This and that food latelys..~and a cute book..

Muffins , perfect with tea in cooler weather.
I had an almond muffin w/ coffee somewhere recently and tried to recreate the recipe..I found many recipes online..and tried this one..they are good..but not what I am yearning for..if anyone has a link to a tried and true one..I'd love it!
I made a Damn Delicious soup and it was..mine was a tad less creamy and that was fine w/ me..I love thyme w/ mushrooms and chicken..so added a bit more..
my chicken soups are always broth based..this was a nice change.

The root veggie fries.. are also a lovely change from regular home baked fries..they were featured in my ..November Canadian Living magazine..

I used one rutabaga,one sweet potato,a beet and a regular potato..I did not have a celery root..which was on the original recipe..

Rainbow Root Fries w/ Chive Mayo..

adapted.

Make sure when you are peeling and cutting your fries.. you don't mix the beet ones..as they will discolor everything..so I did what they suggested and did each ind.
So slice them all ap. the same size..  toss individually  in EVOO..salt..pepper,garlic powder and rosemary..

Place on parchment paper/seperately..and bake in a pre-heated   for ap..40-45 mins and sprinkle w/ parsley.

Serve w/ mayo..
this one:)

1/3 cup mayo
1 tbsp fresh chives chopped
1 small garlic clove finely grated or pressed.
1 tsp lemon juice.

The first time I made these I baked at their recommended 425F oven..


Next time I will try 375 F convection..for 50 minutes..

although they are delicious w/ that mayo..I am not getting the nice crunch factor like Jacque's home baked fries.

Remember I mentioned a book I love?

You know..everywhere I went..I saw coloring books for adults..I was not sure I was into coloring in a book again..The Secret Garden had tempted me..had to be the garden thing..

but ohmygoodness when I saw this one..
..done.

It's different than the others..I bought it to practice line drawing..sketching..on a sep.piece of paper..to watercolor..
so much fun..I just love every page..every illustration..
soo many of them..a treasure..not sure I will end up cloring IN it..just want to learn and I love the way she draws.
I took some of her sketches..and tried.. and added things around the kitchen..
then I did some of her ice creams and gelatos..
this book is a great reference book for anyone who wats to draw..paint etc..
and so cute..pages of coats..handbags..French food..the Eiffel tower..buildings..birds..
you can color in it..for sure..
I like that I am trying to not look at what I am drawing as much..just guiding my pencil while looking at her drawing..then glancing and correcting..
but I am using it for a different purpose..
If anyone sees themselves in it..I can assure you it's a keeper.
PS Again she has no clue who I am..
I am working on the girl from the back:) She was an immediate attraction for me when I flipped through the book..
And wanted to show you one in the just drawn form..before painting. 
The images are all dear dear dear.
One could even trace..but I like practicing contour drawing..you would be amazed what can happen when not looking at the drawing you are working on..but only on the object itself.

For all of these I am using a Sennelier Aqua Mini set ,bought at Omer de Serres..but I am using a longer handled brush.
I like how the teacups turned out..more to follow:)