Thursday, March 9, 2017

Cold again in our forecast~BRRRRRRRRRRRR.





Mushroom soup is very hard to make photogenic..but it's beauty lies within:)







Well we are bracing ourselves for arctic air this weekend..so more wood will be brought in today..and I have a chicken carcass et al..simmering on the stove for stock and soup etc..

 We had tulips and still do..they just make the sunroom pop..and kitchen..I love tulips and how they droop and look like graceful dancers taking a bow.
My trick to keep them..tricks..when you get them home..snip about an inch off the bottoms..remove all leaves that will be under water..replace water every day..I use a ladle..yes..because that bowl is huge..maybe leave a couple of inches and add fresh..yes that's worth it to me♥
I hate the plant food..and stopped using a copper penny yrs ago..made no difference..these tips are what work here..
We had a few other colder days..and I made that Roasted mushroom white bean soup.I love it..not rich like the others I make ,and I love the roasted flavor..You can find the recipe here..I have been making it for years..However I DO drain my beans..I hate that thick slimey liquid lol..and you season to taste..add a splash of heavy cream if you want..read her directions carefully and make sure your mushrooms are well roasted:)

 I was in a mushroomy day..see the little crescent up there?Under the Eiffel tower:)?
I had a sweet sweet client 100 years ago..I had a few:)Her kids were adorable..they would put on their scout and brownie outfits to show me♥They were young..she moved back to England..I wonder if she is still there..
anyway one day I was there and she served me those little mushroom bites..the recipe is typed up..above..as she gave it to me..
I must must mush share my original mushroom roll recipe from Jehane Benoit one day..Caroline and I are nuts about them..

 I have been baking bread..this one from a great book I received..Josey Baker...real name)..I am always loving new recipes..my starter is still being worked on LOL.:)

 Nancy sent me Mary Oliver's book..lovely essays to read here and there♥
I just finished They Left Us Everything..really liked it.
Just started Killer Chef;)

 I may start some seeds this weekend..maybe..


See that adorable little March girl above?

 This is the March page of Marie the  cookbook author/artist's 2017 calendar..♥

 Have a lovely weekend~

And look who's having a ball..great mommy:)I would have never had the the courage to plan everything..book everything..get us there..and do all that just my child and myself.I admire her independence and her love of Disney:)


I think he may be smitten w/ Tinkerbell:)

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68 comments:

  1. SavoringTime in the KitchenMarch 9, 2017 at 1:24 PM

    We are also bracing for a cold snap this weekend with snow possible early next week. Then, back up into the upper 40s! I'm happy to have it stay cool rather than risk the daffodils coming up too soon and then getting a snow blanket to ruin them. Mmmmm, mushroom soup! Love the stuff and I agree, brown foods are not very photogenic. You did a great job, however! Your little mushroom turnover looks delicious and I would love to see your mushroom roll recipe one day! They say mushrooms are quite good for us :) I so wish your starter would cooperate! Mine is such a happy camper. Love the March calendar page, your jardin paintings AND love the photos of Noah. Who wouldn't love Tinkerbell ♥

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 9, 2017 at 1:58 PM

      I have the starter out..in the sun..there are some bubbles..I have no idea what's happening..maybe too cold here and this summer it will be bubbleicious!
      I know Daffs and snow:( NO!
      You would like this soup:)

      Yes mushroom turnovers..need to make to get a pic;)
      Have great weekend Susan.

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  2. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsMarch 9, 2017 at 1:42 PM

    The tulips are beautiful. I love a good mushroom soup. Love your new header.

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  3. donna bakerMarch 9, 2017 at 1:48 PM

    Well, looks like Noah is having the best time ever! Have taken my kids there three times, so the last two times I sent them without me. I can't take the heat and they went in summer. One time I went the first of December and no one was there. It was the best time ever. I love mushroom soup and that bowl looks divine. I'll even eat the Campbell's canned, but homemade would be the best. I remember your tulips growing outside and that bowl of tulips must make you smile each time you walk by. Such beautiful pics.

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    1. donna bakerMarch 9, 2017 at 1:49 PM

      I forgot to tell you, it is going to get cold here too. I actually started seeds in my bathroom window and they are growing. So happy.

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    2. La Table De NanaMarch 9, 2017 at 2:02 PM

      It is so nice getting seeds to sprout and grow inside!

      We went twice to Disney..but I had Jacques to orchestrate everything w/ the girls..
      I was much younger yet looked exhausted! She is starting out at 7.30 AM and in by 10 PM..
      They are both super busy personalities..well matched:)
      My mom always had Campbell's canned..I don't think she loved cooking and baking..of course financially you just didn't do this as a hobby:) And once my brothers moved out..no one was eating much..I was 10 by then..

