Wednesday, November 11, 2015

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:)

70 comments:

  1. aww all look beautiful Monique !!
    Love yours muffins mold :)

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    1. I was happy to find a store that specializes in these molds a number of yrs ago in Mtl..and bought a few ;)

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  2. Oh I can't believe it Monique. I just bought that book as a Christmas gift for my granddaughter yesterday. I do believe we have a psychic connection sometimes. That soup looks wonderful as I eat my peanut butter sandwich for dinner. Almond muffins sound good too. I took an art class in college and the first thing the teacher had us doing was drawing fruit and stuff without looking down at the page.

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    1. She will love the book..I have not left it alone..You are a wise nana..giving gifts that keep on giving..this one will..
      Contour drawing:) ♥

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  3. A delicious delightful feast for the eyes, Monique....
    Bravo!
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. ps....that soup looks delicious and easy!
      Winds are 103 km/hr at the cottage!
      Hope the old girl can take it!
      Yikes!

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  4. Ohhh Almond muffins, I thought they were cannelles. They look just like them. I had some in the south of France and they were magnifiques! I did a lemon and amaretto muffin the other day, gluten free, that was absolutely gorgeous. So moist and delicious. I love, LOVE your paintings. They are so YOU! I think I am going to treat myself to that book. I sold some cookbooklets this week, so have a little bit of mad money to play with. Love, LOVE, LOVE the rootvegetable fries with the mayonnaise. Pinning that to definitely make sometime! I adore these types of things! But then . . . I adore all you post about. You touch my heart and my mind with beautiful things! xoxo

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    1. You are being so inspiring with your search for great healthy recipes..actually Marie..you could make a book like this..you can draw from your head..memory..I have to look at something and concentrate.I do love the book..yesterday..perfume bottles..such fun.
      The root vegetable fries and dip..VG but try and crisp them up more than mine crisped..very attractive too I found..colors are so appetizing..
      ditto M:)

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  5. Beautiful tea cup drawing. You inspire me!

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  6. Wonderful moment to spend in the kitchen and cook nice things like you...I'm hungry now because of your pictures ! Nice day Christine

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  7. Miam Miam Love the look of that soup!'

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    1. That DD girl..has some very flavorful recipes..she's good!

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  8. Lovely post! I'm planning to do those fries and to check out that book for my daughter-in-law who lived in Paris for school.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    1. The book would be such a nice gift for her..there are no words though..this is a book that is filled w/ drawings of Paris and Paris things and people..

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  9. Mon I have a colouring book too!

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    1. They are great !
      Not sure I will color in it..fun to learn to draw:)

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  10. My sister loves coloring in adult coloring books. The last one I bought her for her birthday was of Paris scenes. Your soup and those fries sound wonderful!

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    1. She must have loved it..I can't color in mine..LOL..just want to learn how to draw certain things by looking at her pics..

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  11. I love the look of your muffins - even though it wasn't your favorite recipe! The soup, the frites! I would love to try those rainbow fries! I'll remember your suggestion about baking. I love crispy too - especially with a delicious mayo. They are so pretty! I also love DD - she IS good. Your sketches are wonderful, Monique! At first, I thought the woman with the bun was you ;) What a beautiful book and I love the idea. I still have one of my coloring books from when I was a girl :) Lots of horses in it - LOL.

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    1. I used my cannelés molds..things turn out mini and cute..
      Are you lucky or what to have your coloring book..
      You must have loved My Friend Flicka;) I did!
      You made me smile..Jacques said that could be you..

      I am here to tell you from the back perhaps..just don't let her turn around;)

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  12. I have a silicone canele mold just like yours. It makes such pretty little cakes. Lovely watercolors.

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  13. just beautiful, the food looks delicious and your drawings are so pretty that book has definitely inspired you

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    1. I think it would inspire you too;)It has your name on it..

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  14. Hi Monique, love the way you sketch, so beautiful. And those fries now I want some, looks delicious!

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  15. I don't have a recipe for the perfect almond muffin, you usually find the best recipes for me! Pinterest did not result in a recipe? What made the muffin you had so yummy? The soup looks good too. I made your lentil barley soup again last night, yummy. Some will go to the girls and we will keep some. Love the sketches. I did not order any paint and brushes yet but I had seen a paint by number based on country pleasure photos in country living magazine and ordered that. Sort of like going back in time with coloring books for adults. Not sure how my carpal tunnel will react to painting so I figured I would try that first.

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    1. Terry when I took a painting class soo many many years ago..Shari ..a girl in my class had severe carpal tunnel..she was operated on both hands one at a time.. she would paint w/ the alternate hand God Bless her during classes..I loved her desire to want to paint.Not to mention I discovered such a great girl..inside out .
      I hope it will be ok for you.
      I think what you ordered sounds like fun..plus you know our winters..and Katherine will get into arts and crafts with you:)

      It's a nice quiet dynamic w/ Littles..they do get into it:)

      The almond muffin had a crunchier top w/ a few almonds..sliced almonds..the interior was moist and dense:) Just right..
      Said Goldilocks .
      You might like that chicken soup above:)
      Have a great day Terry!

