Saturday, October 21, 2017

Fall~ Chez Nous~ Au Québec.






















Oh my God..tell me where the years have gone?
Look at my Littles..now..they are almost as tall as I am..well maybe not Noah yet..
but look at those precious fall faces..♥♥
A blog is a great thing..you can look back..I also look at albums..and Shutterfly books and DVDs of my photos..

but sometimes I just blog back in time..and come up with pics that just get to me.
Like these fall ones..
I love their growing up faces..but I would eat them up at those ages...

I was looking for my stuffed acorn squash recipe that Mylène our oldest daughter shared with us..

keeper..no kidding..I make it every fall..more than once..

I bake my squash longer at the beginning..I use hot Italian sausage.
It is delicious.

In Provence..there are so many great papeteries..where you can pick up watercolor paper..paints..brushes..and look they give out samples of paper..genius.IMHO.

I mentioned Jacques rekindled his passion for crème brulée..in Provence..well I found a small batch recipe and it's a keeper..
From Jasmine Cuisine.2009!!

For 2..it made 3 that size for me..the size above..

Here it is translated for you~


225 ml heavy cream (35%)
1 vanilla bean pod
25 grams of sugar
 2 egg yolks

Topping

4 tsps brown sugar

Preheat oven to 170C

Slit vanilla bean in half and scrape seeds out..put into a casserole with the cream..
On medium heat warm and bring to boiling..let boil 1 minute on low heat.
remove from heat and infuse 10 minutes.
Beat the egg yolks w/ sugar until pale and foamy..

Add the infused cream and pour into ramekins.
Place the ramekins in a pan..and fill pan half way w/ water..

Bake ap 30 mins..or until the middle is slightly trembling..I made sure it was ever so slightly so..I don't like a liquidy CB.
Remove from the water bath..and let cool..
Refrigerate at least 4 hrs before serving..
I torched mine..sprinkle sugar on top and torch..it has to crackle when you spoon in♥



Fall..in QC..is pretty much paradisiac:)
I took a stroll around my favorite park..it's always my fave.


And my blessed calendulas!!  Still going on..














PS personal garden journal~I need to keep notes..

Today Saturday Oct 21rst~

I am almost finished putting the gardens to bed.

1.Leaving the back .. very very  back side one as is..I had to break off all the phlox and rake up the hostas..and clip some hydrangeas last Spring in that bed after leaving it intact..I just find there is too much in there and not my fave..so it is getting neglected..and i can wait till Spring.

2.Leaving a lot of the hostas..easier I find once frost has killed them off..to rake us the mush:)
Even left alone..they come back so well.

3.Ripped out several roses..and clump blue irises..they were taking over the round bed and really bloom for too short a time..too invasive.Hope I don't regret that..huge bare patches now.

4.Planted early tulips front walkway bed..supposed to be 50 but at least 15% were rotten in the bag:(

5.Took in 2 clumps of Dahlias..going to try once more..;)

6.Did the pond bed..potting shed..front beds..garage beds and side beds..circular one..and side one.

7.This yr giving the group 3 clematis a break and only cutting them after winter..

8.Hope we don't have another total water ban next yr.

9.Praying for rose chafers and Japanese beetles to become extinct.
Asian beetles too.

10. Next yr..Terry's calendulas  and giant Nicotiana again..Susan's nasturtiums..tomatoes,from seed..I won't start the tomatoes as early indoors.Not sure if I should plant Linda's perennial sweet peas now or next Spring~

11. I want Gaura next yr..it's been yrs.. and Provence had it..after such a drought the gaura was still there..we have drought so I need some..more Verbena Bonariensis..Provence had 4 O'Clocks too! Hot pink..that has been years also.I could have sworn I had a few seeds in my pockets..no..:(12. I'd like more lavender..one type does well here but which one?
It's here..no tag.

12.All the fairies and their "stuff" are in a box..hope to spray paint their furniture this week.To be ready for next Spring.

13.
I will not plant football seeds again;)After chopping down the pond bed..this football plant was still much too invasive..yet had been hiding from some boys who had looked everywhere for it.