      Have a good weekend:)

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  4. justmeshelMarch 9, 2017 at 2:07 PM

    Everything so beautiful.
    Love your bread and mushroom soup.
    Your tulips are exquisite! all sun kissed.
    How adorable is your grandson!

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 9, 2017 at 2:23 PM

      Thank you Shel...his mom reads this:) She has told me how she loves things said about Noah:) I loved things being said about our daughters..like you and your family:)
      We ove no one more:)

      THank you..and bon weekend :)

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  5. O meu pensamento viajaMarch 9, 2017 at 3:06 PM

    Dearest Nana,
    Musshroom soup, hum! I love!
    Actually, for dinner I've cooked mushroom rice!
    Love, love, love tulips. Yours are lovely!
    Xoxo
    Nina

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 9, 2017 at 5:13 PM

      I love mushrooms in everything!..Happy weekend Nina!

      Delete
  6. Stan and Jody GabaraMarch 9, 2017 at 3:29 PM

    Monique, your mushroom soup looks delish! That is your Jardin watercolor, it's just beautiful! Looks like Noah had a great time at Disneyland, my favorite place too!! Love your new Header! ♥Hugs, Jody

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  7. La Table De NanaMarch 9, 2017 at 5:13 PM

    Thanks Jody! Yes I did that watercolor last year I think:)Happy weekend to you..I know it will be!

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  8. Debbie@Mountain BreathsMarch 9, 2017 at 6:41 PM

    We are also having a cold snap this weekend, and they actually postponed our local St. Patrick's parade for a week. I think my Lenten Rose will be harmed by the very cold weather :-( Who wouldn't love Tinkerbell :-)

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 10, 2017 at 7:34 AM

      Hi dDbbie..I had Hellebores one yr and they never returned..last year a friend sent me seeds and they took..I placed them here and there at endo of summer and am hoping to see their tiny leaves this Spring..babies..little ones..to me they are such beautiful beautiful blooms..hope yours survive!

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  9. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmaryMarch 9, 2017 at 7:16 PM

    Mushroom soup and that bread look wonderful. Wish I had some right now.

    I hate to tell you that we are having 80 degree weather here until next week and it feels wonderful. So good for my arthritis. Like to sit out on the patio and read.

    Sounds like you have been so busy cooking up a storm. I don't do much anymore since there is just me and the 2 dogs. Just simple things.

    Stay warm and hopefully you will get some warm weather soon.

    Mary

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 10, 2017 at 7:36 AM

      Mary..wehn Jacques used to travel..I ate cereal for dinner..Not sure how I would be now..maybe for a week or two nothing..but then the itch would come to cook..and I would give in..already I halve or quarter everything...we eat less and less...Enjoy the weekend :)

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  10. LindaMarch 9, 2017 at 7:32 PM

    Good evening Monique...
    Your Mushroom soup and fresh baked bread look divine...
    You are THE best cook/baker/Nana ever....💙
    I can't wait to get myself some tulips when I get home....
    And...of course...see my sweet Vivian.
    Oh my....Noah looks like he is having a grand old time...
    Did I tell you my daughter is taking Vivian to Florida and Disney for her 5th bday in July??
    Very brave of her indeed....
    Have a wonderful weekend...we are on the road early Saturday morning...**sigh**...
    Kinda homesick....😕
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 10, 2017 at 7:38 AM

      She sounds like my daughter Linda! Vivian will love it and your daughter also.What strong girls we have raised..
      Your time away flew by..perhaps because you kept in touch so well..w/ beautiful suns..and moons and beaches..just right..calm..calm..calm.Have a good trip home..

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  11. Painting the hamptonsMarch 9, 2017 at 8:24 PM

    Funny, I was just thinking how you had managed to photograph a beautiful tantalizing looking bowl of mushroom soup! All of the photos so pretty. I love yellow tulips. The daffodil are blooming in the sunny spots in the city, not so in the country yet. A few inches of snow expected tomorrow morning. Hopefully the winter's last hurrah. I just finished reading all 8 of Diane Gabeldon's Outlander books. I read them on the iPad one after the other buying the next book as I finished the previous. GUILTY PLEASURE for sure. I haven't seen any of the TV series (yet!) When I was in the middle of the last book I found out she has another one coming out and I felt a little..... mad... !!! I guess I was ready for an ending tying the story up with a bow. On the other hand, an author who has taken years to write 8 books would probably be mad at ME for reading them all in 2 months. I am currently reading a book about one of the Met Museum's Van Gogh paintings being a forgery. It is very interesting.. Noah looks like he is having a blast. I loved Disney!

