Soul Food #132~Really.. Crafts:)

The last time we moved.. 11 years ago.. I had 3 old fashioned milk cans..I kept one and gave one to each of our daughters..
I had accumulated a few before..but had passed them on also..
I had one..in our garage attic..painted Provençal blue w/ some design I had done..folk art inspired~
Oh lala..not me at all anymore..

But..not too long ago..One caught my eye..on Pinterest..  She was so lucky to have a cute daughter to basecoat hers:)  I have cute daughters but they are busy loving my grandchildren:)

Anyway..
It immediately inspired me to go to my saved ephemera..and climb up the garage attic stairs..and climb down w/this heavyweight heirloom of sorts~

 I have so many saved ephemera from The Graphics Fairy..and found the perfect one..the one..she had used..the perfect one..in my mind's eye~
I am really happy I found that post..the ephemera..because now..it's no longer in the attic..no longer blue w/ wannabefolkart on it..it's  in the sunroom..~

A few fresh coats of white paint..a copy of The Graphic's Fairy Ephemera  and some Mod Podge~

And the day was done~

Remind me to take that little extra paint off the right bottom hand corner:)

Thanks to my inspirations..

I hope you have an old milk can from a flea market hanging around~

It felt lovely to repurpose my old can~

I was never really great at Folk Art~:)

Sand Dollar Cookies~

I fell in love with these sand dollar cookies when I saw them on the cover of the latest Food and Drink magazine..(Courtesy of the LCBO) I have mentioned this magazine so many times here and I know many of you enjoy it as much as I do.

I first made some for Jacques at the beginning of the week..they were so easy and turned out so well I made them again to take  to our friend's home.

La Recette~

SAND DOLLAR COOKIES SUMMER 2012 By: Monda Rosenberg

It’s always fun to add a little unexpected whimsy to a dinner menu. In this case, we’ve created homemade cookies in the likeness of sand dollars (you have to have a little imagination here), those delicate shells you’ve no doubt seen on the beach on one of your southern trips. These are buttery cookies that are simply rolled and flattened, so there’s no need to fret over cutting out unbaked dough. Let a bowl of light brown sugar be your “shore sand” stand-in and randomly scatter the cookies over top. No matter what shape yours take, they’re sure to spark conversation and bring out the cookie monster in all of us. 1½ cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour ½ tsp (2 mL) salt ¼ tsp (1 mL) baking soda ½ cup (125 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature ½ cup (125 mL) granulated sugar 1 egg 2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla extract or 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract and 1 tsp (5 mL) almond or maple extract 1 tbsp (15 mL) granulated sugar (optional) ½ tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon (optional) ½ cup (125 mL) slivered or sliced almonds  1 Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). 2 Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray or oil. Measure flour into a small bowl. Sprinkle with salt and baking soda. Stir to evenly distribute. In a medium bowl, use a wooden spoon or mixer to beat butter with sugar for 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until evenly mixed. Stir in flour mixture just until no white streaks remain. 3 Scoop up about 1 tbsp (15 mL) of dough. Using well-floured hands, roll into a ball about 1 inch ( 2.5 cm) wide. Place on the baking sheet. Repeat, placing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Dip the flat bottom of a wide glass in flour. Shake off the excess flour and press down on the cookies until they are no more than ¼ inch (5 mm) thick. To create a natural looking uneven edge, dip the end of a knife or chopstick into flour and make several indents, about ¼ inch (5 mm) deep, in the edge of each cookie. Using floured fingers gently tap down cookies to even out their thickness. Stir sugar with cinnamon (if desired) and lightly sprinkle over cookies. Press 5 slivered almonds in a spoke design around the centre of each cookie. 4 Bake in the centre of the preheated oven until pale golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Use a spatula to remove cookies to a rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough. Cooled cookies stored in a sealed container at room temperature will keep well at least 4 days. Makes 24 cookies Hope you enjoy them~ They would be really fun to take to the beach also..and would pack well~ Enjoy~

A little delight~ Appy or Main~

We are back to fabulous weather again~

 And  weather  here  has been beautiful ..but unseasonably dry..Our grass felt like straw..  and looked and looks still.. quite like it~my perennials are waning..our sprinkler system has been shut down for weeks ..even though we are allowed but twice during the week  for a few hrs in the AM hrs.. we feel w/ the drought..we must keep it off..

