Sunday, May 17, 2015

Blanc de Blanc~


















Barbara's Tree~

It was ..is... a long weekend here..
Saturday was a bit of a curmudgeon day..humid..grey..heavy..
Sunday..today ..is absolute ..perfection.
The kind of day..where the outside looks as good as the inside..
The grass is green..the gardens are growing..
the house is sunny.
As is everything had been groomed for you..but you have groomed it..
so..effortless it seems.

A funny little footnote..


A shout out to Staples/Bureau En Gros..is in order also..
Jacques and I each bought a computer last year from them..I took the prolonged warranty..

they had sold us a security program..that ended after one year..
We removed it this week..but could not get the computers to kick in to Windows Defender..I called them..and they said come in..

I did stop at a nursery;)

And we went..

Samuel..the young BRAINIAC ..I mean that in the kindest way..adorable ..sweet smart tech guy..took like 10 magic minutes to make everything right.
No charge..brought my computer back to the car and would not even accept $ compensation.
Kudos.. Staples /Bureau En Gros here in QC.
I already am in love w/ their print centre.."Isabelle".

Back to the gardens..

Some white is popping out ..here and there..Violas..Lilacs..Sweet Woodruff..Solomon's Seal..did you know that all these apart from Solomon's Seal  are edible blooms?Apple blossoms?
I have them here..so I know that there have not been any insecticides used at all.
I have  found a great site for edible blooms..
Lily Of The Valley is definitely NOT edible.. poisonous..but what a scent..my mom♥
It grows wild here..on the side/length of the driveway..the area is not a great gardening area so I have left the ferns..LOTV..Lilies etc..just grow wild~
I love white..so much so that if you look in my closet..my shirts and tshirts are white..  90% or black..the other 10%..I have very little color..
I like white furniture..white blooms..I have a Blanc Pinterest Board:)

The scent of lilacs..and lily-of the valley..are uniquely and individually intoxicating~

Lily Of The Valley has lovely meanings..The Return Of  Happiness..Purity..Sweetness..it is also said that they bloomed at the foot of the cross where Mary shed her tears..:(

I loved a book called The Language Of Flowers..may just read it again..I rarely do that..but I think I will..

Dans la cuisine~


I wanted to use the pans I bought at Amazon..5 ,small, 5 inch Wilton pans to make smaller cakes..
I halved my Gâteau Au Beurre recipe..but it only made 4 layers..will have to try and perfect a small 5 layer cake recipe..
The cake was as good as always..but because the cake is small..the icing was too sweet..next time I will up the cream cheese and butter and reduce the sugar.
But I must say..small is in when you are baking for 1 person.
Cuteness♥
I have shared  this cake recipe before..I'll do it again..this time..halved..

La Recette~

Courtesy of Denise Cardin..when I was a young bride of 21..and she was our back door neighbor..w/ 3 boys..in her later 30's..


 2 eggs
 1 cup of sugar
1 cup flour sifted
1 tbsp baking powder
a pinch of salt
3 /4 cups of milk that you have simmered  to melt butter the size of an egg yolk..1 tbsp is fine for this halfer recipe.

Combine eggs,sugar,flour,baking powder, salt then milk/butter mixture'until homogenous.

Place in 4 of the Wilton pans.. I measured..to make sure the same amount of batter would be in all 4 pans...bake ap 25 min..until a toothpick comes out clean.. check  after 20 mins..these are small pans..like playing w/ Easy Bake ovens almost:) at 350F.

Let cool..unmold..stack and frost and adorn...with violas..or cherry blossoms..or lilacs..etc..
For the full recipe..it will make 2 8inch round pans..and you would bake 1/2 hour.

Fresh is the operative word for our gardens this weekend..
nothing is burnt..the greens are vibrant and new still..
some of my garden ornaments are getting tired and old..
like..
a small flat garden stone I made..when we moved here.. that has these words on it..