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 10, 2017 at 7:42 AM

      You know..I had booked an Outlander book out once and never finished..I keep hearing glorious reviews of the books and show..you have just inspired me..will try and finish my Holds and Loans..and then maybe get into them..I find there is often other things I want to do..:(
      Chagall is here at The Montreal Museum of Fine Ars at the moment..Nacy has been a few times..you may enjoy Citizen's Sketcher's post..for the 100 people sketchers event..

      https://citizensketcher.com/2017/03/06/oneweek100people2017-day-one-sketching-at-the-chagall-show/

      Snow is falling as I type..
      Have a nice weekend :)

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    2. Painting the hamptonsMarch 13, 2017 at 8:30 PM

      I like the books though I probably wouldn't have missed the naughty bits (perhaps its my age) They were exactly what I needed last month. Pure escape. I love Chagall's colors. Big snow expected tomorrow....

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  12. SarahMarch 9, 2017 at 9:34 PM

    It's very cold out west, too. We are surviving! Next week I fly to Montreal. Can hardly wait. Will be going into the Eastern Townships and visiting sugar maple farms. And other interesting foodie places. If you have any suggestions, just let me know!

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 10, 2017 at 7:49 AM

      How are you? Oh sugar shacks et all:) If it was later in the season..Bleu Lavande would be on my list..a beautiful lavender..https://bleulavande.com/en/
      here is a Trip Advisor list..

      https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attractions-g6613133-Activities-Eastern_Townships_Quebec.html

      have fun..I know you will!

      a few restos

      https://fr.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurants-g6613133-zfp2-Eastern_Townships_Quebec.html

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  13. Marie RaynerMarch 10, 2017 at 3:18 AM

    What a little Disney cutie! Much handsomer than Gaston! What a great trip for your daughter to organise. She obviously is a chip off the old block! Well done! Your soup looks magnificent. I would love to dig right into it, and also would love to see the mushroom roll recipe! Anything from Mme. Benoit gets two thumbs up from me before we even start! Thanks for sharing my calendar page. You are a dear. I would love that book. It is on my wish list. Must save my pennies first. Sounds right up my alley. The weather is becoming more Spring like here. I hung out some laundry yesterday. Oh, and a tip for tulis I learned from my boss, run a straight pin through the stem just below the bloom. They last longer. Love and hugs and Happy Weekend wishes! xoxo

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 10, 2017 at 7:53 AM

      The straight pin sounds good!

      marie..I have no sense of direction..and we moved to the coutry when I was 20..we never traveled really excpet our honeymoon..drive to Disney..Florida..then in 2009 Europe..and 2016 paris..

      so no she is not a chip off the ol' block unless you mean Jacques.
      I am such a stay at home..and int the last 20 yrs far less adventurous..

      far..:)

      Have a great weekend..I will make the mushoom rolls..maybe to bring along w/ these for Jacques' birthday dinner at my daughter's..I'll bake one to show the finished product.Really so good.

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  14. TannaMarch 10, 2017 at 6:46 AM

    Oh, Monique, such a cutie at Disney! Your photos remind me of how smitten our little Roo was with Tinkerbell... and Sophia, the First. It is a magical place! Yes, your daughter gets kudos for this adventure. LOVE a good mushroom soup. Thank you for sharing this one. We are due to get back into the 30s this weekend. I know that isn't cold for you, but it is a big change again for us. Ugh. Stay warm (that wine and good book may be delightful). blessings ~ tanna

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 10, 2017 at 7:55 AM

      Wine in winter:)
      Funny I like it in summer also.
      You gardens..will the cold create havoc? I hope not you have everything looking so fresh and springlike Tannna..Snowing here..I must be getting really weird w/ age.I don't mind it..

      Have a lovely weekend:)

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  15. RachelDMarch 10, 2017 at 8:40 AM

    Your plans and tulips and soup are all making this COLD day brighter. The sun is coming in through the sheers and it promises to be twenties and teens at night for the next few days, after yesterday's windows and doors open to the Spring breeze.

    That soup looks amazing---I followed it through quite a convoluted click-path to a wonderful "winter dreams" set of things to do during these endless cold days, and I do believe I've got a good part of Spring Break's daily activities for the GRANDS all set. What fun!

    Tulips are my favorite flower to set in a sunny window, and I hope ours are not harmed outside by the cold. And I SO BELIEVE in keeping those Disney Dreams alive for as long as we can---our DDIL and Grand do a lot of traveling and fun things like that, and I so admire their sense of adventure.