Today..hooray..I never thought I would say this..but it rained in QC..the day I went to the pool with 3 of the alphabet boys and their mom:)

Last week though..during this drought..

We went to Jean -Talon ..and it was just gorgeous..The wonderful shopkeepers..the colors of it all:)

The markets however ..still have bounty!

I was having guests for an early dinner and bought some French Radishes and Fleur d'Ail for the centerpiece..to be eaten after of course:)   During the week..
 I also bought a mild red pepper plant for our windowsill~

I love looking at their colors w/ the ever changing kitchen light~

The little sign.. was loved right away by me at a stop on our way home~And Garden..is a little well worn plaque that sits at the base of my cutting garden..I tried to paint it~


So...


For our guests..



We had enjoyed these as a  main meal ..  prior in the week.. after I had perused  the recipe  in one of  my French cooking magazines~

Jacques and I liked them so much..I decided to add them as an appy~

You can see a vintage trowel:) That I use for cakes and quiches..It's been cleaned within an inch of it's life..many times..and we have all survived:)  It was my husband's fathers:)

Puff pastry.. Ricotta cheese.. lardons.. French shallots.. small basil..and asparagus that I have first blanched..so good!



La Recette..Courtesy of Coup De Pouce..I think:)


Preheat oven to 200 C or 400 F


3 slices of bacon finely chopped (Like lardons)
Olive oil
2 French Shallots finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tub of mascarpone cheese(I used Ricotta)
Fresh basil chopped to taste
2 tbsps fresh parmesan cheese grated
Puff pastry
1 beaten egg
24 asparagus cut in half lengthwise~

Render the bacon until crispy..add the shallots and soften....S and P..
Let rest 5 minutes..
Add the cheeses..and basil..mix well and keep in fridge.

Prepare your Puff Pastry to 6 rectangles of 2"x6".
Brush the edges  w/ beaten egg
Garnish the  middle of the rectangles w/ the cheese bacon mixture.
Place the asparagus on top (I blanched mine first)
Bake 12-15 minutes..
Let them cool a bit before serving~
You can add gruyère..or swiss  or cheddar  cheese for a more pronounced flavor~

They are really good..
I cut each in 1 x 1 inch pieces w/ the pretty heads of the asparagus~
I have since read..From the lovely Blogger of  La Table Lorraine..that to add a bit of bicarbonate of soda to the water while blanching..preserves the green of greens even greener! Thank you~

Plse note that it depends how many you make for the amount of mascarpone/ricotta/puff pastry etc..

The evening was lovely..we ate outside.. and we were spoiled with a very cute and thoughtful hostess/host gift..

Pizzelles! Our friend makes them with her mom's Pizzelle maker~ The art of making them brings back so many memories for her..:)
I was touched..she knows I like them..we made some together yeas and years ago~
(I think I am coveting again..I think Mary has a Pizzelle maker:) )

They arrived all bundled up ..prettily displayed on a peony serving tray,wrapped in cello that seemed made for the occasion..a twig or two of pink blooms on branches tied with pink ribbon..all seated on hostess napkins:)

See how the cello just framed the pizzelles?Lace cookies:)

All this to say..those asparagus tarts are delish..pizzelles are too..and it feels so good to eat Al Fresco again~
Until the mosquitoes start gnawing..around 9PM..then we head in~

I love these little quotes about   companionship and friendship~

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.  "Pooh!" he whispered.  "Yes, Piglet?"  "Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw.  "I just wanted to be sure of you."  ~A.A. Milne

Someone remembers, someone cares;
Your name is whispered in someone’s prayers.
~Author Unknown

When you're happy, I'm happy.  When you're sad, I'm sad.  When you're lonely, call me!  ~Author Unknown(and mean it:)

How did it get so late so soon?
It's night before it's afternoon.
December is here before it's June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?
~Dr. Seuss

Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?  ~A.A. Milne

Just saw this movie..lent to us..  If you love French films..

