Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Our Little Christmas~




Christmas eve morning through the window~



The potting shed looking quite festive~



We didn't have far to go..so the weather could be frightful..it was beautiful actually..not frightful:)
Caroline and Frédérick hosted Christmas Eve..and I was relieved they didn't have to host w/ out power like last year.
Fred is an amazing cook..I mean pheasant with wild boar stuffing for a starter?And Roasted Goose with Calvados and apples?



Their home looked beautiful..see that snowman bag? Katie to me..how sweet was that?



Little monkeys♥
Santa gave them each about 12 pairs of socks in their stockings..their mamas were happy.





So we had a wonderful Christmas eve..we were all there..Giuliana and Adamo also.
It makes me happy that they want to come and be with us..

There was a Littles table..and the adults table..it's such a good idea..

As I said the food was so good..I don't know why I just keep eating and eating the appetizers when I know there will also be starters and a main meal..
Boxing day I tried to sway myself away from the sucre a la crème..and the shortbreads and Christmas crack..who knew something not good for you and so sweet could be a downfall for me.The first and the latter had a strange hold on me this year..and sweets are not my thing..

After dinner..LET THE FIREWORKS begin!Thank you Fred~
How wonderful to think of doing this..the kids are in awe..and so are the adults..this year Katie's family joined us and another family on their street..magical..
I never had Christmases like that.
Even a toast of champagne.

Christmas morning was at our home..I love that too..everyone comes in their pjs..and we exchange gifts..stockings and Santa has been here.
Noah got an electric keyboard..they brought it downstairs and all of a sudden I heard a gifted virtuso playing Fur Elise etc..!
I looked at his mommy in surprise and she said:"mom they come pre-programmed".
:) The little virtuoso..made all the gestures a pianist would make..very funny.

I think I had shared with you the flat gingerbread houses I had made in preparation for a cake..this was it.
I was pleased with the finished result..albeit..it weighed 10 lbs I am certain..
last year I had seen cakes like this and knew I would make one..

I can't find the link:(
The cake recipe I used..is this one..you can find it on a few links here and there.
I used one cup less icing sugar asked for..and I would use one less again.the cake is good..dense yet moist..but I would have preferred a fluffier icing...so less icing sugar.

Christmas crack?
Here you go..

the above is ONE of many variations on the web..I have tasted with pecans..and smarties..and sprinkles on top of the choco..I used slivered almonds..

Sucre a la crème is a fudge that is very popular at Christmas..I have made many through the years..thermometer..no thermometer..sometimes hard as a rock..sometimes a sloppy mess:(
I have found the recipe that works for me..to a T..and it could not be easier.
Again..all these recipes are not part of a Weight Watchers menu..or  someone who does not eat sugar.
All these things are for a sweet tooth..as indulgences...as Christmas treats..

La recette

Grease an 8x 12 pan..and lay parchment

1 1/2 cups of heavy cream..here it is 35% and I buy the whipping cream
3 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup of butter
3 cups icing sugar..



Mix the heavy cream..butter and brown sugar..bring to a boil.lower the heat a bit and boil for 6 minutes.
remove from heat  and add the icing sugar..
mix until homogenous

NOTE..I use a hand beater..I just knew when it would be perfect..it's not instant..you will see the consistency change..the ridges will remain ..not HARD..but as if soft peaks kept their shape..spread in pan..refrigerate.
I made half the recipe in a 6 by 6 pan..square springform..
I did not refrigerate..this is QC:)  
Cut when cooled..
Also I put 1 drop of Watkins Maple essence..I am on my last drops..you can't find that here.
A few of the comments/opinions say the fudge stays  too soft..not..you have to keep beating till you see what I said:).



PS..after much searching..I found my link..it's Martha Stewart Town Square cake recipe..  you will find the templates there although smaller and the cake is all different..as I mentioned I did not make her cake recipe.
I loved making this..I made the gingerbread ahead it stores well.
I made the cake at the beginning of the wek and froze the 3 layers..I knew it would be easier to ice..the rest..you just add what you like.
2017..so soon?  In some ways it flew by..in others it dragged..a year is mostly like that don't you find?
Straight lines are hard to draw.
All the best to you and yours.

