The Taste of Provence

Each one of us, at some point, dreams of escaping from the routine of daily life into a more serene and generous place where beauty, life's little pleasures and captivating sceneries can be found in abundance. Even though, everyone dreams of a different destination, the idea of experiencing the idyllic Provençal way of life that has inspired some of the greatest painters, Van Gogh, Renoir, Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne appeals to an almost basic need in everyone of us. And it doesn't take a lot to understand why there are so many people who have succumbed to the charm of the huge purple rolling hills of lavender, the glorious fields covered with fluorescent red-orange poppies, the endless stony green vineyards, the gnarled olive trees and twisted cypresses, the smiling faces of the yellow sunflowers following the warm southern sun ...

Who doesn't want to stroll through ancient villages with cobblestone streets, old-stone houses with wooden shutters, terracotta pots of rosemary and air that is scented with aromatic herbs.. No one minds feeling lost in the freshness of fruits and sun-kissed vegetables or in the enchantment of the antiques and vintage fabrics at the local vibrant market on a bright sunny morning... 

Perhaps, the most treasured encounter is the one with the artisan food and the excellent wines of the Provençal cuisine. With centuries of tradition and intimacy with the land, the farmers, the butchers, the cheese-makers and the winemakers of the region embrace what nature bestows and translate it into something beautiful, elegant and simple... And as many authors suggest, it all starts with the land and is rooted in "terroir", a French expression that can be defined as combination of soil, climate, culture and relationship of food and people who take care of the land.

"Terroir are vibrant and innovative spaces that define the people who live there and reflect a marriage between traditions, culture, and natural environment."(international definition at UNESCO meeting, 2005)

As cliche as it might sound, Provence is not simply a geographical area, but a state of mind, a gift for the senses, a place of love for the land, love for the food, of home and life..."joie de vivre"... And once you have tasted the spirit of Provence, you want to bottle it, take it with you... and keep returning to it...

If you are thinking on how to "bottle" the taste of your Provençal escape, I would suggest this traditional drink that is made in Provençal homes using a handwritten recipe passed down from generations to generations.  

Vin d'Orange is the taste of Provence and like many describe it "it is truly, sunshine in a glass."

It is an infusion of bitter Seville or blood oranges, white wine, fruit brandy, sugar and vanilla, which is left to macerate at least 40 days. Traditionally, the French make vin d'orange in the month of March when Sevilla oranges are at their peek. It has always been best brewed at home and given to friends and relatives as a gift. They sip it as an aperitif or an after-dinner liquor, usually in the summer, when the sun is setting and one wants to stretch the beautiful time and savour it longer.

My husband and I bottled orange wine last week after almost a month of maturing. We used blood oranges and pink rosé. Yesterday, we had the first taste of Province. I don't drink alcohol at all, except a glass of wine on special occasions, but sitting on a table with dishes of white earthenware, sunflowers in a terracotta pottery, French blue cheese, olives and peppercorn pâté, and a baguette with Seville oranges marmelade, I can have a glass of vin d'orange even if only to admire the color...    

Would you like to join me?

Vin d'Orange 

Ingredients:

3 Seville oranges or blood oranges (unpeeled) 

1 bottle rose wine 

1/4 vodka

1 cup sugar

1 vanilla bean 

Directions:

Slice each clean orange into circles. Combine all ingredients in a large glass jar and stir. Seal the top and set aside in a cool, dark place for up to a month. (Some recipes call for three to nine months.) Stir occasionally. To bottle, strain through cheesecloth or coffee filter and funnel into clean glass bottle. Cork the bottle so it can be stored at room temperature. If it is in an unsealed bottle, then keep it in the fridge for up to a year. 

In summer, serve it chilled, or over ice with a twist of orange, or “tall” with soda. Santé!

       

                                                                          

  * * *

This post was created especially for the party, Simple Irresistible, a celebration of friendship and love for all things French, hosted by my cherished blogging friend and artist Anita. 