I LOVED this one..Of course Daniel Auteuil is in it..It's filmed in Provence..

A Marcel Pagnol movie.

I loved it..did I say that?

She's In The Kitchen~

And she taught me how to make these~

Look..pretty pickled onions:)  To serve with many things..

I was anxious to try Katrina's recipe..I had the jars and cute new printable Avery labels..The Martha Stewart collection.They are affordable and print up well.

These pickled red onions can be served with many things..At Katrina's blog(the header got me the first time I laid eyes upon it:))..she will make suggestions as to what these onions go well with..

In the interim..Courtesy of Katrina...Here is the easy peasy recipe~

Here's how to make them:

2 juicy red onions

pinch red pepper flakes

1 cup red wine vinegar

1 cup white vinegar

1 t. kosher salt

1 t. bottled capers

fresh dill sprigs

Wash a quart jar well, and dip into boiling water.  Use tongs to lift out the jar and drain.

Peel the red onions, trimming off the ends and papery outside, then slice thinly.

Place onion slices into a small pan, cover with water, and bring to a boil.  Simmer for a minute, then drain the onion slices.

Using the same pot, measure out the red wine vinegar and white vinegar and bring to a boil for 1 minute.  Set aside for a moment, and add the red pepper flakes, the kosher salt, the capers, and the dill springs to the jar.  Add the drained and blanched red onions, then cover with the hot vinegar mixture.  Top off with a sprig of dill and let cool, then screw on the lid and place pickled onions in the fridge.

I have begun making sliders again~
They are a 10 in a sweet little slider~

THANK YOU KATRINA

Sablés Bretons De Jeanne~Merçi Amélie~

One thing I love about Blogging ..is when I visit my usual spots ..and happen upon new little gems..Like this one..I love it!

It happens to all of us..out of the blue we click on a comment that leads us to another part of the world..or almost next door..
I have made Sablés Bretons before..at least 4-5 times.. some may even be on my blog somewhere(wish I had organized myself better at the beginning..)..but I saw she had used her stamps  (So cute)..  and this one.. I had  a stamp  from Christmas.. the Home Made one.. so I tried her recipe almost immediately:)

The thermometer outside  indicated 93 F..Sat. morn when I made them..after vacuming and washing my floors  while Jacques corded 2 cords of wood..I know..we should relax more..:)Anyways..I thought these cookies would be a treat for him at lunch~

I have a THING for these cookies~ Not chocolate..not ooey gooey..just right~Not a shortbread..another of my faves..But to me these say France!~I bought a ceramic trivet inscribed::"  Biscuits Maison..Nantes"  The Lu one.. in Provence~I treasure it..so when I saw Amélie's post..
I coveted..

I started perusing the famous Coffret Larousse  .. L'atelier Petit Beurre~ and found that I could go to a certain store..order it..and  they would get it for me..Hmm..I would have rather just picked it up first time.. they did offer it online but I had never ordered from them..
Lo and behold..still Googling... I found Isa.. had bought one and I  emailed her asking where she had got hers..she immediately replied via email..with the place she bought hers..but alerted me to Amazon.ca in French.. and they had it.. 3 days later it was here:) Thank you Isa.
Isa is a very popular QC blogger with a great following and a newly published lovely cookbook~

So busy..w/  a family etc..yet she took the time to respond immediately and offer advice..

So nice~
The little coffret comes w/ a quality cookie cutter/stamp  and a delicious little cookbook..to show the size of the wee book I placed it in   the bear's hands in our guest room..

The  day before..I had taken my Paris tea tin and filled it w/ Mint..blueberries..The Fairy Rose.. bluebells and lavender..A little Pinterest idea:)
I like little arrangements on my kitchen windowsill..

