Monday, June 22, 2015

Summer is here..
















And Saturday proved it well..

I went to our brocante bright and early..  9.30..still parking on main area..where the pond is..by the time I left 10.45..people buzzing and having to park up the hill..
I bought 2 little things..and will think of two more..
I left the Mr McGregor things there..who will want these things one day when I am no longer using them..
I learned lessons this week..about being older..being alone..maybe that's what stopped me in my tracks..

..anyways I love going there..everyone's got a story..everyone..and the sellers often tell you if you are open to listening..and I am.
Came home..did a bit of baking..for Father's Day at Caroline's..then I went to our waterfont church to try fluffy cloud plein air painting..the parking lot was packed!
I never knew QC had a Red Hat Society.. yes..  an event there..so I went to the next best waterfront spot..there was a table waiting for me and I enjoyed every moment..no one came to peek at what I was doing and left me alone:)
A wash dries fast in the brilliant sunshine on a breezy day by the water;) Lesson learned..and a clip.

All Our Fingers In The Pie..on her other blog Violets In My Garden..Sarah..used that cuteness of a cake pan..I could not bring myself at my age to get one..until I found a knock off ..silicone on Ebay.
The result was perfection..
I was very happy with the outcome of this cake.. I found the recipe here..:)
I wanted to use what I had on hand..
What I liked is that there was not too much batter..less than needed to fill the mold..so each honeycomb..pulled apart..my family thought the cake was lovely..me too:)
I'll post the recipe at the end..I used fine semolina that looks like flour..and yet you still got a slight crunch..the orange was refreshing..
Keeper recipe and mold.
The second dessert was DEELICIOUS and a keeper too..will share it soon..

I got hooked on lobster rolls while away..and got a craving so I made those one night and will again..


SO DELICIOUS.
Father's Day was relocated to Caroline's (bless her heart!) and was wonderful..I think all 3 dads enjoyed their get together and dinner..great burgers..salads etc..
I think get togethers with family are so important if you can.
The kids have fun..and the adults too..no one in the world makes me laugh like them.No one.

La Recette~

3/4 cup plus 2 tbsps all purpose flour
3/4 cup fine grind cornmeal
1 cup..2 sticks unsalted butter,softened
3/4 cup plus 2 tbsps sugar
3/4 tsp salt
2 tbsps plus 1 1/2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp finely grated orange zest..(I doubled that)

Pre-heat oven to 325F
Coat your pan with non stick cooking spray and set aside
In a small bowl whisk flour and cormeal until just combined,set aside
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted w/ the paddle,cream butter,sugar,salt,honey and orange zest until pale and fluffy about 5 minutes..add eggs one at a time incorporating fully before adding another..Using a rubber spatula fold in the flour mixture into the butter mixture until just combined
Pour the batter in the prepared pan  and bake 40 mins  or until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean

Please refer to her notes for additional info~
Each perfect little comb..pulls apart so well.

Welcome to QC  Summer..I have been waiting for you..The Littles finish school..markets have home grown produce..berries are plentiful..garlic scapes..herbs..all gifts.




61 comments:

  1. I'm looking forward to attending our markets on Tuesday and Friday. A bit more of unpacking and I'll be ready to explore.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  2. Sure look like a georgeous and lovely summer Monique!! Love all the pictures:)
    And is a lovely recipe, look awesome!!
    xo

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    1. Summer is welcomed with open arms here for the short months we have it..
      In a waiting room Saturday..met a nice nice lady..from Chile:)

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  3. So many beautiful photos, Monique. That cake is sheer perfection! The lobster roll reminded me of a trip into NYC a few months back. My friend found the name of a place that a few chefs had told her was their favorite place for lobster rolls. Instead of a beautiful restaurant, we found ourselves in a tiny storefront with 6 stools. They were right though - the lobster roll was like none I've ever tasted - no mayo just butter and seasoning. Your picture has me thinking I may have to pick up some lobster and give it a try.