Those of you who value the best of French countryside, please, visit Anita's site Castles Crowns and Cottages and take delight in more stories of Provençal escapes!

         

 Thank you!

For Mom

Mother's Day comes in such a splendid time when Mother Earth gives new life to all living things and amazing colors showcase the beauty and wonder of the world around us. Shades of pink cover up the entire neighbourhood overnight. Japanese cherry trees, wild apple blossoms and magnolia leaves give the landscape the most spectacular spring makeover. Tulips, pink hyacinths and tiny violets perfume the air... Everything seems beautiful and adds a special touch to the honor of the special woman who has made us who we are, to the celebration of the wonder of creation.
Uplifted by all this loveliness around me, I think some pink strawberry vanilla cupcakes would be perfect to spoil your mom this weekend. They would adorn the table at your afternoon tea gathering  or the brunch you are hosting for family and friends. Especially if you decorate them with pink macaroons, a truly feminine touch, and handmade paper toppers. Furthermore, place the cupcakes in a festive paper box and they turn into the sweetest and cutest gift... in tune with Nature's colors...

Happy Mother's Day, loving, caring and beautiful woman! Whether or not you have given life to a child, there is no doubt in my mind, you have mothered someone. The cupcakes and the flowers are for you, wherever you are.

Strawberry Vanilla Cupcakes 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 cup half & half
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup fresh finely chopped strawberries

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter
1 3/4 cups confectioner's sugar
1 tbsp light cream or milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 350°C. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Mix together the dry ingredients - flour, baking powder, salt. In another bowl, mix together the half and half, vanilla, and diced strawberries. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition. Divide batter among muffin cups. Bake cupcakes until testers inserted into centre come out clean, about 20 minutes. Let cool completely before icing.  

In a small bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioner's sugar and cream, beating until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and beat until frosting is light and fluffy. 

                                                                              ***


Thank you to all of you, my darling readers, for your generous congratulations on my publication. Your kind words and support mean a lot to me! 



Home Sweet Home / Be Inspired / Pink Saturday/ SayGDaySaturday/ Seasonal Sundays

"Congratulations! You've been published in..."

Back in December, knowing how much I cherish my work on my blog and how I dream to see it published, my wonderful son wrote on my birthday card "... I wish you love, happiness and the discovery of your blog by an editor. Follow your dreams, Mom, I will always support you..." It fills my heart with love every time I read it! 

Less than a month later, an editor called and asked if I wanted to submit to their magazine... 

I guess, the one who said "Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it" is a wise, wise man. And because one of my favorite inspirational lines is "Happiness is only real when shared" by Chris McCandless, Into The Wild, I am sharing with you the fact that if you open the latest edition, Summer 2013 of Artful Blogging magazine, somewhere near the end, on page 122, under the International Blogger category, you would see my little simple blog, my unpretentious simple photos and an article I wrote about my blogging experience "The Simple Life." Frankly, it doesn't seem so simple to me - the effort, the time, the devotion, the creativity and the energy all us bloggers put into writing and organizing interesting, inspiring and authentic posts. That's why any kind of acknowledgment of our work makes us excited and happy. I am honoured to be featured in such a unique publication of the most visually inspiring blogs across the Internet and to be in the company of established photographers and talented bloggers some of them I have been following for a long time.

A million thanks to editor Jennifer Jackson Taylor (also a blogger) for getting in touch and making this happen.

Million thanks to all of you for supporting me and encouraging me along the way. If you get a chance, be sure to check it out. My Canadian friends can find it on Chapters/ Indigo shelves.

As far as my dreams are going, I have new ones ... big ones :) And as hard as it often might seem, I am going to continue following them. How about you? 