In Search Of My Mother's Garden..I Found My Own~
Alice Walker

 With thanks to Derek.
Some people you never ever ever forget.
A smile.. an act of kindness, a twinkle in their eye..compassion..dedication..artistry..kindness..
That..and more..  Derek~




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62 comments:

  1. PennyMay 17, 2015 at 6:48 PM

    White on white. How do you do that? Such pretty pictures and the cake looks amazing. Lilies of the Valley so pretty. I kind of wish all of my clothes were white or black. So much easier to coordinate with a colorful scarf and cute shoes.

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 18, 2015 at 8:49 AM

      And I often wish I was much more colorful..I just don't feel at ease in colors.. I like blending in;)
      Such a pretty time here in QC..at last:)

      Delete
  2. Sketchbook WanderingMay 17, 2015 at 6:50 PM

    Perhaps white is the color of optimism and happiness if it is your favorite!! Garden whites flow through your photos so beautifully here! Les muguets, I love them too. I'm wondering if they are still in the garden of my old house...I didn't know they had a Christian religious connection, but they do seem to be one of those little spiritual flowers...And your light violets, also so pretty. Sometimes the perfect days are more perfect because they follow the drearier ones...! Staples: They've always been good to me, it's nice to know big corporate stores are really there to help.

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 18, 2015 at 8:53 AM

      I think I will write a note to the manager about his stellar weekend computer whiz..the young man is in CEGEP...
      My first sight of LOTV was in a great aunt's garden..she had silver dollars also..and she was very religious..my first Catholic book ever was from her.I still have it..Her name was Agnès Desroches..funny how I remember ..she died when I was 6 I think.
      She must have made an impression on me the few times I saw her.
      I went with my mom ;)

      Delete
  3. Nancy's NotesMay 17, 2015 at 7:33 PM

    Your photographs are just glorious! White is classic and so is your writing! I'm amazed when I drop in, it's always a lovely read, lovely photographs and I'm at peace and with a smile on my face when I leave your blog. I look forward to seeing your name light up on my blog list! Great post, as always~
    Nancy

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 18, 2015 at 8:54 AM


      I am happy to see you are doing so much better..it's nice to see you taking pics and blogging again.
      It is so good for us I think:)

      Delete
  4. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmaryMay 17, 2015 at 8:50 PM

    What a great post. Your garden is lovely and I just love Lily of the Valley - the smell is heavenly.
    I like white also - it seems that most of my clothes are black and white. But I do love that RED.
    I sure wish that I had a piece of that cake right now - yum yum. Thanks so much for the recipe - I just know that you are the best cook as your dishes always looks so GOOD.
    Have a wonderful week and enjoy Spring.
    Mary

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 18, 2015 at 8:55 AM

      I took an art class..and the wonderful artist..Helmut Gerth..said always add a touch of red:)
      So you are spot on!:)

      Delete
  5. TerrykMay 17, 2015 at 9:01 PM

    I love white flowers too. And that silver serving piece looks wonderful with the Lilly of the valley. It must smell fantastic. The cake is adorable and so spring like. I love the violets but mine were driving me a bit mad last week as the lawn has too many of them. Some all white which I am tempted to put in the garden beds but know they go a bit crazy and can get out of hand. My dalhias are showing some growth, it was so hot here today. I am going to attempt to get out early tomorrow morning to do some weeding. With the bit of rain we have had it is needed. Enjoy your garden. By the way how are your new garden work boots as far as comfort goes?

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 18, 2015 at 8:59 AM

      My violets are in the grass too..but so is Creeping Charlie.. and dandelions..Have yiu seen te roots/tubers of those violets? So not pretty xompared to the beauty of the violas..
      No sign of the new Dahlias yet..but I did give in and throw the tray ones from last year away just yesterda.I had given them enough time;)
      The boots are too big:(
      They will be better this fall w/ big socks..you can't tighten the laces..enough to make the boot snug.
      I did see another pair of slip ons..but one pair is enough this year:)
      So..NOT comfy...Live and learn..