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    1. I am going to try w/ a touch of butter one day..this one had barely there mayo..barely..lemon juice..s and p..and chives..
      I am craving another already:)
      Sometimes the most inocuous places serve the best food;)
      Sometimes not:)

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  4. Honey, that looks delicious :) I love the sound of the texture/orange zest - I know I would love it and I could make this in my small bundts instead. I will look for the fine corn meal. I love lobster rolls! We have a small darling restaurant (owned by a friend of Bob's) that serves a delicious lobster roll at a very reasonable price. I've wanted to try them at home too! This summer for certain. We had a wonderful day yesterday also. So much fun, a lovely day, and the food Bob served - oh my! I always marvel at your beautiful flea market. Can't wait to see what you brought home :)

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    1. Honey..I was so happy how the cake turned out..you know how you hold your breath when you flip?
      Ahh.... Jacques..viens voir!So happy.

      I am sure Bob and Fred would get along famously.
      Tell us what you ate next time you post:)
      I'll make the garlic rolls soon;)
      Fun to have a friend in the family that has a darling little resto..Caro and Fred's friends used to own one too..sold a couple of years back.
      I always liked going there.
      Susan.I am NUTS about lobster rolls now!♥
      I have a few cornmeals the one I used is like flour..yet it still had the crunch...slight ..but there..

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  5. Your brocante photos are the most beautiful and interesting I've ever seen!! The sunlight is such a part of the still lifes!! Those cats: I bought my father one like that when I was in middle childhood years (I'd looked it up online and there it was! It was a letter and pen holder) Lots of stories in those many things, aren't there?

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    1. Every ..vendor has so many things..I would need an aerial view to show you..I took the cats shot because they are not unfamiliar to me and am wondering from where?
      Did my mom have one at one time? An aunt?

      Many have boxes and boxes under their tables of treasures..
      So darn interesting ..everywhere you look..I like different..unique..
      This place has it all for me:)
      Thanks Rita!

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  6. such perfect summer memories, it sounds like so much fun to be painting by the water. I love the look of all those birdhouses at the market and those vintage glass bottles too. So glad that you had a good fathers day celebration with delicious food. Oh and those lobster rolls for some reason i'm not sure if i like lobster but those just look so delicious i think it would change my mind :)

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    1. I think you would find a new food to like.Janni they taste like a holiday by the shore on a plate;)
      You would LOVE our market..LOVE.
      I am so grateful to have this dear place.
      I saw one of the daughters of the owner..such a nice smart natural beauty..her sweet daughter Katherne..was in Max's pre-school 3 yrs ago..they just got new bunnies and Katherine named them Angel and Max♥
      I was so touched she has not forgotten him!

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  7. Ce moule à gâteau en nid d'abeille est juste trop mignon et irrésistible !

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  8. I could spend hours just picking up and holding and admiring practically everything at a flea market!

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    1. Me too Pam..one of the reasons I like to go alone..I know where and what I want to see..and not..Jacques comes once..I never buy anything
      When he is there because..well I don't shop I admire and a feeling takes over..I don't want anyone to say..do you need another measuring cup..:)
      Such a frugal interesting satisfying outing.

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  9. Haha This last comment is so true! :)) much better a solitary expedition- or with a partner in crime, of course! When Jillayne was here and we went shopping together, I ended up bringing home a WHOLE box of treasures! :)
    On the other end, I understand what you said about getting older... and alone... I remember my Granny, though- even if she was alone, her simple "treasures" kept her company, and she spent time cleaning and tidying up... Each of her belongings was taken care of with love and patience, and they made her happy.
    xoxo

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    1. True..and I hope this is true for many people..but at one point..some people are beyond enjoying anything ..later in life..alone and not well:(
      Not wishing that state on anyone..
      On a much happier note you have inspired me to pack props one day ..to a spot I may have noticed..and play like you did..perhaps not as prettily..but still the inspiration was great!