Drawstring Herb Bags

Spring days are here! Finally! The Magnolia trees are blooming. I am wearing short sleeves enjoying every given moment to bask in the warm sun. There are also long walks by the lake, spinach and asparagus at the farmer markets, Sunday breakfasts on the patio of the favorite Kensington Market bistro, fresh salads and homemade lemonades, planted seeds, dusted off cabinets, clothes drying outside, open window nights...
While I was looking for more spring colours and ideas at my favorite magazines, I came across Sarah Moor's wonderful article how to give every household item a spring makeover, especially, the idea to turn your favorite vintage fabrics into simple drawstring bags to store spices, herbs, sugar - whatever you decide. You know the "i-can-do-that" feeling that comes spontaneously, stimulates your emotions, overtakes your mind and doesn't leave you until you prove yourself right... Yes, it's called "inspiration" and I love when I am in spirit and have to hold myself back from starting right now. As Sarah proposed, I got out my fabrics, threads and my sewing machine which hasn't been used for months, and by following (not precisely, though) this tutorial, I made one bag, then one more, then one more... I used ribbons and scrap fabrics to decorate the pouches. After washing the bags, I poured my favorite herbs for tea in, attached labels on each bag and displayed them on the cupboard shelf. Neat! 

It turned out that drawstring bags are easy to make and fun to sew, not to mention handy to have around. I also think these charming handmade drawstring bags filled with chamomile, peppermint, fennel seeds and nettle can turn into a great gift for the upcoming Mother's Day celebration, don't you think?!   

It amazes me how the simplest and ordinary things can inspire you to create, to tune into your spirit, to feel fulfilment... It feels good...

Yes, I am that nerdy girl who's cute colourful drawstring bags make her joyous...

                                                                                             What lights you up these days?


                                                                                                   Happy May to all of you!




Home Sweet Home/ Be Inspired/ Homemaking Party

Super Seeds, or Simply Chia

With the arrival of spring, it comes a time of renewal and cleaning out not only our homes, pantries, wardrobes, and gardens, but those old eating habits as well. It is important to detox and cleanse now to remove the impact of the cold winter weather, the less active lifestyle and the accumulated toxins. As the days warm up my cravings start to turn away from rich, warm and decadent food toward more lighter and healthy dishes, more spring vegetables and fruits. Not to mention the fact that I desperately need to lose a few pounds. Last spring, I was obsessed with home sprouting. You can see how to germinate seeds at home here.
This spring, on my latest trip to Bulk Barn, the friendly seller brought to my attention a product that I hadn't heard of. He was even surprised that I know nothing about Chia Seeds. After a short lecture about this tiny speck of seeds, I bought the package. What is so special, I couldn't stop thinking. After a little research, yes, a little, you don't need to browse hours in the net to be convinced that this small chia seed is highly nutritious and rich in easily digestible protein, vitamins, soluble fiber, antioxidants, minerals, you name it. It contains more omega-3s than flax seeds, more calcium than milk and is a gluten-free whole grain. Known as Salvia hispanica, these "magical" seeds are an ancient food that belong to the mint family and were originally grown in Mexico and Central America. In fact, "chia" is the Mayan word for "strength." But you might be familiar with them because of their mention in Christopher McDougall's bestselling book Born to Run (which is on my reading list now), or you might remember the kitschy Chia Pet with grass-like hair only that these seeds are grown organically and for human consumption.
Since chia seeds readily dissolve into water as they create a cool gelatin-like substance, researchers suggest chia seeds can help you lose weight and they are very beneficial to your skin. Nutritionists recommend one tablespoon of chia each day. And because of its earthy taste or perhaps absence of taste, chia can be combined with basically everything you like to eat, sweet or savoury. You can toss the seeds in smoothies, sprinkle them on oatmeal and salads, or soak them directly in a flavourful milk. You can eat them raw or bake breads and muffins with them, or make puddings. Whatever your imagination comes up with in terms of cooking, put chia in it. Some people even use it as a safe egg substitute and to thicken soups and sauces.
I have been using chia seeds for more then a week and have been experimenting with various recipes.
I love to have my yogurt in the morning packed with fruits and chia seeds. I also enjoy making healthy chia seed puddings. It is easy and no cooking is necessary. Click here to see some really interesting chia recipes.