      Delete
    2. TerrykMay 18, 2015 at 1:57 PM

      Sorry to hear the boots are not comfy. I always wear pretty thick socks gardening to cushion my feet. Now if I could only find something to cushion my back! I know the violet tuber goes deep and even when you think you have it, up it pops again. At least today was a perfect work in the garden day, cool and cloudy.

      Delete
  6. Marie RaynerMay 18, 2015 at 2:35 AM

    There is just so much to love here Monique. The kindness of strangers. Cake. Lily of the Valley. One of my favourite blooms. We planted some. It did not come up. :-( I don't know why. I love all of your posts, but especially the ones where I get glimpses of your garden. You truly live in a heaven on earth! xoxo

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 18, 2015 at 9:02 AM

      Marie..you have to remember I only show you the good parts of the gardens..we pulled a lot of things that were tired last fall..so empty spots and the cold..so many things did not return..
      Still it gives me great pleasure to kneel by the beds.. weed..primp..water..watch..and I love having subjects to photo..picking a small bouquet..just so wonderful for me.
      I can look at what's growing many times a day and am sure I see a difference..

      Delete
  7. RosenoisettesMay 18, 2015 at 4:20 AM

    Quels superbes bouquets de muguet, vous en avez beaucoup dans votre jardin, il est vrai qu'il serait dommage de s'en priver :)
    Bonne semaine ~

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 18, 2015 at 9:03 AM

      Vous aussi!
      L'odeur est sublime..J'en ai toujours au bout du nez ces temps-ci:)

      Delete
  8. Valerie Harrison (bellini)May 18, 2015 at 4:40 AM

    Before condo life I had several types of gardens at home. A white garden, a blue garden and a chocolate garden, Theoretically all the flowers smelled like chocolate.

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 18, 2015 at 9:03 AM

      I am so curious about the chocolate garden!
      I bet they were beautiful Val!

      Delete
  9. ParisbreakfastsMay 18, 2015 at 6:55 AM

    Breathtaking !!!
    Wish I could find something more original to say...
    Brain is in awe.

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 18, 2015 at 9:04 AM

      It's nature here in May.. I am the same way..It really is night and day isn't it?

      Delete
  10. myfrenchkitchenMay 18, 2015 at 8:00 AM

    J'adore le blanc. J'adore ce billet. What am I saying? I love ALL your posts! :)
    Ronelle

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 18, 2015 at 9:05 AM

      Moi si j'adore le blanc..!Moi si j'adore tes billets!

      Delete
  11. Madonna/aka/Ms Lemon of Make Mine LemonMay 18, 2015 at 8:09 AM

    Lilies of the Valley - one of my favorites - looks and scent. Love those computer guys when you need them. I love halved recipes. Big-o-cakes are not required in my life.

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  12. SavoringTime in the KitchenMay 18, 2015 at 11:12 AM

    You are catching up so quickly now! I just picked the first bouquet of LOV this past week :) Solomon's Seal has been blooming for a little longer. The wild violets are are charming but I'm finding them all over the garden in places they are not welcomed! Little pretty weeds :) I've been dying to plant but it's going to be 38F tomorrow night! I will wait until next weekend. I tried some radish seeds in a large container. We shall see! Beautiful cake, the verse, Derek. All sweet memories.