Anyways..You do not need the perfect coffret..the recipe I used was not found in the booklet..It was found at Amélie's..and you can use a cutter or stamp of your choice~

 The day I found it I wanted to make them.  right now..:).so I used  my little Home Made Stamp.  the one I bought at Christmas..  note that .the Brigitte Cookie cutter could have worked as well..~

They are really good..I will take the liberty of translating it for you~


200 gr sifted flour
90gr of homemade vanilla sugar or 80gr of plain sugar w/ one envelope of vanilla sugar
125 gr semi salted butter
3 egg yolks + one yolk mixed with one tbsp of milk and one tsp of icing sugar.
In the mixer ..mix the sugar with the egg yolks on med.speed..hen add the softened butter in little clumps..then the flour..Mix everything quickly and as soon as a ball forms..Stop:)(Or else they will be hard)
Make a roll with the dough of ap 6-8 cm of diameter..Wrap in cling wrap and let rest at least 1 hr in the refrigerator.
Remove from fridge and cut slices of ap 2-3mm with thread(I use unwaxed,unflavored dental floss).
I put mine on my parchment paper..and pressed w/ my stamp that  was lightly floured..removing the excess..(not much)You can use a cookie cutter.
Use the egg yolk/milk/icing sugar mixture and baste the cookies..
Bake in a preheated 356 degree oven  for 5-7 mins.(I did 325 convection..  until they started turning golden~
Cool immediately on a cooling rack.
You can go visit Amélie here..

You will be so happy you did.
Merçi~

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things~

Nasturtiums in the house~
Calendulas~
Nasturtiums outside~Nasturtiums Close up~
Tony Bennett Duets..This one W/ KD Lang~
Zucchini Blossoms~
Daylilies~
Shasta Daisies~
Wild Rudbeckias in my borrowed landscape~

Easiest ever California rolls~

I have made California Rolls before..you may recognize my little buddy here..
I used the mat ..rolled etc..

We had to go into town and I stopped at an Asian store ..I found these small molds..the directions were only to be understood graphically by me..and they work.Flawlessly if I may say so..

3 pieces to the puzzle..you fill one piece w/ your prepared Sushi rice..make a bit of a valley and fill with what you like..In my impatience to try it..I only had crab and spring green onions on hand so they look a little bland but tasted good w/ the Wasabi..Picked Ginger and sauce..Next time..I will be prepared.I love avocado in these.
Top with more rice..
You then add the lid and press and voilà,perfect little stuffed California rolls that you simply cover with your Nori..I refrigerated my molds to set the mixture.. wrapped in Nori..and refrigerated again..sliced..and enjoyed.
I had to let you in on this fun tool:)
I give it a 10 performance wise.The Nori does not roll right into the inside of the roll like with the mat..but this does not bother us:)
I bought a tiny one..almost bite sized..and this one.
If ever I go back I will look for medium.
I always sound like Goldilocks.
♥
I am sorry that comments disabled themselves..It wasn't me:)

Woof Woof!~

When I saw these..I knew I had to try them~ And let's not wonder  which Alphabet boys came to mind~:)
I found them posted by Mayumi..so so cute..Hers are cuter..But the first time is always "Un essai" right?

They reminded me of when I made the piggy bread:)

I had the same pleasure making these.Too cute for words..
I used the bread recipe  I think  she suggested..  but only 1/2 the recipe..I had enough for the Doggie Buns..  and a small loaf of bread.I say I think because I have a copy..but I didn't bookmark it and cannot find it on her blog:(
The bread was so delicious I have made it twice since..just the bread~I mix all in the bread machine.. take the dough out..shape..slit and let rise again..and bake.

When the bread comes out of the oven the crust is crisp..later it becomes soft..
It has air holes:)  Everything..
I love it because it is soft.


La Recette:

2 1/2 cups warm water
2 tbsps yeast
3 tbsps sugar
 2 tbsp white vinegar
 1 tbsp salt
 1/3 cup oil
6-7 cups of flour.