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  10. Oh, that lobster roll is calling to me like a siren in the sea. I never have them unless I'm up on the east coast. Just not available here in TX. Perhaps I should lobster and make my own. You are an inspiration, Monique.
    I will definitely make the cake ~ cornmeal and orange ~ just my "cup of tea". Of course I'm crushing over the mold. I will rush off to goole this to see where you found it on line.
    My heart feels as yours of late. As I organized to pack, I have so many things. Things that I enjoy, but don't use on a regular basis. Who is going to want them? I gave away many things with this most recent purge of things. Yet, I've a storage room full of boxes of things I'm not yet ready to part with. Once we make a move, I'll know what I want to keep, and what can be given to others. It is a process for me. I can't be rushed. I need to be mindful of the process.
    OK, I'm off to find a honeycomb. I want to make that cake this weekend. ;-)

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    1. Google Eabay..ships from China though..takes about 3 weeks
      It's pink though not orange as shown..just so you know;)
      Oh yes buy lobster and make..a treat for you and your darling..

      You must have so many treasures!
      Fun mold..I have no regrets!

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  11. I'll try to reach you here. Have you received my emails? Uncharacteristically,, no response.

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    1. Not one..nothing in spam either!I'll write you..

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  12. What a fun mold....bee-utiful little cakes. I thought I would do a bee theme on my garden potting bench this summer, but maybe next year since time has been slipping away.

    I must make the lobster roll...just for me as Joe does not care for lobster. xo

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    1. Treat your self..oh a bee theme would be so cute!

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  13. Oh, to be in Canada and able to partake of flea markets and yard sales on Saturdays. They do car boot sales here and only on Sundays, and my Sundays are not free for that sort of thing. Sigh . . . Oh well, it probably saves me a lot of money as I am a sucker for old china bits, salt and pepper shakers, sugar bowls, creamers, tea cups and the like. OH, and pretty plates. I could spent a fortune, lol

    Your cake is gorgeous. What a lovely pan! I am sure it went down a real treat as the recipe sounds delicious also! We had a very quiet Father's Day. Not such a happy one for Todd as he lost his remaining son just recently and so there was a lot of reflection on that. I tried to call my father but he was out. So, no talking to him either! Nevermind, I treated Todd like a king! Egg custard tarts, which he loves. Pot Roast and mash, which he also loves and a big box of Licorace Allsorts! He would like the lobster roll, me I am allergic. It looks good though! xoxo

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    1. Sorry for Todd..of course..

      I wondered if Father's Day was the same day in England..as Mother's Day is not..
      Definitely lots of temptations..gratefully I need nothing expensive;)
      Lots of s and p shakers..creamers,bowls and tea cups for sure..al the way to a skeleton.
      Life size.
      Something for everyone!

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    2. Yes, Father's Day is the same day here as in Canada. I do browse the charity shops looking for treasures from time to time. Occasionally I find something nice! xoxo

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  14. Thanks for the recette ! Christine

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  15. looks like a wonderful market, I could spend hours in a place like that. Lovely cake, perfect for summer.

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    1. I could too..so interesting and every Saturday..unique:)

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  16. Precious cakes. We had father's day in Tulsa with everyone there. They all went to a dino movie while I stayed with Penny Lane. She is shy at 4 months, and cried and cried. I felt so bad for her. She doesn't get to see me enough. I love lobster but never get to have it here in the heartland. I did spy some jadite which daughter #2 collects. I pick some up for her whenever I see it.

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    1. Poor little Penny Lane:)Oh nana.. cried and cried..how sad:(
      She will get over her shyness.. and look forwrad to every visit..I know it:)
      Jadite..I love it too..never started collecting it..I know my mom had some at some point..where oh where did it end up?
      I bet you have great antique places in Tulsa.:)

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  17. What a great market, Monique! Lobster's great but not readily available here. And I love those black cats since we've had several over the years. Great summer things and you're the best at art and creativeness! Have a good fun week!

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    1. Such a neat cat collection ..I thought of all my cat loving friends..every week new and different..you too Pam have a great week.

