Monday, March 23, 2015

Easter is less than 2 weeks away~














Are you starting to get ready?
I am.. I started sugar cookies,painted with Wilton Colors.
These keep very well..in tin boxes..in my cold room at this time of year.
We still have lots of snow ,but since Jacques snoblows pathways..those parts are to the grass..so the children can at least walk and pick and find their eggs on snowbanks..
Things could change though.In our province snow can leave in one week.With heat..
Fingers crossed.
I've started growing grass in baskets..and after only one week..it has sprouted..and growing..and I may need to mow;)
Donellas hyacinths are blooming ,I am one that loves their scent.
Smells like heavenly Spring.
Saturday ,we went to Caroline and Frédérick's with our family♥
The boys had made posters for grandad..and we were served a feast.
Caroline had cute black and white checked napkins and w/ our cutlery they were wrapped with the menu for the evening.
Mylène made a pumpernickle loaf w/dip..Caroline made these..Presented exactly like this..she used edamame though..the platters looked like spring on a plate..and even Lucas loved them.Times are a changing.
I cannot even imagine their food bill later on~
Not sure you can read the menu..I took the pic w/ my Ipad..
We had an apple fennel salad w/ breads..Ricardo's was the hit bread of the night.
Then the main course was a fabulous risotto..the serving trays for the risotto were bones that Fred obtained from the butcher..used the marrow..cleaned ..washed..cut..filed and polished..the presentation was superb.. we each had a medley of root vegetables including Jerusalem artichokes..half a roasted cornish hen and thin veal scallops that were fried and leaning over the cornish hens..
BEAU..I can never get over his artistic presentations.
And his finesse in the kitchen.Like second nature..no first.
I had made the Maple Cake Roll..but used a different cake recipe..no baking powder..and you beat 10 full minutes..again..no cracking..and you bake 10 full minutes...but add the flour after by spoonfuls,folding in..
The filling I made creamier..so the mélange soaked a bit more into the cake..that was Marie's idea.
I love when someone makes something I tried..but gives itan even better vibe.:)
I decided to add another dessert..while I had hungry people around me..
I fell upon a most beautiful blog..Fork and Flower..exquisite taste..the photography..the styling..♥..anyway I had pinned this recipe a LOOONG time ago..but didn't have a suitable mold..
Lo and behold I didn't find a recommeneded springform..but I did find this set..
and went ahead and made half the recipe and used pan #2.
So we had 2 smaller desserts instead of one big one..
The cake turned out beautifully.


My notes..as I said I mde half..I didn't have Calvados and I knew that...I can't bring myself to buying Calvados to make a few recipes..I used Sortilège,which is a QC liqueur ,maple flavored.It worked harmoniously.
In her recipe..if you can find when to add the caramelized walnuts please let me know.I went ahead and added to the batter(mine were pecans)..
And asked if that was right..I think so.
Beautiful cake..wonderful taste.
My glaze is that liquid gold I made a while ago and keep in the fridge..a thin burnished caramel you make stovetop and keep to glaze cookies or dishes such as these.
Yes ..yet another apple cake;)
I really do not think we can have too many.
I'll pull out the spring wreath..fresh cushions for the wicker..and hope the weather cooperates for Easter~

PS ..the adorable digital emebellishments were found at We Lived Happily Ever After~
I love her work..and they have just been blessed with a new baby boy~
Thank you Hannah.



70 comments:

  1. Good morning Monique,
    You are so good to start early on Ester preparation. I usually bake Springerle cookies, I have a few molds for them, and they can be good for weeks. Also it is fun to paint them-)
    Apple cake is very lovely!

    Hugs,

    Yelena

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    1. I love your molds Yelena..I have many of your beautiful cookies "PInned":)
      I think you would enjoy the cake..and the blog..

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  2. You are certainly on top of things Monique. With the move back to NC coming up, I haven't even thought about Easter. Your apple cake is beautiful and I love the new blogs that you have found. Hope you will see the grass beneath the snow soon.

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    1. It must be a busy time!I can recommend that cake wholeheartedly.
      Isn't it fun discovering new blogs..doesn't mean the others we favor are less special,..but different always gets the juices flowing..
      Happy settling back in to your summer home;)

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  3. What a delightfully delicious post this morning! It is now almost 9 a.m. and I've been up since 6:30 a.m. and have just noticed there's snow on the ground and it's still snowing!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    1. It's 10 F full sun here..no sign of warming up as of yet.
      I love my blogs in the morning too;)
      Better than the news or newspaper any day!