57 comments:

  1. Your Christmas looked perfect Monique (and Jacques). So pretty there, but the cake is too pretty to eat. Dense and moist, my favorite kind. And, what a menu. I've only had goose once and it was very good. My fudge always comes out too hard so I have given up on it. The boys looked tickled and much loved. I have had to throw out much of the candy etc. as it just wouldn't get eaten and my sweet tooth is getting glued back on today. I'm glad a new year has come and need to start making lists trying to get some of them done each day. It was in the 60's yesterday, so I cleaned out my porch flower bed and planted bulbs, complete with blistered palms. I will love them in early spring. Have a wonderful holiday and New Year's.

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    1. It was the 70s for me last week..where does time go..if you find out let me know😉
      Donna I can't imagine planting bulbs now..you must admit that's pretty wonderful!
      See you in. 2017!

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  2. What a beautiful post. That cake is truly too good to eat. I showed my whole family at breakfast today. They all said wow you are so talented.
    You and Jacques look so good with all the little ones .. they too no longer little.
    Beautiful as always Monique.
    Thank you for sharing and all the best for your 2017. My! How this past year flew!
    Blessings a plenty to you.
    Shel

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    1. That is so sweet and cute that you did that..I bet you could easily do one too.
      I wish you all the best..I will never ever forget your kindnesses Shel.

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  3. I think I gained 10 pounds just reading your blog post! It all looks so beautiful and sounds wonderful.

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    1. That is really a dilemma at Christmas..tasting,eating..it was back to normal yesterday..Jacques was out with the boys..I ate hardly anything;)

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  4. What a beautiful Christmas, Monique.
    The cake looks like it could grace the cover of a magazine and I just know it must be delicious.
    And those stockings - all the love and patience that went into the making. True treasures.
    Wishing you and yours a glorious 2017! xo

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    1. I wish you the same..no worries..health..and of course being happy with the little quiet things we like.
      Thank you for your nice comment Susan.

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  5. You eat the appetizers because when they are as fabulous as that, why not!

    It all looks glorious. Thank you for sharing the recipe and the links but mostly for sharing your joy and beautiful family with us. (And by the way, that cake is four star! Just beautiful!)

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    1. I love the way you share a personal life also..it makes one know another much better:)

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  6. Looks like a lovely, lovely and very delicious Christmas, another memory to be cherished!

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    1. I am certain you had a wonderful time also:) Looking forward to seeing the beautiful Littles:)

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  7. Precioso, precioso, me encanta.
    felices Fiestas!!!!
    Besos

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  8. I love that cake! As you know I like to do fun things with gingerbread each year and this idea will be saved. What a wonderful menu! We are both so lucky that our sons-in-law are such good cooks. We ate like royalty on Christmas also. But, instead of Christmas Crack we enjoyed Momofuku's Crack Pie for dessert :) How wonderful to see Jacques in the photo at the kids' table also ♥ You both look great! Love the jammies :) It does seem like Christmas came so quickly this year! Especially since our November was so mild. The boys were jumping in the leaves on November 7 in short sleeves. Here's to a very Happy and very Healthy New Year to all of us, mon amie ♥

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    1. We are spoiled and we get to try so many different things..new Years eve they will be a few couples there..and fondues are on the menu..including kangaroo..they try everything..he must be like your DSIL..so comfortable in the kitchen,and everyone can watch(not me..:)).
      Caroline orders Crack pie based on Momofukus at their fave restaurant here.I looked up the recpe..and ..well it's complicatted..lucky you!!
      I know you love playing w/ gingerbread..once you have made any cake w/ the gingerbread as the decor..your mind wanders.. Santa w/ a sleigh on top?Etc etc..
      Remember Sol's BELIEVE?

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    2. I didn't remember so I had to go and look on her blog. Found it! I wish she posted more often - what talent, like you :) I think your cake is much prettier than Martha's!

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    3. :) I miss her too..

      Next year I want to make what you made LOL:)

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  9. Monique-the cake is just gorgeous. Merry Christmas. It seems you had a lovely holiday.