As I mentioned..I put everything(But half the first time) in the bread machine on dough cycle..
The next 2 times..I again did half the recipe and it made a nice big loaf:)

To make the Doggie bread:

★How to make the dog bread★

Make the dough from your favorite bread recipe, using a bread maker.
Select DOUGH mode.
When it's done, push all the air out of the dough with your hands.
Divide it into 10(if you make the dough with about 250g flour) and roll each into a ball. Cover with wet paper towels and rest for 15mins.
Make each into a oval shape.
Cut with a knife to make the ears of the dogs, and let the dough rise until about double in size.
After the rise, make eyes and noses with black beans.
Bake for about 10 mins at 400

Recipe and way of making the bread courtesy of Mayumi's blog.

..Hope les boys enjoy the little hot dog buns:)

My superheroes~aka The Alphabet Boys x
Lucas will be 7..Max turned 5..Noah turned 4 and Ollie will be 3.
Time flies..And when I am with these boys..it's faster than the speed of light~

Edibles~I love to grow them~

Our summers are not extremely long here..But the weather..in those few short months...gives us the opportunity to GROW things we normally buy.I love flowers..I love herbs..But then again I love to garden and I love to cook:) They go hand in hand~
To walk outside and pick herbs..nasturtiums..calendulas..lilies..roses..to add to food..makes me feel rich.
So far everything is coming up so well..Hot and dry here though..so my tomatoes get a bucket of water a day:)
I am particularly proud of my calendulas and sunflowers as those are 2 that  I started from seed..amongst others..in a basement in QC:)well..mine to be exact..  I will gather the seeds of the calendula to grow again..This year I had to buy them.
Today..I picked special blooms.. and herbs  basil..  2 kinds.. calendulas..pansies..nasturtiums,lilies..and a zucchini blossom..to add to a home made quiche for dinner.I baked the quiche earlier in the day as it is HOT HOT HOT here..Très hot:)

The quiche..is like most quiches..they just vary w/ what you have on hand  and what you enjoy..

I used a  small  but deep removeable bottomed tart pan..several layers of Phyllo dough..so light ..so crispy..

 2 eggs.. baby spinach I sautéed w/ olive oil,garlic and salt..roasted red peppers,spring green onions sautéed in buttah:),some different cheeses I had on hand.. brie..parmigiano..mozzarella..some rich cream..salt and pepper  ..lots of basil..not really too much of anything and everything because the pan is not huge.The added touch was many edible blooms chopped thinly..If you look closely enough you will see the deep blue of pansies.. the cream and gold of he calendulas,the peachy cream of the lilies..

I love quiches..I made my daughter's hearts of palm and tomato salad  to accompany..and some fresh bread..(I'll share this new recipe soon)..

A nice light dinner for a hot summer's day..

"I'd rather have flowers on my table than diamonds on my neck" ~ Emma Goldman

That's me too~

Book Love~

My favorite book so far this year ....Fiction../Non Fiction..Was the Art Of Hearing Heartbeats~A keeper..in my books:)
I have read quite a few this year..thank goodness for Goodreads that keeps me up to date on what I actually read..I forget about books!Sometimes covers change.. I start reading  and think..I've read this!Goodreads is a Good thing~

But.. a totally different genre of book has just charmed me to bits.Remember last year I bought the Artist's Journal Workshop..I LOVED and still love that book ..and what would you call it? Fiction/NonFiction?
Or Art?  If Art is a category..then the one I just read is my favorite Art book this year  but..it's associated w/ non fiction also as it's a true ..journal:)
For all of you that like to play with paints..or dream of France..or dream of journaling ..or dream of visiting France and journaling..
This one's for you~

I was excited when I got it..same day I received a book I bought for Noah..our July 4th grandson..for his birthday...
But this one was for me..
In a font I enjoyed..made me feel young :)  With pictures:)..  art actually..that inspired me.. and a very neat journal,from the author..Vivian Swift..
The cover really says it best..Le Road Trip~The title alone caught my attention when I first saw it~
But there are also a lot of very informative tidbits..for travel..and a sweetness about her love story..:)
I visited parts of France..(Not nearly enough..)  We genuinely desire going back..