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  4. As usual, I like everything Monique - the painted cookies (no end to your talents?), the apple cake, the jar with my beloved Peter Rabbit. Another wonderful post.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. The jar is my daughter's..I remember who gave it to us..I just can't remember how it went from me to she or vice versa:)

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  5. Una tarta estupenda, y las galletas que maravilla, son una preciosidad.
    Me encanta todo.
    Besos

    lagalletarota.blogspot.com

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    1. Rosa.. I loved your bunny too w/ the pistachio cupcakes;)

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  6. It's snowing here like mad and this is a good post to see now! Your Easter preparations are great and I love the Spring flowers!

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    1. I remember last year in April I think..we had a huge storm!
      I am keeping my fingers crossed!

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  7. Monique, the cookies and cake are perfect. I can't imagine changing recipes up as I would be too afraid it would fail. Brave (and talented) you are.

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    1. How fun you have a new little bunny this Easter :)
      It was for my family..I don't entertain really..just family..so there is no pressure at all.:)
      I like that.

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  8. Yes I noticed sigh! and still I can't make something for Easter!!
    Love yours Easter cutters ! beautiful!
    All look georgeous (like always :)))
    xo

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  9. Love your Easter bunnies. We have house guests for this entire week and I haven't even given much of a thought to Easter. We always go to my BIL's house and consequently I don't decorate much for Easter. But you've inspired me Monique.
    Sam

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    1. You must be a great hosts:)
      I have not had overnight adult guests in so long!
      Like a B and B it must be there:)

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  10. Your cookies are just perfect. How lovely to be a child around you. I haven't done a children's Easter in ages.
    Too bad, I love decorating cookies.

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    1. When our girls had moved out..it was a stretch of very quiet little Easters.The year Lucas happened changed everything..and I imagine when they become teens..it will be quiet again.
      I remember him w/ bunny ears.. and a chair Jacques made for him the next yr..and he had a bowtie.
      Oh the memories are still so vivid and he will be 10 this summer..

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  11. Oh how beautiful everything is! And seeing Peter Rabbit and the hyacinths brought a breath of Spring and Easter - and the recipes (which I am clicking on) all sound wonderful. Your cookies always bowl me over; you are so patient and artistic. Lovely, just lovely.

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    1. Lots of fun links..the appetizer..so beautiful..the new blog..Happily ever after and the baby..enough to keep you entertained for a while;)
      I have time..and patience..and nowhere to go;)
      Before was different.you di things fater work or before work..and always knew the pager could go off.
      I hate to admit it..because I realize ..that things are different now..
      But I was a FIrst Responder..Jacques would always say..they can wait for you..I knew their homes were so important..buying or selling..I thought..no..call them now;)

      I LOVE having no pager and cellphone attached to me.

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  12. O what Easter Joy! I had the same cookie jar, it was given to me at our transfer station, so I gave it to my good friends' grandaughter. Love it! So you painted those designs on the frosting of the Easter cookies!!!! ?? (I will write un petit courriel bientôt. I was away for a few days...) There is a children's picture book I've always liked called The Easter Egg Artists. Perhaps it would be too young for your guys...

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    1. I think a past friend/florist gave it to me..eons ago..It is a dear jar isn't it?
      In fact I have fallen in love w/ Peter all over again~♥
      I will peek at that book..Sara arries today my tracking says!
      You are an enabler.In a good way.

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  13. Such a feast!!! I know it was a delightful mealtime for all. =) Monique, your painted cookies are so beautiful! I would hate to eat them they are so pretty! The Art of Hearing Heartbeats... can hardly put it down. Thank you. I'll wish for you a warm, beautiful Easter Sunday. Perfect for hunting eggs. ;) blessings ~ tanna

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    1. I am relieved and happy you love the book.
      A love story like no other.
      Thank you Tanna.

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  14. Oh Monique
    If only I was half as talented..
    those painted biscuits are exquisite..you so inspire me..love the apple cake too and the cookie jar..

    Love love visiting here..
    xx

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    1. You forget I have seen your handiwork..you could make these in a few peaceful hours..one to make cut out and bake..cool..then frost and let dry completely.
      Then the fun begins.
      I know you are much busier than I..but it is therapeutic too..
      Namaste;)

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  15. I can just imagine the face on the lucky person who gets those cookies --- you are so talented! And I just discovered fork and flower, I love it!

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    1. It's great!
      An artist in many ways she is..
      Just lucky I found her:)
      But aren't we all lucky how we find each other?

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  16. I just love the big fat bunny with the extra long eyelashes! Maybe I will play with painting on my cookies one of these days. You always inspire me with that, and I think I could if I chose something simple!

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    1. Oh I know you could..absolutely..but the ones you make already are just perfect!