Oh and PS..half your seeds are in the grandfather clock..half downstairs in the cabinet that was Jacques,,the paint stuff cabinet


62 comments:

  1. I went to catch up with your other post (St. Remy) because you probably know I save them till I have uninterrupted time to simply revel in their beauty. And now I have a double feature. Oh, these photos are simply exquisite, especially the one with the feathers. I'm not sure what you mean about infusing for 10 minutes -- do you let the cream cool while the vanilla continues to add its essence? That's all I can think. Or I'll need to look it up!

    I'm glad you share your gardening journal here, though I'm a bit overwhelmed as it's so comprehensive. But a very wise thing to do. And I think I'm off to check out your acorn squash recipe. I've had a yen for that lately and don't have a good recipe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just 10 minutes..it lets the cream taste more vanilla-ey:) You could use a very aromatic vanilla sugar too..you don't want to cook the eggs by addng the cream too warm..I go ever so slowly:)The one of Oli and his mom's hand..he is blowing milk pod fairies:) I love that pic so much Jeanie it's still on our mantel..I needed to make notes re the gardens..:)Have a great Sunday!

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  2. Reminiscing makes the heart smile...it is so much fun to look back at sweet faces. You have handsome grandsons. You have been quite busy in the garden...it overwhelms me. I do believe plants grow better in your area. Nature loves you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The gardens overwhelm me too now..I was 47 when we built here and on a Garden forum..I got carried away..63 ..big difference in what you FEEL lke doing..It's really Spring and Fall..that are hard..

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  3. Dearest Monique,
    Your bubbly writing style, joy and excellent photos from beautiful Québec make me happy.
    We enjoyed our visit there, twice that is but you do live in a wonderful area.
    ENJOY it and enjoy seeing your grands grow up - fast indeed.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's so funny impressions people have of QC..at one AirBNB where we stayed..they had come to QC once on a pro hunting trip..wayyy out in the forests..so north I have never been..the food was all pepped in the canteen kitchen..etc..those are their memories..and poutine:(And that we were mostly heavy:(
      Not so..but that's what happens when you go somewhere once out of normal context..I guess like me and Paris:)The memories..you have are of what happened.

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  4. I need to take some notes on my garden too. Such a great idea to put it on your blog - then it's always there. It's been so long since I've heard someone mention 4 o'clocks. I have some that come back year after year. I remember gathering the seeds when I was a little girl at my Aunt's house.

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    Replies
    1. I know Pam.. seeing the 4 O'clocks..broght me back to being a young bride..mom..that's a whole heck of a long time ago;)

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  5. I also have the same question.. where the year have gone???

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    Replies
    1. If you find them..can you tell me where you did? I would want some back.I know exactly where I would rewind to.

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  6. Autumn makes us want to do things again, doesn't it? Enough with summer's laziness, the kitchen, the garden, the craftroom, they are all calling to me again and I see that you have been very busy as well :-) A big hug.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's quite a stretch after basking in Provenece laziness of just visiting.REality has set in.I am grateful it'spretty here too;)Hugs right back to you.

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  7. LOL about the football. We have a soccer ball that keeps hatching in our back garden, I am sure it comes from next door. We throw it back over the hedge when we spie it. What a beautiful area you live in. That park, with the benches lined up all along the river just so. I can just imagine picnicking there! And maybe with some of that fab Creme Brulee. I don't have a torch. I think about buying one, but then wonder would I use it enough to justify? I don't know. Your boys are perfectly gorgeous in their younger years (and now!) Well eatable! Why do grandchildren have to grow up so quickly? I still have one I have yet to see in person. I live in hope, but try not to hope too much. You know. Your daughter's squash recipe looks fabulous. I will have to try it with some of our sausage. We have some lovely sausage here. Your painting of your creme brulee/tea cup is beautiful. You are so talented and I have enjoyed your garden journal! Whew! Made me tired just reading it. You are amazing! Love you! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If I had someone to picnic with:)I was part of a picnic trio for years..it unraveled.
      It is s super spot.The have rebuilt the bridge part leading to a public beach..the photos I have of the boys younger leaning on the weathered bridge are so sweet..the new bridge and walkway is a shock in a way..but so safe..so well built and I am proud they did it.WE have a jewel there at that park.So lucky to be able to go and savor the water view and nature♥I love it Marie.
      I'm not anything but me.I think I still want my mom proud and she's up there..but I bet she's thinking..hire someone to chop the gardens:) I bet she is.It would be so wonderful to talk to her about everything:) Do it for me with your mom and your lovely chats♥Happy for YOU:)

