Sunday, October 23, 2016

Mmmmm....comfort food and comfort views~♥












I had more inspiration lately..one from a friend and one from a French blog..

Linda mentioned Martha's lentil soup..she had given me a red lentil soup recipe that was terrific..the NYT one..I have 3 others also..this one..this one..and this one ..but I had bought some green lentils from France..so I tried the recipe Linda sent me and it is a delicious soup..she suggested the addition of pancetta..and that's what I used..I did add a couple of dashes of hot sauce that I love..
My love affair w/ lentil soup only started in the last few years..it was never something I loved..until I got terrific recipes..:)
Thanks Linda for 2 of them:)

Now Martha..that's another story..when I found out she was on TV many years ago..I worked.. so Jacques would "tape" the shows for me..

lol..




These are just part of my collection..on top..there is a sheet with which episodes..and what was in them:)
I was INLOVE with her in the late 80's 90's..
thank goodness we still have a VCR..I will watch one day..but with Netflix and PVR..and On Demand..and books and painting and not working..:) it may be a while.
She looks fantastic I find.

I am skipping over the whole jail thing because I am not very knowlegeable on insider trading...mais pas du tout.


The other ispiration found was a no-knead recipe..I know.. I know we all have so many..I won't even link to all the breads I have made..you would be yawning..and annoyed..or skip right over them:)
it's a neverending story..:)
So it was at La Popotte De Manue that I spotted this one..
I used my regular Silpat..next time I will try in my curved molds but they are not non-stick:(
I would love hers..$$$...  weird... the 7 cavity one is cheaper but does not fit in my oven:(
The trick is to not handle the dough a lot..she used the word..precautionarily..
I want mine to crack  open next time..like hers..could be the flour..etc..one never knows..

so here is what I did..

500 gr of flour
350 gr tepid water+50 gr tepid water
7 grams active dry yeast..I buy a big vacuum packed yeast..keep it in the fridge
2 tsps of salt
1 tsp of sugar..
Dissolve the yeast in the 50 gr of lukewarm water

Mix the flour..salt and sugar ..then add the lukewarm water and yeast water..mix until you have a sticky dough..
sprinkle liberally with flour..cover and let rest until doubled..
flip onto a well floured surface..cut into 8 and carefully place on your baking surface..pre-heat oven to 450 F..and let the breads sit while the oven is pre-heating..
bake for 15-20 minutes..go look at her pictorial:)

And beautiful pics.
I love making breads and seeing them..and smelling them:)

You may enjoy what our QC looks like this October..
Just click here:)







It has been nothing short of magical..QC.. this fall..and even stragglers are hanging on..see the rose?

This weekend was dark and rainy and so windy..
I planted all my garlic and I thought the wind would carry me away..we had no power Sunday morning so I thought just do it..had a winter hat on..
All White German is planted..square bed..and horizontal bed..Xlarge in the hexagonal one..and Music in the herb part.
Fingers crossed for a good crop.
It's been my favorite thing to grow this year.

And nana is stitching..Christmas.



Take every opportunity you have to tell someone you love..that  you love them.



I think I tell them all too much:)

They just grow up so fast..

In September Lucas is going to the college his parents went to.
He was accepted after the entrance exam and we are happy for him.He will look dashing in blazer and tie♥
And grey flannels..
I told my daughter you know he won't be rolling up his skirt:)
My girls did that.Not to today's heights..lol.

Autumn,the year's last,loveliest smile..
~William Cullen Bryent.

47 comments:

  1. Do I get to be the first comment? We shall see. I don't think you can ever tell anyone you love them too much! I never tire of hearing it. I am greedy when it comes to that! Love the photo of your wee grandson. They DO grow up too fast! I love that J taped MS for you. I, too, loved her show and gobbled it up. I loved everything about it. I wish they would show it over here. Your bread looks gorgeous and your soup magnifique! I never thought I would like Lentil soup, but I do. It is very hard to photograph and make look delicious! You have managed perfectly! I love the Christmas Ornie. So sweet. You are a treasure dear friend. Love you to bits. Keep enjoying your autumn, it will be winter far too soon! xoxo

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    1. yes! I did it. I was first! *gloat* ☺

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    2. Bonjour:)

      I am not surprised you loved Martha..I think she really was the first to inspire me..on TV..that is..
      I love lentil soups now and I never thought I would either..:) So so good..
      I always let them cook longer though..I don't want a bite to my lentils:)

      It's blustery here today..scones will be made:)

      Have a beautiful day Marie:)