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  13. La Table De NanaMay 18, 2015 at 11:35 AM

    We watched a cold front on the news..parts of Canada too...big blue parts on the weather channels..today is muggier.. warm..Thos violas ARE invasive..I still love them though..you are right in almost every bed ..have you noticed how they do look like they wee planned?:)
    My radishes are so cute..and I have a retraction..a couple of the dahlias are up..but the new ones..
    My sweet standard pink diamond hydrangea looks frightfully lost to this winter's bitter cold..and I would say 90% of my Japanese Anemones are absent:(
    He was a very specal man:)

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  14. Hélène (Cannes)May 18, 2015 at 1:59 PM

    Monique, je viens de rentrer du boulot et je suis toute retournée ! Jamais je n'ai reçu un si joli cadeau, tu sais ... Vraiment, je ne sais que dire ... Je les admirais, tes poupées, et n'aurais jamais osé espérer en posséder une un jour ... Je suis tellement touchée ... Allez,,je vais encore la regarder, lire et relire la si jolie carte qui l'accompagne et je te reviens tout à l'heure ... J'ai vu au milieu de ton muguet de ces petits livres de la collection Nelson qui ont fait .... et font toujours, d'ailleurs, mes délices ... J'ai une espèce de jumelle du côté de l'Atlantique, j'en ai de plus en plus l'impression ! ! ! Des bises en te remerciant encore une fois ... Hélène

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 18, 2015 at 5:23 PM

      Tu n'as aucune idée des joies que tu m'as apportées depuis que je te connais:)
      Une famille comme la tienne..le partage..l'amour..
      C'est cela la vraie vie.
      C'est toi qui me fais constamment cadeau avec tes billets.
      En espérant que son voyage "Air Mail"..ne l'aie pas trop froissée:)
      xo

      Delete
    2. Hélène (Cannes)May 19, 2015 at 2:07 AM

      Elle est juste parfaite. Et la carte aussi. Quelle merveilleuse idée, vraiment !Tout est si délicat ... Je vais montrer ça à mes amies aujourd'hui. Je vais faire des jalouses, c'est sûr ... Quant à la dernière partie de la carte, ma foi ... je ne suis pas bien arrivée à la déchiffrer ! ;o)) Non, sans rire, offrir la bricole que l'on a trouvée parfaite pour quelqu'un qu'on aime bien, savoir qu'on va lui faire plaisir ... c'est là un autre des plaisirs de mon existence ! ;o)) Bisous et bonne journée. et puis merci encore. Hélène

      Delete
  15. CathleenMay 18, 2015 at 3:52 PM

    Such gorgeous photos! Hope you are enjoying your long weekend so far!!

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 18, 2015 at 5:26 PM

      It's almost done!It just poured amidst sunshine.. very different weather this afternoon..
      Today was so well spent..planting here and across the street.."Littles" visits..
      ♥

      Delete
  16. donna bakerMay 18, 2015 at 3:57 PM

    Oh Monique, it sounds and looks beautiful there. I love white too. Wonder why? I once had an all white garden. It was filled with annuals and did turn out pretty.

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 18, 2015 at 5:27 PM

      Starving for blooms all winter..I think I just go maybe too gaga over every little thing that dares creep up through our soil..
      everything just looks so out of this world miraculous.

      Delete
  17. Ry @ Sotto Il Monte VineyardsMay 18, 2015 at 6:08 PM

    Beautiful! Lily of the Valley - such perfect little flowers. I too love white. White walls and kitchen cabinets. Linen slipcovers in white and the perfect white blouse.

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  18. Gloria BakerMay 18, 2015 at 6:50 PM

    All the flowers look beautiful Monique!! and the last tree look amazing!!
    Just lovely Monique!!

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  19. marcelleMay 18, 2015 at 11:37 PM

    Pourquoi on ne trouve plus le parfum''EVENING IN PARIS'' DE Bourjois le bonheur dans sa bouteille bleue et son cordon ,la senteur du muguet me revient à chaque fois que je vois lesplants devant une maison jolie comme tout avec sa bordure de fleurs rue St-André en plein Montréal..Au fait votre blog est super.

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 19, 2015 at 9:05 AM

      Evening In Paris! Je m'en souviens très bien!
      Merci Marcelle!