I know my friend Shel wants to go too..I went w/ Diane..and our husbands.Ronelle a very gifted artist.. lives in Tours..I met Ronelle through blogging..not in person..but she is the instrument to me knowing about Tours..
Barbara lives in France..Fifi's sister lives in Provence..Susan is another talented artist /blogger/nana friend of mine:)
My friend Nancy lived in Paris and the Southwest of France...My friend Terry lived in Paris..

Paris..we'd like to go to Paris for a few days..but we are country folk....and are looking forward to one day going back to the small towns  we discovered..and to discover new small towns:)

I am so grateful to Carol..Paris Breakfasts..  whose blog I follow  and love.. she was the one who brought up Le Road Trip on her beautiful inspiring blog.
She is a fabulous artist..La reine de Paris  in my eyes:)And told us about this book..
I've Googled many things after reading Carol's blog.from perfumes..to a lovely little artist's watch..to bakeries..
She is so generous with tips on watercolor..and I think I have saved her images for yrs now:)
Just love what she does..

Ok getting back to the book....Canada Day weekend is when I read it..after a day of gardening.,church(with wonderful music and light pouring through the old windows not unlike the ones in France..).. we finally sat out back w/ a glass of wine..and I finished the book..I handed it to my husband..who loved France and loves wine and makes my favorite wine..and I said:" You might enjoy this one"~
He is..
In fact he came in a little later while I was preparing "grelots" for his chicken..  the best chicken I have ever eaten apart form the honey lavender chicken we had in Gordes...that I tried to recreate and offered to Fifi for her magazine..and he said :"That is a cute book..I will continue reading it..":)
How cute is he?
So it's for everyone~

Bon..enfin..she inspired me to get out a journal.. my little WN pocket set.. and my watercolor brush that always has water in it~  My case to carry the brushes and kit and white crayon and marker and pencil and eraser.

I also took a photo out of my  Europe album..one of J..(You see that's another thing I liked about her book..You have all heard me mention Jacques a million times..but usually in emails..or letters I write J.. as she did in her book to name her husband many times..I know this is of the least utmost importance (is that an oxymoron?)to my enjoying the book but it was just so de rigueur to me)in a boulangerie that we had liked in Bonnieux..  I wish I had taken a photo of J in the wine co-op when Audrey Tautou's twin was helping him..First time I actually saw my husband.. try and be more charming:)
Although when I look at how I painted the boulangère's face..Audrey's twin was better off unphotographed by me to eventually be immortalized in a quick watercolor.

Can you see J's mustache?  and the scale?  the bread?:)The lavender?

I think it's a mess..and I will work on this one..

But how great is it to be inspired to get the paints out Canada Day weekend after dinner w/ a glass of wine and try:)

This book does that~

Enjoy!

Footnote..I enjoyed and will continue to enjoy this book so very much..I have ordered When Wanderers Cease To Roam~

And that small rose  w/ the reading angel?Is my favorite rose in the garden at this time of year~

It's hardy in my zone..I didn't even cover them this year~And it blooms at the same time as Lavender~

Should I ever redo ..or make new gardens..I think one area would be just for these roses and lavender.As it is one sits at the foot of the entrance of my round cutting garden on each side..

and two others are elsewhere..but here? The greeting is so nice.

Footnote..July 13th 2012..
I received When Wanderers Cease To Roam yesterday..it is just as charming..and a keeper book too.

Still Gleaning~

It had been ages since I made Ann's White Chocolate Raspberry Tart~

I usually make the large tart..but this time i made four individual ones.I can't thank her enough for this easy elegant dessert.

You can find the recipe here~

And I will add it to the end here so I can find it again right away..I have it printed up too..But I like just coming to my blog and finding it quickly!

Ann..shares all her time tested recipes.Every one is a winner in my opinion..and many others:)

She also has the most gorgeous boards and knife holders..Go see what she is up to~

You know I may have already posted this recipe..but it's good enough to post twice~

Shortbread Tart Pastry
======================
1 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup Icing sugar (powdered sugar)
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
Place the flour and icing sugar in the bowl of a food processor. Cut the butter into
pieces and add to the bowl. Using the pulse function process the mixture until it
forms a ball.

