The Art of French Cooking

Apparently the art of fancy cooking and elaborate meals at home is coming back into style... at least movies like Julie & Julia make it seem so. I've always liked to bake and make meals for my family ever since I was a preteen. I remember the first big dinner I made for my family. It was an elaborate colonial style meal that I made using the "Felicity: An American Girl" cookbook. I was so thrilled to present my unique dishes to the hungry souls around the table. Trying a new dish makes cooking much more exciting and satisfying - knowing that you've mastered another recipe.



For my monumental 25th birthday my friend Annick wanted to give me something I would use for my whole life. She decided to give me the same cookbook her mother, grandmother and she all used to learn to cook. It was originally a french cookbook called "Je sais cuisiner." It was such a thoughtful idea and what makes it even better is that is just my kind of cookbook- full of photos and illustrations! Just looking at some of the beautiful pictures makes me want to recreate the delicious morsels.





There are a lot of great recipes I'm looking forward to trying out! But I have to admit there are a few I will never be attempting- such as aspics, head cheese and blood pudding. There is also a whole chapter on game- so unless I move to the country I probably won't be making rabbit or quail! :) My parents are on a vegetarian diet right now so I will have to search through the legumes chapter to find something suitable. Although they do allow themselves seafood once a week too...





There is something so exciting about a new cookbook and all the potential for culinary adventures and dinner parties! I am looking forward to putting this delightful birthday gift to good use! And also, I think an occassional late birthday present is wonderful- you think your birthday is over and then 'BAM!' there is a giant gift box waiting for you on your bed! :)

If you would like to see further images from the book or get a copy for yourself- check out this website- http://www.phaidon.com/store/food-cook/i-know-how-to-cook-9780714848044

Snowflakes That Stay On Your Nose And Eyelashes

I just love snow. I don't know anyone who loves it more than I do! Seeing the lightly falling flakes gives me such a feeling of serenity. I especially love when you can actually see the beautiful intricacies of each flake. It is quite difficult to capture on film however.



Today we took a scenic drive out to New Hampshire. While we were driving we saw a lot of gorgeous snow covered trees. They made me want to take a snowy hike in the woods! My sister thought it was a bad idea but I thought it sounded like a great wintery adventure! We did get to spend a little time outside while it was snowing though. It was the perfect kind of snow for a walk- light enough to be pretty without getting you wet! I think that everyone looks cuter with a light dusting of snow on their hair and eyelashes, don't you? And what walk in the snow would be complete without a steaming mug of hot chocolate waiting for you inside?