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  17. The sugar cookies are beautiful! I especially love the eggs and the geese. Such talent to be able to paint those free hand. Were they done with a white glaze or the flooded Royal icing? I don't have your talent but maybe I could do some with stenciling the design using the edible paints. Sounds like you had a fantastic family celebration for Jacque. Both cakes look very tasty.

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    1. Yes..a line and flood..I am just learning..not as easy as all the pretty cookie decorators make it seem,I need practice..so much of it.With the edible colours you can't go over and over the glaze.. Stencil sounds brilliant Terry!

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  18. Noah with Pocahontas LOVE LOVE that photo

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  19. The cookies are works of art. I'm in love! Also in love with that adorable Peter Rabbit egg. Is this something you recently found? I would love to find one of these eggs.
    I popped over to We Lived Happily Ever After. Her current post is her new baby boy, so I smiled all the way through as I scrolled onto one precious baby photo after the other. What a darling family. The graphics are very pretty. I've saved them in hopes that I might actually to some painting. '-)
    Thank you for sharing all this beauty and creativity. You are the best, Monique. Happy Spring!

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    1. That little Hannah..always sharing digital things and tips and tricks..what a photographer too..that baby:) and her little girl..lovely lovely family.
      I quite like that egg too..It's been in the family..I wouldsay at least 15 yrs.A frind at the time worked at a florist shop and gave it to me or my daughter and I gave it to my daughter and she lent it to me;)
      Sunds so complicated..all to say we have had it for a very long time.It is so cute..there's a wee chip in the front..I don't even care.
      Everything Beatrix Potter Is so so cute.
      I bought a set of 23 books at a tag sale or something.. I am so partial to them..I think they were $2.00 for the set..years ago..I Googled them..and they are now a small fortune..
      Some of these items become dear.
      I will keep my eyes open for another egg on the net Sarah!
      Thank you..

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  20. The menu sounds so good - WOW. Your cookies look very good. I am lazy these days and buy the sugar cookies from a Grocery store that you an ice yourself. They are shaped according to the holiday, so I will be getting some this week.
    Thanks for sharing your beautiful cookies.
    Mary

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  21. Such sweet cookies- would love them in my basket! :)

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  22. Quand je passe chez toi, Monique, je ne sais plus où donner de la tête ! Tout est très tentant, d'abord ... ça, c'est sûr ! Les petits emporte-pièces, tes cookies joliment peints (là, tu m'impressionnes !), ta prévoyance (= penser à temps à mettre de l'herbe à pousser pour qu'elle soit assez haute pour t'en servir comme décor le jour de Pâques) ... Ce menu que tu nous racontes, aussi ... Il est juste terrible et j'adore cette idée de présentation du risotto dans des os à moelle nettoyés. Quant à ton gâteau ! je ne résiste pas non plus à un bon gâteau aux pommes ! Et puis j'ai du calvados, moi ! ;o))
    Alors tu vois, après avoir déjà passer un bon moment à te lire, je vais suivre les liens que tu nous donnes ... parce qu'à chaque fois, tu me fais découvrir des sites ravissants. Et tout ça, madame, c'est chronophage en diable ! ;o))) Mais bon, c'est toujours un plaisir renouvelé et pour cela, je te remercie de tout coeur !
    Bises
    Hélène
    PS : Ravissant, ton Peter Rabbit. Un de mes personnages imaginaires préférés ...

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    1. Moi aussi..Peter est un coup de coeur qui dure pour moi.
      Tu es si gentille ..et tes mots..de la pure poésie.x

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  23. Another beautiful post Monique! I love that you paint your Easter Cookies. So sweet and I am sure that people have difficulty eating them, not wanting to destroy all of your beautiful work. what a lovely meal. The presentation sounds superb! I cannot imagine going to all that trouble of using marrow bones, etc. for the risotto, but I admire people who take the time and trouble to do such a thing! That is my largest failure. presentation. I wish I was better at it. I am too impatient! that Maple Liquer sounds fabulous. I am crazy about Maple anything. Such a rare thing to find over here and costs the moon, Maple Syrup, but I do splurge every now and then! Hope your spring springs soon and that your Easter is just wonderful. xoxo

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    1. Maple syrup is expensive..to get the good kind..when I was growing up it wasAunt Jemima..Jacques' family had the real thing..his father had a grocery store..so I guess they knew a bit more.
      I would love it if you painted some cookies..can you imagine how absolutely adorably perfect they would be?
      Remeber the cupcake things you made me? The chicks..Oh PAINT some cookies!!

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  24. Adorable
    Adorable
    Adorable!
    And Beatrix Potter too.

