, and took "le plunge" and bought a pair. In fact, I bought a second pair right after the first pair went on my feet the day they arrived. I found that Merrell is what I consider the most comfortable, stylish and light on the feet. They aren’t the cheapest brand, but in this case, you get what you pay for. Is this another frenchness thing (buy quality, not quantity)?

Website: http://www.merrell.com/US/en/Women-Footwear-Sandals

One French thing I just adore, is the French woman’s obsession with scarves. J’adore les foulards! I only selected two scarves to bring on my last trip from my grand collection, how distressing! All kidding aside, there is nothing like un foulard to dress up a simple dress, a top, or a jean jacket. I read in fashion magazine that french women don't wear scarves...they flaunt them! You instantly feel like une belle femme, n’est pas? My favorite secret is that I get many of my scarves from second-hand stores. In this case, you get what you pay for, which is a lot! I approach these stores like a treasure hunt. Voila, I found you, une belle écharpes, amongst this heap of bric-a-brac! I usually wear my scarves fairly simple, throw it around my neck. However, I found a great site from Brooks Brothers that shows how to wear my favorite accessory in various ways. Enjoy!

Website:  http://www.brooksbrothers.com/scarfknots/frenchtwist.tem

YouTube scarf ideas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj4mVUa7B1w

Will I even need a scarf in Provence in July? mais oui! I’m looking forward to wearing my “all white” look. I noticed that Provençal women wear white linen all summer. It’s not only practical during the sizzling l’été afternoons, but it looks so fresh. Linen breathes, thank god, and while I’m walking through the daily farmers markets of Provence, I will not only look stylish, but stay cool. I can smell the fresh baguette, tomates et fromages already, can you?

Website: http://www.provencelive.com/practical/daily/market/market.html

Alors, I have my essentials for a prepared and stylish trip to Provence: sandals, scarves, white linen, and my French dictionary. You can also find me on Facebook. Always a pleasure to talk to you, have a great day, a bientôt!

vocabulaire:

langue de français: french language

derrière année: last year  

J’adore les foulards: I love scarves 

une belle femme, n’est pas a beautiful woman, don't you agree? 

mais oui: but yes, of course  

l’été: summer

tomates et fromages tomatoes and cheeses 

My first blog, everyone has a first, n'est pas?

My first blog, everyone has to have a “first”, n’est pas? I am terrified! Maybe if I bash it out and say it en français, it’ll be less terrifying. Bon courage! Even in franglish, I’m still well aware that this is my first blog, my first time putting it all out there! I’ll just have to get through it, my franglish heart and all.

I sit here sur la terrasse, into my reverie, starring across the big pond at France. Okay, it’s really a bayou, and there are some of your typical Floridian style homes across from my backyard. It’s a beautiful spring day and the setting is relaxing (perfect for blogging). I’m listening to internet radio, 104.7 Europe 1. I think they’re talking about the news of the day, all the way from Paris, France. I love this radio station, lots of various programs, even though je comprend un peu!  I do understand the music and the laughter that they are sending over the airwaves. Music and laughter are always universal.

I am obsessed with all things French, but it is a healthy obsession. I think everyone should have a hobby, don’t you? I don’t necessarily want to transform into a French person, I’m too optimistic, thanks to my American upbringing. But, there’s a lot of frenchness I do so admire. When I was a little girl, I would play dress up. I guess that isn’t so unusual for a little girl, but I would pretend I was a performer or l'actrice at the Moulin Rouge! My mother would have to watch me dance and sing for hours in boa feathers, heels and rouge lipstix! (The beginnings of a healthy obsession, non?) However, with maturity (I refuse to say with age), my french obsession became a healthy one when I began to appreciate what makes them so very French or what I call “frenchness”. It’s their passion for life and life's journey. I recognized their obvious passion for food and wine, not just the dinner on the plate, but how it got there. Organic isn’t just in a small section in the super marché, it’s their way of life, in their everyday food, and why I believe their food tastes très bon.

I found that their farmers are under strict regulations and are frequently monitored. Is this pride of county, pride of region, pride of product, or is it frenchness? I watched a documentary on how fois gras is made in Périgord, the southwest region of France. Whatever your philosophy is on the subject, I was amazed on how these animals were cared for during their journey into the world’s premier pâté. When la agricultrice was interviewed, she stated, "if at any time our geese and ducks are unhappy, they will make terrible fois gras!" She continues, "They need fresh air, room to roam and plenty of good food themselves". She confirms, "C’est naturellement!"

Website on the strict regulations: http://www.animalagalliance.org/images/ag_insert/20060505_Foie_Gras.pdf

I also recognized their love for art, music, architecture and even engineers. Yes, engineers too. They are respected and admired. I can see why, I married one and he’s brilliant. They have state-of-the-art train systems, bridges, energy, architecture, etc. Despite the 50's & 60's urbanisation, France has seemed to marry the old with the new. They have preserved their past while introducing the modern world. Sometimes its a struggle, but I believe they do it with grace.  

So, my first blog is nearly finished. That wasn’t so bad after all! My journey begins as a blogger, but my travels as an admirer of all things French continues. What's more, I still dress up in various dancing garb (coins giggle skirts, boa feather, beads, & scarves) and sing and dance around my home. I don’t know why Cher & Christina Aguilera didn’t call me to be in their new movie “Burlesque” a sort of re-make of Moulin Rouge. I’ve been rehearsing it all my life. I can’t wait to see this movie.

Here’s the trailer for Burlesque: http://www.burlesquemovie.org/

Who's this with the tambourine?...

...I told you I still like to dress up and dance!

 

Drum Circle at Nokomis Beach, FL

You can also find me on Facebook. I look forward to hearing from you and enjoy sharing your perspective for all things French, food, gardening, scarves, art and music. 

Bon Journée!

Vocabulaire:

Bon courage: good luck, good courage.

sur la terrasse: on the terrace 

reverie: a state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts; a daydream.
je comprend un peu! I understand a little

l'actrice; actress

super marche: super market 

très bon: very good

l'agriculteur, l'agricultrice: farmer 

C’est naturellement. : This is natural.