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    2. We will see how it goes because using my other hand would be quite the challenge! Katherine asked the other day to bake Christmas tree cookies this year so that is on the list. Maybe if you put a bit of brown sugar and finely chopped almonds on top you would get the crunch. Some sour cream in the batter?

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    3. I will keep trying;).
      I love that Katherine looks forward to baking with you..Linda..above above..has a little granddaughter..Miss V..who bakes with her also..I miss those days..maybe Oli will..

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    4. But I bet they still love Nana's baking

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  16. I don't know how you do it all. Sketch, paint, bake beautiful muffins, make soup and gorgeous fries. Kudos to you Monique.

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    1. I do little else..but thanks Linda:)
      All of a sudden..well 6 yrs ago..spare time came my way..

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  17. Monique, I think I, too, will order this one. I didn't get adult coloring books, but like your idea of using this as a model for sketching. Brilliant!
    I agree with LInda. I don't know how you accomplish all you do and then photograph the gorgeous results and create a post to share. You get a standing ovation from me!
    The root veggie idea is going straight to my chef. ;-)

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    1. Suggest he crisp them up better than I did..Oh Sarah..just your francophile/bibliophile sides will love this book..Marie mentioned another by the same author,,Parisian Street Style..the one w/ the cute cover..I ordered it from the UK..she is fantastic..I love her art..
      Hope you enjoy it also!

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    2. My heart is broken tonight as I listen to the dreadful news of the situation in Paris.

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    3. Ours also~
      Shocking ..the world is saddened.

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  18. I made a good almond scone but no muffins :( Your paintings are so lovely and delicate. The colors are great and they all made me hungry!
    http://www.savingdessert.com/2014/12/almond-cranberry-scones/

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    1. Thank Tricia..I did not know you then..so the link is very much appreciated!

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  19. I had to take a break from unpacking to stop by and get a little "Monique-ness" in my life and that's just what I did with this beautiful post. I always come away inspired.
    Sam

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    1. I have been thinking of you..it's almost done I bet and you are enjoying the beautiful November in Fl.
      Your home now..:)♥

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  20. Such a charming book and I love the watercolors you've done. I do wish I had even one iota of talent.
    Yum on those root veggie fries! Definitely going to make those when the kids are home.
    Loved this post!

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  21. Home baked muffins, soup, fries and watercoloring!! Monique, You're so amazing!! Love this post and all the inspiration!
    Hugs,
    Jody

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    1. Jody..you need this book..I think she has a London one also..you would surely use it in the way I am:)
      I believe you would enjoy it to bits.

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  22. I always like your this and that posts when you share so much with us. Your drawings and paintings are lovely. The chicken soup sounds really nice…especially with the thyme.

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    1. I never could have predicted this lovely Paris book..my posting about it..would coincide w/ such a tragic weekend..Friday the 13th..and Paris in sorrow~:(

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  23. I have been drowning in murder and mayhem for the last few months. What a pleasure to visit here with charm and colors and beautiful food. It's like a breath of good air!
    Hope you have been well--- missed my visits here for sure!

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    1. I have been wondering how you were:)Hope all is well..

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  24. I wish you could give me art lessons. I love what you do! I never thought of contours and tracing but that makes so much sense! Love those root fries, and I think I love that slather on them even more!

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    1. The slater's the icing :)

      Maybe looking at her books and picking one that sppeaks to you:) And a little travel watercolor set..or just a very resonable set at Michaels..and try:) Because honestly if I can "drawing and painting less than 101"..you can do better!

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  25. YOur posts put me to shame! This is just another perfect one..
    I too would pay money to come over to you and sit in your gorgeous garden and have a few art lessons!
    Sigh...maybe one day ;-)

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    1. Peace et al came out..already:) On the tree:)♥
      You are so talented!
      That make up bag follows me everywhere:)

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  26. That photo of the little muffins is so pretty, Monique, like a still life.
    Amalia
    xo

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  27. We love root veggie fries, and make them twice a week. This year my farm basket had a new root "parsley root" that we are very fond of. I hope they grow it again next year.

    Joe saw the Paris coloring book as a top seller so I ordered it with a nice set of colored pencils. That was a week ago ;-( I'll never be able to look at that coloring book the same again. I agree that you never could have predicted posting about it and that it would coincide with the tragic weekend and Friday the 13th.

    Wish you could give me art lessons!

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    1. Joe has a great eye..you will enjoy the book so much.
      I used it yesterday again and started "La Vie En Rose"..you will know it when you get it..
      It was bittersweet.
      And you could be the girl w/ the camera..:) One of them.

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  28. Very cute book indeed-)) I am thinking to buy one for me, love The Secret Garden one-))

    Hugs,

    Yelena

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    1. I believe it's the best seller in books ..The Secret Garden..it will make winter brighter!:)

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  29. Is that a Cannelle mold? Love that! Love the tiny muffins inside...the teacups are beautiful as well as that soup! That looks like a really lovely meal! Very nice little watercolor set...
    Bisous xoxoxo

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    1. It is..I use it for more than those;)
      I think you would enjoy the book;)

      I keep harping on you to get into your watercolors don't I?:)
      I'll stop..I can be annoying;)

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  30. Querida Monica la sopa es una delicia absolutamente todo muy lindo y sabroso,abrazos

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