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    3. I meant to tell you a funny story about MS. When my oldest daughter got to Grade Eleven, she didn't want to go to school for a time. We had moved to a new very urban place just outside of Toronto and she felt lost and out of place. Typical of a developmentally handicapped person who likes things to stay the same. So I homeschooled her for a time. MS was our Home Economics class! I have my eye on some Maple Apple Scones, and I have just made the best creamy chicken and rice soup ever! xo

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    4. Aww..what a mom what a mom..!!!
      I made your Bumbleberry Traybake today:)♥

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  2. Good morning Monique. Could not let this post go by without a reply. I too am a lover of lentils for only about 2/3yrs. Strange how are tastes change when we mature, I won't say that word that begins with 'O' I love autumn /winter months to make soups and comfort food, after a long hot summer of salads they are very comforting on a cold & wet day.It is still very mild here, although it's raining which the garden really needs. So nice to know school uniform is still worn, here in France we are unless I go to the cities which is very rare I never see school uniform. Although our eldest is at a business college & has to wear a suite or a smart jacket, trousers not denim jeans and a shirt & tie. Mr France is very pleased about this rule, he's a stickler for smartness, he says it shows respect and discipline from within. Lovely photos as alway. Pleased that you managed to plant more garlic. and I agree one cannot say I love enough, so I'll say I love you and your lovely blog, which always makes me feel comforted by your food photos and such kind words. Enjoy your week.

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    1. What a beautiful comment we do love our blog friends don't we?
      It's a whole different love but it's a love across the oceans..countries..cities..It's a small small world after all..and I would much rather love than fight..alwaysx
      Mr France sounds like M. Jacques:)
      I am happy to be able to follow your new adventure..I hope you have time to keep us in the loop..in the interim..health and happiness to you and Mr France wherever you go!

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  3. Yum, the bread looks wonderful. Wonder if I could just put them on a large cookie sheet or will they spread as thy rise? I'm not a lentil person yet but it is the perfect time of year to get into it. I'm going to make Osso Buco tonight. Hopefully it turns out well. You have had a perfect fall foliage season. Yup the littles are growing up. Lillian has two teeth showing through and Katherine had homework! Is that Lucas in the photo? Which ever one of the littles, he is adorable.

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    1. I hope you give lentil soup a try..I really had no desire for lentils at all..so flavorful the two soups Linda sent me..Linda is a great cook Terry..she's not blogging these days but if you look back at her blog..everything is A-1..knows her ingredients..the right way to do everything..very very accomplished wonderful cook..I mean if she can inspire me w/ an email? Says it all:)

      I cannot belive Lillian has 2 teeth..what a cute age that is!!
      The photo is of Oli..who is now 7..:) and it feels like yesterday..
      I love Osso Bucco..I make Ann T's recipe and so do my daughters now..
      I love the gremolata on top..the only thing is I bake mine almost twice as long..I like fall off the bone:)
      Enjoy..
      Do you know Ann T? Thibeault's Table..great food and wood boards:)

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    2. I would try the soup but I'm still on my liquid restrictions from my low sodium issue. Maybe I'll try some and give some to the girls too. The Osso Buco turned out well, even Frankie enjoyed it. I'll have to explore Ann T and research Linda's old blog.

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  4. I love lentil soup too! I will check out your recipes. Fall looks beautiful in your area.

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    1. The two of Lindas..are super..actually I love them all..it's so blustery here I feel like making one now..I am ok w/ just soup for dinner..Jacques always adds to the menu for himself:)

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  5. I can't believe Lucas is going to college. They really do grow up so fast. It is so pretty there. We are waiting for fall here. I think I'd like to try that soup and add some pearl barley. I too have always been in love with Martha Stewart. Perfection. She has grandchildren finally and seems to love that too. I haven't tried baking any bread lately but will try to make a no knead one. I have many bulbs to plant, but need to clear out beds. We haven't had a freeze yet so pretty much everything is slowing down, but not dead yet. I have so many things to do, I need to get after it.

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    1. Hi Donna..don't start with this no knead one..start with Ricardo's ..I am not belittling this one..but Ricardo's is best..you would mix it up tonight and bake tomorrow..it's on the blog..so good..
      I didn't know Martha had grandchildren..I knew of the loss of her sister and mom..now I see her daughter had children..I still have her cookbooks what a treat that was to but those..the early ones..soft cover:)
      It's fun to have things to do..never bored..I don't like feeling overwhelmed though:) HATE it...
      Have a great day..cccold here..