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  18. Oh you must love going to that market....I know I would!
    Can I make Lobster sandwiches with frozen canned lobster?
    My boyfriend bought a can, and froze it!
    Perhaps with a wee bit of mayo,green onion,celery?
    Yours looks so good!
    Glad you had a lovely family Fathers Day....so special!
    Enjoy your week...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. I bet you could..thaw and take out excess moisture..
      May try that this winter.
      I am hooked Linda..
      You too enjoy the week..thanks:)

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  19. Aren't those sweetest little cakes ever? Love the bee themed look. That market look like fun. To be able to stroll around and find some goodies. Is that a lobster roll? Yummy lunch menu. You always make the prettiest baked goods.

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    1. Yes lobster roll..I have become smitten with them:) You always do the prettiest parties!

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  20. What a great cake recipe, but I love that mold! Lobster rolls are the best and just scream summer to me. They are also pure decadence at least in Denver, so once a summer or twice at most!

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    1. I love the mold too..Sarah pushed me over the edge;)

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  21. I agree, this pan was too expensive. I borrowed it from a friend. Wow, I'll be checking for knock-offs from now on. Your cake is perfect.

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    1. Sarah..you pushed me over the edge..;)

      The pan was ap $17.00 Canadian including shipping..I think $13.US..

      EBAY..

      worked like a charm..it's pink though..the ad shows orange..more beehivey..
      regardless..it is a GREAT mold..
      $50.00 was way too much for me..like you said..

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  22. What fun to collect little treasures. I love to go to estate sales. There were some pretty fabulous ones in South Carolina. Whenever I find something special, I always think about where the previous owner may have purchased it, and if it meant something special to them. I have even gone as far as tracking down the provenance of some of the art work that I have purchased.

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    1. I bet you have been to wonderful ones..I have been to 2 in Florida..but they were different..not at all like this..
      so commercial..knock offs.. neon..glitter..
      probably very wrong addresses for me..
      In France we went to a fabulous one..Isle-Sur-La Sorgue..♥

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  23. That cake is awesome - you find the most unusual recipes, Monique - I get so inspired every time I come here!!

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  24. I do love the bee cake pan. What a lovely presentation in the summer time (or anytime for that matter). Lobster rolls are a rare treat here on the West Coast, but I do splurge once in awhile. Looking forward to your recipe, Monique. There is so much temptation in your flea market photos. I wouldn't be able to resist.

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    1. I do too..and it's affordable..it was the second dessert for Father's day..yours was first;)

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  25. Bonjour chère Nana,

    J'aime flâner, chiner dans les vide-greniers, les brocantes de toutes sortes... On y découvre toujours un objet qui rappelle notre enfance.
    Tes photos me laissent toujours aussi songeuse... Et un gâteau au miel certainement délicieux...

    Gros bisous à toi et bel été également.

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  26. Monique, Lots of wonderful antiques at the Flea Market, I saw some things I'd love to have. Wish I lived closer. The lobster rolls and the bee cake are scrumptious!! In love with that pan, I have to find it! Thanks for sharing. Happy Thursday!
    Hugs,
    Jody

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    1. It's ebay.. pink though!
      They show orange..:)
      I bet you would find lots of neat things:)

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  27. It's such a great pleasure to discover your blog, the pictures you took are sosunny and colorful, I have the feeling to be in summer. And your cake is so beautiful :)

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  28. Your trip to the flea market looks like fun....I love to wander around a market by myself. I don't like to rush or feel rushed...I am so conscious of Terry waiting and waiting.... The bee pan/cake is so darn cute. What a fun treat for Father's Day....

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    1. I am going to share Cathy's Hazelnut Strawberry cake tomorrow..you will love it..
      I am conscious of everything..too much..always..
      next life..not as much;)

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  29. OMG, the cake is absolutely stunning!!! What a wonderful and beautiful dessert!

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    1. Thank you Yelena..I must admit I smiled when I flipped it..and tasted it:)♥

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  30. Encore un moule superbe ! Et une belle recette à essayer ...

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