White Chocolate Cream Cheese Filling

8 ounces white chocolate melted
(I melt in the microwave on medium low heat in 20 to 30 second intervals) Stir in
between. Chocolate should not be hot.
8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
2 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup white sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
Fresh Raspberries
(enough filling for two pies)
Preheat oven to 425°F.

Shortbread Tart Pastry
======================
1 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup Icing sugar (powdered sugar)
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
Place the flour and icing sugar in the bowl of a food processor. Cut the butter into
pieces and add to the bowl. Using the pulse function process the mixture until it
forms a ball.

White Chocolate Cream Cheese Filling

8 ounces white chocolate melted
(I melt in the microwave on medium low heat in 20 to 30 second intervals) Stir in
between. Chocolate should not be hot.
8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
2 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup white sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
Fresh Raspberries
(enough filling for two pies)
Preheat oven to 425°F.

Prepare the crust first.
Divide dough into 4 equal pieces and place in the bottom of a tart pan with removable bottom. Using your fingers pat the dough evenly along the sides and bottom of the pan. Prick with a fork and put in the freezer for 15 minutes. Prick again. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until crust is golden. Check after the first 6 or 7 minutes and if the pastry is rising
up, flatten gently with a fork. Remove from oven and let cool on a rack. Lower the temperature to 350°F

Filling

Beat the cream cheese with sugar until soft and creamy. Add the eggs and continue to beat. Beat in melted white chocolate, cream and vanilla. Decorate tart shell with raspberries. Slowly pour the cream cheese filling around the berries. Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes or until the filling is set. Let cool on rack. May be decorated with melted chocolate.

These pretty shoes were spotted at  our Max's 5th Birthday party~

Day Trip~ Little Italy~

Ciao~ We like going to Little Italy~Everything looks good to me there..Dante store..all the winding iron stairs..:) Old and weathered and colorful..or not~  The market..Milano's.
We went the week of The Grand Prix and never even thought about The Grand Prix! The Main.St -Laurent..was blocked off and all the side arteries~ Oh lala..we had to park far from Milano and the resto..but the walk was fun..so many Fiats:) And people! There was a joy in the air.. the terrasses lined the road..Jean-Talon..the tents..the cars..Believe me I am not a car person..But I have become a Fiat person.And seeing the vintage ones was such a treat:) Not to mention finally seeing some of Milano's renovations..It looks great! More kitchen paraphenalia.. Really nice..I was able to pick up certain items they only have..and we were greeted as nicely as ever.
 At our resto we had the fresh lasagne and vongole pasta..This was a carbonara we had the last time.I am a pasta nut.  All their pastas are quite edible:) This is not the terrasse where we ate..but it is in that area~ At Milano..I can get lovely products.. like this colorful pasta,, Evoos, .. Gnocchis:)(N and D)..My moisturizer that I first bought in Italy and tried on for the first time in the villa in San Gimignano~Actually some say Olive Oil is just as good~
This brand is now found at my Costco also..We like it very much.I have mentioned it before.Olive Oil should leave a peppery  after taste,at the back of your throat,,perhaps peppery is not the right word~But you feel something.
 
I have liked going to Little Italy for a long time.But must admit since seeing the real thing..I love it even more..

Undoubtedly one of my many favorite vistas is the one above..It was surreally calm,the expanse glorious..and looked like a painting~It kind of looked like it would be heavenly to live there...It was a fun project to try and paint this little vignette when I came back as the cover of our photo album~

I see how timid I was with color  and I see I have not done enough watercolors in the last years to improve..I don't even know if I could still do this one..I have to take the time to sit and practice.
I'd like to remedy the fact that I just stood still..as I do love watercolors..and have  paper..pencils..brushes..pans. journals,pads  .:)

I appreciate everything I see and learn..
I will share something with you soon that has to do with art and journaling in a way...It may inspire   some of you.
It is inspiring me~
Ciao~