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    2. It's me again..Jacques reads my blog and said ..Lucas..it's high school..it is..the place is called Collège..so and so..it's a private high school I guess that's why the fancier name..it used to be an all boys institution when I was growing up..nw its mixed and even elementary school:)
      Sorry for the confusion..he will be in grade 7 which is high school here..
      I have my proofreader as you can see:)

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    3. Ha, Monique. I was shocked when I read that as college here starts at around 18 years old. I couldn't believe he was that old;) I thought I had really missed out on some time. What was that little coat you were sewing? Cutest ever.

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    4. It's a CHristmas tree ornament..it's from Posy Gets Cozy blog..Alicia Paulsen..she sells kits..for a number of years now I have bought the digital file that comes via internet..the patterns..each kit has 3 different ornaments.. I buy the felt and etc..here..
      she does sell kits w/ everything you need..her blog is beautiful..they adopted a baby girl..Amelia..4 yrs ago..I have loved watching her grow..plus Alicia..makes all her clothes etc..and takes astounding pics..:)
      I know..he would have had a real growth spurt our Lucas:)!!

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    5. LOVE Alicia's blog...but I never comment...just drool!

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  6. SOS...some green lentils from France..so I tried the recipe Linda sent me and it is a delicious soup.' Link does not take you to that delicious soup me thinks...ahem

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    1. Hi Carol..so ..don't click on Linda..that brings you to her blog so you can get an idea of her delicious recipes..she has not blogged in a while but I like sharing her blog because it's still there and great recipes..click on Martha's lentil soup link earlier on in the post just above..that'swhere the link is..I will copy and paste..


      Lentil Vegetable Soup
      Nothing beats a good, hearty soup that has inexpensive ingredients, feeds a lot of people, and doesn't take long to make. For a twist on this triple threat, add some bacon or pancetta. From the book "Mad Hungry," by Lucinda Scala Quinn (Artisan Books).

      SERVINGS: 8
      2.7 k
      SHARES




      SOURCE: MAD HUNGRY, SEPTEMBER 2010






      INGREDIENTS

      2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
      1 onion, chopped (3/4 cup)
      2 carrots, peeled and chopped (3/4 cup)
      2 celery stalks, peeled and chopped (2/3 cup)
      3 garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)
      1 tablespoon coarse salt
      1 small tomato, chopped (1/3 cup)
      1 tablespoon tomato paste
      2 cups brown or green lentils
      1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
      1 small bay leaf
      1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
      6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
      4 cups water, plus more if needed
      2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
      Garlic Croutons, optional
      DIRECTIONS

      Heat a large soup pot over high heat and swirl in the olive oil. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Reduce the heat to low and saute until the vegetables are lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
      Add the lentils, thyme, bay leaf, pepper, and the remaining 2 teaspoons salt. Add the broth and water, and bring to a boil, skimming and discarding any foam as it rises to the surface. Reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. (The cooking time depends on the age of the dried lentils.) Stir in the vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper. If needed, thin the soup with additional water or broth for the desired consistency. Serve in a bowl topped with fresh croutons, if using.
      I added pancetta..:)

      It's really good..I like to add a dash of hot sauce to soups too..

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  7. I have loved lentil soup for years. I remember sending Lindsay off to her university with my favorite lentil soup recipe in her Family Cookbook :) Lentils and ham or pancetta are a wonderful match :) Now I am craving lentil soup! Such beautiful views there. We golfed with friends yesterday (I just did putting and some short chipping). It got to 70F! Blue sky, red and golden trees, a golf course - LOVE :) I had to smile at your tapes of Martha Stewart. I have watercolor painting tapes from the 90s. Thankfully, we have a DVD/BluRay machine that has a VHS tape slot too :) Your bread looks amazing! ♥ the little red coat and Oli blowing milkweed seeds!

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    1. It's in the 40's today..brrr..having WonTon soup to warm us up..I don't even know what chipping is..a girl after Jacques heart you are..:)We still have a VHS machine..Jacques does not throw much out..one day I will watch a few episodes..she has aged so well..so has Christie Brinkley lol.
      What's in their water..

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  8. Oh, adore those lentil soup recipes, but especially the top pictured one - pancetta is a wonderful idea! Must make for this nasty cold that arrived yesterday, after I finish my carrot soup (with hot sauce). And I envy you your vcr. I ended up giving away all my tapes when I moved - all those wonderful old movies! I looked and looked everywhere, but none to be found. Someone should start making them again (and the tapes), I think they look much better than dvd's. Gorgeous color you've captured with your camera!