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  25. Due to the whole family not being able to get together until the week after Easter I get an extra week to prepare :) Last Sunday the boys and I baked Easter cookies with several of the same cutter that you have and we colored the new unbreakable Easter eggs. Perfect for boys ♥ No decorating with them though - just sanding sugars. I wish I could find the menu you mentioned - it must have been wonderful! I love the beautiful spring bruschetta and your apple cake is stunning! So is the blog you sent us to. Such pretty pictures (just like yours). I love Peter Rabbit perched on that egg. Yes, he's coming soon :)

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    1. Today was Jacques real birthday..yours is demain♥
      I took him to lunch..at an Asian resto we like..a Williams Sonoma..happens to be there..Oh boy cute stuff..Loved the spatulas..but too $$ I found..I did find a couple of little cute things though.They have an Anthro..Oh my cuteness there..I was good..

      I did eggs last year with the boys..isn't it fun?
      Lucas was over yesterday after school.. we had a few treats and tea and did some homework.
      It's so much fun eing w/ all..but one on one..I told Frédérick when he picked Lucas up..at how peaceful I feel with Lucas♥
      9 is getting older..different..sweet..

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    2. Please tell Jacques Happy Birthday from me :) I love WS and Anthro too and yes, WS can be so pricey.

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  26. En effet ! Comme ça passe vite, il va me falloir préparer ça.
    Quelle superbe tarte :)

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    1. Tu aimerais tellement ce cake aux pommes ! Essaie..je t'assure..un succès!

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  27. Beautiful as always!! I am sooo not ready for Easter!

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    1. I thought you were retired?
      I know you have your Photography business that is booming.. and so rightly so..I said so twice because I mean it..but I thought you might have a bit more free time..I often wonder if you miss teaching?

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  28. Loving all your special touches for Easter. Easter is one of my favorite times to get together with family. Not busy like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
    I hope I can pull off a decent Easter dinner this year, as we will be returning from vacation the day before. Everyone has offered to bring something, and
    I will provide the meat and dessert. The spring bruschetta and your apple cake is superb.
    Hippity hoppity Easter is on it's way. Enjoy xo

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    1. I am sure you will have a great holiday..and you can pull off anything.
      I love Easter too Debbie.
      Bon voyage!

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  29. That Peter Rabbit is so pretty! I love that!
    Your cookies are a work of art....you are so talented!
    Enjoy your evening!
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. I bet you will spoil Miss V:)
      I saw such cute little girl Easter dresses today..not for here..but for you...

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  30. I so want your Peter Rabbit/Easter Egg figurine!! I only have two PR figurines and I'm so proud of them! What a wonderful meal you had. Everything sounds so exquisite and out of this world! Hope your snow melts soon and congratulations on your grass growing! Blessings, Bev

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  31. As always, everything looks just beautiful, Monique. The cookies are exquisite and the menu for dinner sounded wonderful.
    I'm swooning over your apple cake - have you ever thought of opening a pastry shop?
    Always such beauty in your life - as it should be.

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    1. I hope you try Fork and Flower's cake Susan..it is not only pretty it is very tasty:)
      Thank you Susan for your nice comments.

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  32. Love the hand painted cookies - soooo beautiful!

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  33. I love looking at your gorgeous photos and creative displays. You are one talented lady! Easter is coming quick this year - what happened to March?

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    1. We feel the same way..and even winter.If you can believe..and it has been Siberian like here..we have found it has flown by!

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  34. Oh, my goodness! What a marvelous feast you enjoyed! Such beautiful Easter preparations!

    I appreciate your visits to my blog, Monique, and I would certainly be happy to enter you in the drawing. I have sent things to Canada in the past.

    Yes, I do have all of Susan Branch's books.:-) I've even gifted copies of all of them to our three daughers through the years.:-) I use her calendar each year, too, and for a few years just couldn't bring myself to write on them! They are beautiful works of art, you know! But - there was no record of what the year had for us, so I began penciling in our activities. Now I'm unable to part with the calendars as they are "historical records."LOL

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    1. I insist you don't enter me..shipping those books would be $$$$$.
      In the US you have those boxes that are flat rate..do that..truly.
      I have Susan's stencils..the large ones..and her Summer book..love them..and her calendars..gems.
      Thank you Nellie..

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  35. Easter is such a pretty holiday! We did use to dye eggs, but then we would use them in chopped liver! My kids always wanted a chocolate Easter bunny, but then they wanted to know what candy had to do with Easter and things got complicated-so no chocolate. My daughter though is addicted to the Cadbury creme eggs; I guess because I never bought them for her. I love the malted milk ball robin's eggs. But not as much as I would love those cookies!

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    1. It is a very sweet time for children.I have memories of church and white gloves..and a little spring dress.
      No egg hunt that I ca reember as we do here.But my dad would buy me a little girl sized bunny..that I kept in my closet..and would break off pieces.
      I still remember the taste..especially where the chocolate was colored..

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