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    1. Thank you Esme..Happy New Year to you.Health ..family..doggies..books..travel..food:)

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  10. Its a winter wonderland.
    With reindeer!!

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    1. Looks like 6-12 inches between tomorrow and Friday..we will need a sleigh for those reindeers:)

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  11. Such happy photos! And the snow on the branches....lovely. What a joy to share the season with your beautiful family, Monique!
    (And that menu...Wow!)
    Happy New Year to you and yours!

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    1. Ugh..I guess I left out the W?

      Happy New Year to you and yours too:)

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  12. What a beautiful Christmas! We had a lovely one as well with our little - so much joy! Wishing you a very Happy New Year!

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    1. He must be even more beautifl than before..I imagine his gifts wrapped up so beautifully by you..and I imagine a holiday that could be published in a book..such taste Ry..
      Happy healthy and safe new Year to you and yours also..just in case you posted..I am walking over:)

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  13. Monique the cake look absolutely beautiful ! I love it !and all the pictures look gorgeous !!
    The boys !! So big and lovely.
    Happy new year dear Monique !!

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    1. Happy New Year Gloria!.yes they grow so fast..Oli will lose 3 teeth soon..no more baby smile...seems like yesterday in some ways he was born...

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  14. It all looks magical! It sounds like it was a wonderful Christmas celebration. Too funny about the keyboard. The boys are getting so grown up. Best wishes for a very blessed 2017!

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    1. To you too Kathleen..I hope all is well and here is to health..and happiness for everyone..Your Littles must be adorable..and more grown up!

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  15. Sweet! I love seeing you and your husband--And that photo is so dear, all of you around the kids' table. :) I love it. ♥

    Lovely cake--and SNOW!--and those cute boys! ♥--and the home too. And what a menu!!

    How charming to get a gift from little Katie. :)

    This all just looks like the grandest get-together. :)

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    1. Thank you ..Val..it was nice..just the right chemistry..I am fortunate for my family..as you are yours..♥
      I know Katie's mom had to do w/ the gift but Katie picked it..it's an adult coloring book w/ qutes about home..the kitchen..very very cute.Just in case you were wondering:)

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  16. Hi Monique, looks like a beautiful day with you and your family, love the matching pj's. Happy New Year!!

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  17. Lovely family photos Monique!
    On to the next,eh?? Happy new Year to you,Jacques and your lovely family...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. Yes..strating to store the Xmas baking things and wrapping paper etc,,then the craft room will look normal..everything gets put and set up in there..a mess..ca't work in a mess;)
      I know you had a ball..I bet Miss V was the highlight.Your Christmas angel:)
      Happy New year..I look forward to following your exploits in 2017:)

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    2. I have put a lot of my decorations away...kept the tree and lights in the rooms...just for New Years Eve...then it will all vanish!

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    3. Jacques insists ..only after Epiphany:)

      WE have Noah for NYE..the lights will be nice for him..it's a job the tree lol..it can wait.

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    4. Yes...the tree is a job!
      We will have Vivian Monday and Tuesday..her mom is back to work.
      Looking forward to that!
      I have a new post up!

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  18. I love the children in their p.j.s My sister does the same. So nice. Snow, fireworks and champagne?! Perfection.

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    1. It was lovely..just lucky this Christmas...
      Next year 2017.. a great year for you..la santé avant tout♥

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  19. Your little Christmas doesn't sound little at all. It sounds absolutely perfect as I'm sure it was…how could it not be with beautiful snow, great food, and fireworks! I love your beautiful Christmas cake.

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  20. Such a perfect Christmas!! So beautiful and so full of love! Wishing you and your sweet family all the very best in 2017, Monique! blessings ~ tanna

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  21. What a beautiful Christmas Eve celebration. Your son in law is a wonderful cook. Is that his profession? The boys look adorable and love that the photo has you and Jacques with them. What can I say, your cake looks magical. I love the cranberries in the batter, so festive. They must have balanced the sweetness of the icing well (8-9 cups of powdered sugar!). I can see why the crack was appealing too, the salt against the sweet carmel and chocolate, yum.