After mentioning all this and much more if you look up sources, how would you not want to add chia seeds to your kitchen cupboard. Make sure when you buy them to look for good quality, certified organic product, not GMO since low quality chia can be poor in nutrition value.

Berry Chia Pudding 


Ingredients: 

1/2 cup chia seeds
2 1/2 strawberry milk, or any other flavoured milk (almond, coconut, banana)
1 cup fresh berries (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Blend milk, berries, vanilla, and syrup together in a blender on high till smooth.
Pour berry mixture over chia seeds and stir thoroughly with a whisk or a fork. Let the mixture rest for five minutes, and stir again. About ten minutes later, stir again. Refrigerate. If you desire, let the mixture sit overnight.
If the texture is too thick, simply add more milk. You can substitute berries with 3 tbsp cocoa powder for chocolate chia pudding.




Have you ever tried chia seeds? What is your favorite way to eat chia?



Stone Gable/ Be Inspired/ Home Sweet Home

A Day in The Old Town

                               

An early Sunday morning in cold April. We find ourselves in the Old Town walking slowly toward St. Lawrence Market. The farmer's market is closed on Sunday, but we are heading to the Sunday Antique Market right across the street. Downtown is surprisingly empty, the morning air and light envelop the city and that's exactly how we love it. It is the only honest way one can meet Toronto's historic buildings and enjoy its vibrant architecture. And it doesn't happen very often, it is a megalopolis, after all... We are lucky today. Getting up early on Sunday it seems to pay off... 

Standing on the traffic island at the intersection of Front Street East and Church Street we are catching the 5-story red brick Flatiron Building's narrow end dead center standing proudly in front of two skyscrapers. What many do not realize is that Toronto's Flatiron actually preceded New York's famous Flatiron building by more than 10 years, though the one in NYC gets much more publicity.  

I left my camera home intentionally. My day is devoted to my family....

As avid lovers of antiques, three of us adore spending time at flea markets. They are, in fact, rare in urban cities, however, right in downtown, St. Lawrence indoor and outdoor antique market is the retro oasis we love visiting. While I am looking for old china, kitchen utensils, vintage textiles and furniture, my son is browsing collectible comic books. When it comes to negotiating, bargaining and making a deal, it's my husband's job. He is good at that! I mean, really good! I, on the other hand, am probably the most desirable client for all vendors. Thanks to my man, I am leaving the antique market with a steal of a deal for an old English blue and white ironstone plate, two wonderful linen napkins, vintage photographs and books, and four French Limoges china saucers. I am more than happy; how little I need...

There is an even more overwhelming excitement when we pass by the spectacular Gothic Revival architecture of St. James Cathedral and the ringing bells fill the moment with joyous sound and a sacralized sense of time. It immediately brings me back to Italy where I spent one whole summer in my aunt's house waking up every morning to the reassuring, gentle, yet solemn bell of the local church. I stop. I breathe. I am present. The slow and steady ringing of the church bells awakens my spiritual pulse reminding me of the significance of every moment, of the marvels that surround me... The wonders of the world aren't far away.

We are rambling around the neighbourhood, enjoying each other's company and immersing in the charm of our town; our son standing tall beside us, my husband making jokes, I, myself, trying to hold my dress to prevent a Marilyn Monroe moment when the air from the street vent shafts blows it up unexpectedly. A brunch at the restaurant gives us lasting energy for the day. We laugh, we share impressions, we agree "Toronto is one cool city!" The hesitant sun touches our faces as we make ourselves comfortable on the bench and watch people passing. We feel cozy in a very large place. We spot a friend...

Everything seems brighter, everything tastes better, everything is exciting and promising, everything has a pleasant smell, everything we do feels right this day... 