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  8. Such sweet memories of your littles! If I am having a stressful day, I look at photos and videos of my little and it always brightens my day. That acorn squash and the CB look perfect for fall.
    We are packing up the desert house and moving back to Austin next week. It will be so wonderful to be closer to our little full time. Time to work on my garden there as well. I have let it languish.💕

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One year I could not work on my gardens at all and I let it languish..Jacques helped w/ the chopping but that's the thing..some things you chop some not and if you are not a gardener..you don't know..

      so Spring came and one of my daughters said..it looks like they looked after themselves for you..something like that and it still makes me tear up..:(

      I bet you can't wait to see that Little Doll of yours in Austin:)Sarah..that visits here is from Austin..somehow I thing both of you woul really like each other..a certain grace about the both of you.

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  9. Such a sweet post, Monique! I love looking at years gone by with our boys too. Makes me happy/melancholy. Adorable photos! Such beautiful views there now. Same here. This morning, the early sun was shining on the leaves and they were lighting up the yard - I had to run out with the camera :) Now clouds and rain coming. Doing lots in the yard here as well. Cut out a HUGE swath in my front circle garden that will hopefully be grass soon. The garden has gotten too big to manage and looked awful. Work in progress ;) My nasturtiums are still going strong! Blooming like crazy. I'm trying to find seeds but they want to keep making flowers instead. I've never been able to grow gaura well here. I'll look forward to yours next year. My dahlias I cut into sections (making sure each has an 'eye' from the stem. Wash and let dry thoroughly. Wrap in plastic wrap like a log of cookies. Place all the logs in labeled plastic zipper bag and put in a place in our garage that doesn't freeze. Good luck with them this year! LOL, the football plant ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I guess I should split them lol scared of wrecking them..My football plant:) Always surprises..scissors..shears.. cups..sometimes Easter things..wonder if they will be playing football outside at Christmas like one yr..Susan..same here I look out and see the trees lighting up the yard:)
      I just painted the fairy furniture..debating..garlic ? Or tomorrow..unmangeable children our gardens have become.Maybe I need more Monty's Joy Juice;)
      Have a great day..and yes..melancholy♥

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  10. Lov lov lov yr Canson watercolor!! So fresh!

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    Replies
    1. Merci beaucoup Carol..I am sure you see the samples in papeteries everywhere..what great places!

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  11. Fall has definitely arrived there. Just beginning here. Stormed last night and is very cool this morning. I bought some tulips, but haven't done a thing in the garden yet. So much to do it is overwhelming. My fish pond has sprung a leak and I just can't work on it anymore. What to do? I guess I'll take one little corner or the garden and start the clean up there. Haven't even decorated for Halloween. Tea and creme brûlée - what could be better?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have so much on your plate..s

      I have taken garden breaks because of extenuating circumstances too..

      could you hire someone? We're not hirers..but I am afraid the day will come..the boys my boys help in the Spring w/ leaves and such....I give them a job if they have time..but fall..they would not know what to cut..take care..going to visit in case I missed you.

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  12. Where have all the years gone, indeed! After resting with your post, I am consistently edified and often left longing for more time... more time... our garden is minuscule beside yours, but still - almost done. Love the abundance this time of year brings... and the memories from the years gone by slip through my fingers faster and faster....
    Hugs,
    V

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    Replies
    1. Happy fall Valerie..if I was to start over..I would not have so many gardens..and they are not even great anymore:(I should be grateful..they will sulk.;)

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  13. Fall looks beautiful where you live. Thank you for the squash recipe link!