      Delete
  20. LindaMay 19, 2015 at 2:23 AM

    I can smell their beautiful scent all the way here...
    Bisous ❤️

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  21. LouisetteMay 19, 2015 at 8:11 AM

    Wonderfull, manque que le parfum sur le blog,
    http://louisette.eklablog.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. LouisetteMay 19, 2015 at 8:12 AM

    Bonne semaine en fleurs de la saison.
    Greeting from Belgium in Mons

    ReplyDelete
  23. katrinaMay 19, 2015 at 4:42 PM

    Came back to read this again today -I am quite addled with cleaning and packing and tossing things into piles: the dump, the grandchildren, my children, sentimental, etc etc. I love your white and green (and silver) world! Green as yours here, and the lily of the valley striving to bloom, modestly. Lovely that you have those to remind you of your mother. I had to laugh, because most of the time I wear my "uniform", black and white striped long sleeve T from LLBean, black jeans :) I am too messy to wear white all the time, but I do love white, as much as you. Happy Spring, Nana dear!

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 19, 2015 at 5:31 PM

      I think of you often with this wonderful adventure ahead of you..
      You are not the first that has moved to be close to Littles..
      The magnetic attraction is so strong.
      And I know that this move..although a lot of work for you.. and nostalgic..etc..is a great move for you.
      I hope you will regale us w/ new posts..:) In the new place:)
      In your black jeans and LL Bean top:)

      Delete
    2. katrinaMay 19, 2015 at 8:19 PM

      Thanks for the support, Nana!

      Delete
  24. UnknownMay 19, 2015 at 5:51 PM

    Love, love, love those beautiful Lilies of the Valley. I grew up with them but they don't grow here in NC. The aroma is so intoxicating. I know you're in heaven Monique with all this blanc beauty in bloom!

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 20, 2015 at 8:28 AM

      We get a few beauteous months Chris..helps us prepapre for winter;)

      Delete
  25. Linda @ Life and LindaMay 19, 2015 at 7:42 PM

    Oh my, how beautiful these photos are and the flowers take my breath away with their beauty. Glad to hear your blooms are all coming in. Little by little. The weather is shaping up nicely.

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 20, 2015 at 8:28 AM

      Such a difference from winter isn't it?
      Feast or famine!

      Delete
  26. LindaMay 19, 2015 at 8:21 PM

    Beautiful!
    My Lily of the Valley should be ready to pick next weekend...
    Glorious white photos, Monique!!
    We are sitting at 12*c tonight!!! 29*c yesterday!! Geesh!
    Enjoy your week...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 20, 2015 at 8:29 AM

      It's chilly here today too..and still very windy..not much will grow today but it will keep the tulips longer in bloom..Thanks Linda!

      Delete
  27. Debbie@Mountain BreathsMay 20, 2015 at 6:27 AM

    Love the blanc de blanc photography! Reminds me of a wedding ;-)
    When we bought our house over 20 years ago, there were lots of lily of the valley and I loved the scent.
    Your garden is coming to life! May is my favorite month of the year.

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 20, 2015 at 8:30 AM

      It was my mom's too..and October..your gardens are looking quite bedazzling too!

      Delete
  28. From the KitchenMay 20, 2015 at 7:05 PM

    Lovely--your photographs! How nice to have Staples behind you when your computer doesn't obey!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  29. BarbaraMay 21, 2015 at 8:05 AM

    Oh...lilies of the valley! My old favorite. I can practically smell them from here. How lovely they are in the silver pitcher!

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  30. TannaMay 21, 2015 at 11:06 AM

    Is there anything as elegant as white on white? I think not. blessings ~ tanna

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 21, 2015 at 11:14 AM

      I love white on white also Tanana.. soon color will replace the white though..

      Delete
  31. Sue/the view from great islandMay 28, 2015 at 12:09 PM

    I've loved lily of the valley all my life, but we don't get them here in California, it's so sad. And thanks for the tip on the Eat the weeds site, I love it!

    ReplyDelete

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