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return."                                                                                                                                                                                   ~ Mary Jean Irion, "Let Me Hold You While I May"

You can see more of my iPhone photos and Instagram gallery here or click on the button on the righthand side of the blog. 

What are your weekends looking like lately?

Oh, The Places I've Been

Daffodil Tea for A Worthy Cause

For some a daffodil is just a flower that announces the arrival of spring. But for us, who live in Canada, it is a symbol of hope, strength and courage in the fight against cancer, a way of showing support for people living with cancer and remembering those who have lost their battle. The daffodil's relationship with the Canadian Cancer Society started when a group of enthusiastic volunteers organized a fundraising tea back in the 1950s. I wrote about the beginning of Daffodil Month April here. 

It's April and throughout the Daffodil Month, volunteers across Canada are working together to kick off the daffodil campaign Fight Back. Everyone can show his or her support by purchasing a bunch of fresh daffodils and wearing the bright yellow daffodil pin, which was introduced two years ago. While the daffodil flowers can die very fast, the daffodil pins can be worn all month, especially on Daffodil Day- April 27. The Canadian Cancer Society promises that "money raised through flower and pin sales funds the most promising cancer research, supportive care to people living with cancer, comprehensive cancer information, prevention initiatives, and advocacy for healthy public policy." Look here to see what daffodils do.

To spread the word and to show support in my own small way, I would love for you to pull up a chair and join me, my family and my friends for a cup of tea and lemon poppy seed cakes. I don't know how cancer has affected you and your family, but I am sure it's touched your life in some way.
Who would you wear a daffodil pin for this April?  

"Imagine the unthinkable: You're a well-known, prominent physician, you have a loving wife and two beautiful kids, and you've made a meaningful difference in the lives of many thousands of people. Your only major unfulfilled desire is to be a rock star, and you're working on that one, too.

In a heartbeat, your life is turned upside down: your doctor just told you that you have metastatic cancer and you probably have less than a year to live. 

We all know we're going to die one day; the mortality rate is still 100 percent, one per person. But it's not something we think about very often unless we've had a brush with a life-threatening illness or know someone who has. Even then, though, the awareness of our mortality is hard to hold on to..."

from the book "Enjoy Every Sandwich: Living Each Day As If It Were Your Last" by Lee Lipsenthal, who died of esophageal cancer in September 2001; the book was released in November 2011;

Thank you!



Savvy Southern Style/ HOME/ Homemaking Party/ Inspire Me Wednesday/ Creative Things/ Be Inspired

Snowdrop Happiness

Something special made my day this early morning!

In some forgotten corner of the fence, a bunch of white tender snowdrops were calling for my attention. As soon as I saw these dainty white flowers, my pulse rate raced, my heart went pitter patter, my face was covered in a smile and a happy warmth poured over my body... I have been craving for greens and flowers for so long, so these little creatures put on a delightful surprise when little else was blooming; They were gently whispering "Spring is really on its way, be patient..." So tiny and fragile, yet hardy, they reminded me of a premature baby who couldn't wait anymore to show its head and meet the world.... I, on the other hand, felt as a little child to whom his parents just bought an ice-cream ... only that Mother Nature gave me snowdrops... And I couldn't think of nothing else, but one of the most beloved stories of my childhood, the story  of "The Snowdrop" by Hans Christian Andersen. 

"Welcome! Welcome!" sang and rang out every sunbeam as the Flower rose above the snow, out into the world of light. The Sunbeams caressed and kissed it, so that it opened itself fully, white as snow and adorned with green stripes. It bowed its head in happiness and humility. 

With images in my mind of my grandma's garden enveloped with the first sign of Spring and memories of her tiny snowdrop bouquets she always gave to me saying "the Herald of Spring just for You", I went on my way... happy...

                                                                                        What has made you happy today?



Be Inspired/ Seasonal Sundays/ Blissful Whites Wednesday