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  14. I so enjoy your photos-yes, the wee ones sprout up before we can turn around. Handsome devils, too!

    You are really busy in your garden and you'll be grateful next spring. I love how resilient hosta's are. I have them everywhere.

    Hope your weather stays fab...we are now having rain for a few days, but that's good, right?

    Thanks for the recipe, my husband and I are both huge fans of Creme Brûlée.

    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jane..have fun w/ Maddie turning 1! You are so lucky to still have a wee one:)It's so nice having just 2 or 3 mini CBs..most recipes call for so much cream and eggs..;)

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  15. Bonjour Mon Ami...
    Are you kidding me with those littles????
    Those photos are absolutely precious...treasures...magical.
    Another lovely post...as always my dear...
    Enjoy your week...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda take advantage of all your Littles days..mine flew by..yes..that's all of them..and if I showed you Lucas at one..you might shed a tear too:)
      It all goes by much too fast..in the blink of an eye..have a great week too!

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  16. Oh, automne au Québec, and past reminiscences and garden journals, and COLOR! and buried footballs, and baking! Oh là là and Wow!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. C'est vraiment beau ces jours-ci(cannot put a cédille!)
      Tomorrow rain..but my garlic..is planted..my garden accoutrements brought in..rain away!!

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  17. The weather has been a gift!
    Such a sweet post :-)
    Joe will be planting his garlic soon at home and at school.
    Have a great week.

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    Replies
    1. I did it:) All..it's all undercover waiting for next Spring.You had fab weather for your outing!!

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  18. Dear Nana, I hope, sometime in future, to spend a few weeks in Canada.
    I'm happy you could wonderstand somewhat by using Google translator.
    Hugs

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  19. "I am so glad I love in a world where there are Octobers" what a wonderful thought! And I totally agree. All your photos are mesmerizing Monique! Such a beautiful spot - absolutely heavenly :)

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  20. Autumn is my favorite season,and we've been given a gift of really beautiful days, but we deserve them after a terrible spring and wet summer. Your photos are beautiful. The pictures of your boys remind me of mine when they were young. A bit sad to look back sometimes.

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  21. Looking at your photos, you realize how big "your littles" are getting. I do miss fall up north so it is always nice to see what you share with us, thank you. :)

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    1. So big:(THink of all the fall work..then you won't miss it so much..I wonder how your new owners are loving everything..it was indeed a beautiful home..orchard...everything.

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  22. The boys as littles��. They do grow up before we know it. Even Katherine is growing up too fast. Thank goodness we still have Lillian who won't be 2 till February. The Creme Brûlée looks fantastic. It has been a few years since we made it, I think I'll try that recipe next week, after I try out the recipe for the small apple cakes. I made quiche tonight and that was great. My best calendula still are the flashback mix. The others just didn't perform like them. They match the pumpkin so well. My nicotinia self seeded and new plants are blooming in the pot. They were pretty and smelled nice in the evening. I'll grow them again too. I had my lawn service person weed wack an overgrown garden bed and hope next spring to get in to remove all the goldenrod and wild roses that took up residence with my hostas etc. I'm hoping this was not a huge mistake. I had Frankie dig up clumps of Siberian Iris for the same reason, too happy in my garden too. The plus of having your grandson grow up and is now strong enough to help his grandmother. Enjoy the weekend!

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    1. You too enjoy the weekend:) The cakes are so good cannot wait until you show me yours:)
      My gradsons are so busy w/ football..:( different schedules now because Lucas is high school..I will ask them in the Spring though:)
      We get rid of all the leaves in fall..and they are all back in Spring..go figure!
      Yes you are lucky w/ still a wee one♥

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  23. Lovely, Monique. And I see the same with my nieces and nephews. Time goes SO fast.

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  24. Lol at the football seeds🏈 I would like to plant more Russian sage. I am loving what is left in the garden now.

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  25. The pictures of your boys remind me of mine when they were young. A bit sad to look back sometimes.


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  26. Oh so lovely - I do miss Fall in Quebec... I need to try your CB recipe...I enjoy eating it but have never made it! xo

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