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    1. Not sure I would make that exact cake again..it is very dense..so it's heavy.. but maybe it was because there were so many other desserts..you could make any cake with the decorations..I could see a great carrot cake..etc..it is lovely w/ the cranberries inside though..and yes I agree too much icing sugar..the white chocolate as it cools hardens the icing..so I would put less of both to have more of a buttercream texture..
      He is a wonderful cook Terry..no it's not his profession..his mom is a great cook too and they both worked in restaurants for years..Fred while he was going to school..so between him and his mom.they have certainly mastered..meats..fish..foie gras..all meats..and it is so natural for them:)Talent.
      I was so happy with the way the cake looked..sometimes..sometimes..something turns out the way you wanted:)

      That crack..with all the fancy desserts..that goes first.in the treat trays..even over nanaimo bars!
      You had a beautiful Christmas too:)
      Here's to 2017 Terry:)

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    2. Thanks for the tips on the cake Monique. I agree, the decorations could be used with any cake and maybe a buttercream icing would have lightened it.

      A happy healthy 2017 to you and all your family too.

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  22. Looks as if it was the perfect Christmas Monique! Love the photo of your alphabet boys in their Jim hams! And J looks so happy, and is that a sweet glimpse of you? Beautiful. Your cake is breathtaking! So beautiful, and the snow, so lovely to look at. Also what a lovely set table. Happy New Year! Thank you for all the love you share with us all the year through. Looking forward to seeing what you bring to the ta let in 2017. xoxo

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    1. And you too..no one has two blogs and posts every day..shring thoughts..ideas..your wonderful art..family..recipes..
      thank you.
      Yes that is me..it seems I always crouch down to the kids level:)Always..
      Jacques is happy at family get togethers..he loves it..he gets along w/ both SILs because they are both nice.WE seem to have lucked outt in that dept.
      Caroline's table was lovely..it's long and accomodates many people comfortably..
      She loves to set a table:)I used to also..if we had company..but nothing like I see on blogs..lol..

      Marie..thank you again and here's to a very healthy 2017..and an art contract for you.

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  23. There's that gorgeous cake! And your grandsons - all adorable and handsome. I love the kids table for dinner - they enjoy it too. Once ours are old enough - they will be happy to be just cousins together. What a magnificent meal you had! I cannot imagine how delicious. So jealous for the snow! Please, please send it our way. The holidays were just not the same with 60 degree weather :( booooo. Have a very happy New Year Monique!

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    1. Oh they will be happy to eat together..cousins do stick together:)More snow yesterday..lots again..
      the Montreal photogs on IG are having a ball..the photos sublime..so neat..we're in the country..different..You too Tricia!

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  24. Oh, it's such fun to get a glimpse of your family Christmas celebration. The littles (not so little now) are each one are most handsome. I love their smiles! You, Monique, are gorgeous! The cake is a work of art. What a treat for all the eyes! I made gingerbread with lemon sauce for our Christmas Day dessert. Simple, but tasty!
    Happy New Year!

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    1. They do grow up so fast..it shows less in a doggie..they look young forever♥
      Have a beautiful New Year Sarah..:)

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  25. Quel merveilleux billet ! Vous avez été divinement reçus, dis-moi ?! J'adore ton gâteau, je copie la photo tout de suite ... Et puis la petite maison couverte de marshmallows sous le miroir est ravissante aussi ... Quant à ce menu ... Mmmm ... Divin lui aussi ! On a mangé de l'oie, nous aussi. Tellement bon ! Je n'ai pas vu le temps passer aux alentours de Noël mais là, ça me fait plaisir de passer et de découvrir toutes ces merveilles autour des fêtes d'un seul coup ...

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  26. Oui..mon gendre .. Frédérick..il est excellent dans la cuisine..vraiment notre chef familial.Et tellement naturel..Ils nous recoivent la veille et nous le lendemain pour e bruch..tous en pyjamas..et l'échange de cadeaux..
    Assure-toi que ton gateau est délicieux en-dessous..trop dense le mien..je vois un beau gateau aux carottes..:)

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