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    1. I had a tape..with these written..My tape..I am going to watch that one first..I think I took some friends at the time..I mean this is years ago..86 I think:)
      Poor you and a cold..the only good thing about them is they eventually go aaway and you feel like a million bucks!:)I like a little picante too:)

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  9. I had to laugh when I read your comment about your daughters rolling up their skirts!!..I went to Holy Names high school in Montreal....& we did that too!!..& by senior year...I was being very rebellious & wearing coloured button-down collar shirts!! I so love your blog..you are so talented!!

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    1. Oh YOU made me laugh with the shirts:) Now..look..lol..I think the Britneys changed the course of young girls..some..and the Mileys:)
      Twiggy was out most avant-garde,but I certainly wasn't Twiggy..

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  10. This is just the coziest, loveliest post, Monique. I want to crawl into it and feel all toasty! The food all looks wonderful, bread and soup -- thanks for the bread recipe.

    I have a ton of Martha tapes too. I loved the show, think her ideas are great (the ones not SO over the top!) and still watch her current PBS programs. And you're right -- she does look good!

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    1. Thank you Jeanie:)I am a bread and soup girl..some of the clouds looked like snow clouds today..it will be here soon enough:)
      I should peek into Martha:)

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  11. I loved Martha too! I remember she was only on for 1/2 hour once a week...couldn't wait!
    Your colours are fabulous...perhaps I will see some on the drive to check out the cottage tomorrow...
    Soup and bread are my favs...made Chucks no knead bread...very good...but.....yours looks way better!
    That little in the hat is a doll! How do you stand their cuteness? hahaha!
    Enjoy your evening my friend...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)
    ps...that red dress is spectacular...is there nothing you can't do? Is it a pattern???

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    1. There is so much I can't do..I am a copycat..don't make this no knead ..start w/ Ricardo's..
      I bet you relived every wedding moment this Sunday and Monday♥

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    2. Ok...I will check that out!
      Yes....still dreaming of that day♥️

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  12. ~I remember when that picture was taken Mon!💙🍂

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  13. What a lovely combination, a great soup, some tasty bread and you are there. Beautiful post Monique. The photos are always enchanting. Maybe this Winter, is the time I practice my bread making skills.

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  14. Lucas is going to college...oh my, how did that happen? Bread and soup are my winter favorites and I could have them at least once a week during the cold winter months. A tornado, of all things, tore through our beach town last weekend and did severe damage to our little town. House is fine, but others have big problems. Crazy weather. Our little ones grow up so fast. Preschool today...tomorrow, college.

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  15. Monique, Love Martha Stewart too. I have always been a follower of hers, loved her old TV show. I learned so much about plants and cooking. I tape the new cooking shows now, just haven't had the time to watch it yet. I'll have to try the no knead bread recipe, thanks for sharing. I know I have attention deficit. I start reading all these wonderful cooking and decorating magazines, I want to do it all!!! Your blog doesn't help I want to do everything you do.
    Love your inspiration ♥ Hugs, Jody

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    1. Ditto..but I live in QC..I can't follow in your gardening footsteps:) Thank you Jody.

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  16. Your photos of fall, the lovely bread and the lentil soup make me wish south Florida had a fall season, but at least our weather has cooled a bit. You must really be excited about Lucas attending college. How time flies as they grow up...

    Hope you have a great weekend.
    Sam

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    1. It's really high school but the name of the College has college in it.
      I think it will be nice to see him in a suit and tie..I can imagine on the way home the tie will be off and the top button of the shirt undone:)

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  17. Autumn, the year's loveliest smile...yes! Yes, express love...and beauty...sometimes I think nature and these happy images are even more important when you have such ugliness here in the States that is reflected in our politics these days...Milkweed photo, adorable! Love your calligraphy and organization of your Martha Stewart collection!

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    1. Oh what a shame re the politcs..I am sure everywhere has their moments..I for one am happy with our Prime Minister..but upon reflection..Your president..Mister Obama and his wife have set the bar sooooo high I think it will be hard for anyone..such intelligence..class..their art of conversation..as public speakers they are flawless..
      Loved them actually.

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  18. Your kitchen must forever be having wonderful aromas wafting from it! That soup and bread look amazing, wish I was your neighbor, I'd be happy with the crumbs :)

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  19. Late to the party...I am so glad you liked the soup! This one and the Orange one are our very favorites too! You made it look beautiful!
    I still have two quarts of it in the fridge from the other night! Your bread looks amazing! You are the no knead bread queen!
    Bisous xoxoxoxo

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  20. I do miss fall in Quebec...your photos are always gorgeous! Time sure does pass much too quickly. xo

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