    Stay warm and well!

    rachel

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 10, 2017 at 10:48 AM

      Hi rachel..stay warm..I wish tulips lasted forvere in the house..but then they would not be so special would they..Was it the link to the soup that did not work for you?

      It does here..I am sorry..
      I admire their sense of adventure too..I have had it in my mind on occasion..but never put it into practice;)

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    2. RachelDMarch 10, 2017 at 4:18 PM

      Oh, I meant the meander as a kind of THANK YOU that when I found the recipe, I found another lovely post from the recipe writer. I've kept it to refer to when the GRANDS are out on Spring Break.

      r

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    3. La Table De NanaMarch 10, 2017 at 6:04 PM

      :)

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  16. Lee TMarch 10, 2017 at 9:40 AM

    Beautiful tulips! Stay warm! xo

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  17. she's in the kitchenMarch 10, 2017 at 10:42 AM

    Oh, those pictures of Noah at Disney are delightful - and I think you're right about Tinkerbell:) I'm entranced with those mushroom turnovers! Also a big fan of my quick mushroom soup on these chilly, cold mornings. Minnesota is freezing and windy. Be well - and have a balmy weekend!

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 10, 2017 at 10:58 AM

      Lol balmy..

      Tonight's forecast?The Weather Network says:


      -2 F feels like -22 F they write..

      Mylène and Noah..will be in for a shock!

      Oh well..c'est la vie..not much you can do about it..those things are easy to accept:)

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  18. Tricia BuiceMarch 10, 2017 at 12:12 PM

    Your soup is beautiful and mushrooms are always a favorite. Tulips always make me smile - I will try your tricks! What a fun trip to go to Disney when there's so much snow and winter weather up your way. It was spitting snow this morning and it's quite cold. It will probably be 80 degrees next week - crazy weather. Have a lovely weekend!

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 10, 2017 at 3:05 PM

      You too!

      She brought him 2 years ago also ♥

      Tricia..thanks for all the nice recipes you share.

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  19. Kathy WalkerMarch 10, 2017 at 4:05 PM

    Is that the storm we sent your direction?...it was very cold! But, you have a beautiful hint of spring in the lovely tulips! I love mushrooms yet I have not made a mushroom soup, I wonder why... Yours does look tasty!

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 10, 2017 at 6:06 PM

      It's different..not too rich and packed with flavor!
      I planted seeds in my craft room today..needless to say..grow lights are hanging inches away:)

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  20. Linda @ Life and LindaMarch 10, 2017 at 4:25 PM

    Beautiful soup and bread. A perfect combination for a lovely meal. You blow me away with your food staging. The tulips are beautiful. They add so much beauty to our homes.

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  21. Ry @ Sotto Il Monte VineyardsMarch 10, 2017 at 6:44 PM

    Yum - fresh bread and mushroom soup. Looks divine! It was 85 degrees here today. Spring allergies kept me inside.

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 11, 2017 at 9:46 AM

      85 sounds divine ..today:) tonight we change the hour..so quick this yr!Take care:)

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  22. ParisbreakfastsMarch 10, 2017 at 8:54 PM

    The soup looks gorgeous! Artic air!!
    Come to Paris svp. The day starts out gray and overcast. Then turns sunny and Springish.
    You might prefer it...

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 11, 2017 at 9:47 AM

      Your pastry shops are enticing me..but no..home for a while..except maybe the Cape soon..it's been so long that I have been to Martha's Vineyard..

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  23. ParisbreakfastsMarch 11, 2017 at 1:17 AM

    What kind of paper did you use?
    Mignon!!!
    Why do i get yr blogs so late? Always last to comment :((

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 11, 2017 at 9:52 AM

      I think it depends..some blogs I get very late also..I have no idea why..
      I think the paper was just a cheapo in a tablet..8x11 w/ a blue cover..I just bought a BIG one for the boys..I will check:)
      XL Canson..

      I just saw a new one that had wonderful reviews by Monvoirco..let me go see if I can find it.(Jenna Rainey)..she is a Fabriano cold press girl..and is having a love affair w/
      Stonehenge Aqua from @legionpaper --

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  24. R's RueMarch 11, 2017 at 3:46 PM

    Great.

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  25. handmade by amaliaMarch 12, 2017 at 11:20 AM

    The mushroom soup looks pretty enough, the bowl is beautiful! Winter is coming back here is well, nowhere near as cold as yours of course :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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  26. Blondie's JournalMarch 12, 2017 at 11:40 PM

    The soup looks delicious and I know it would be perfect during the cold, snowy days we have ahead of us here in Chicago. I think your photo looks great! I do not take good photos of food at all, I hope readers believe me when I tell them the recipe is delicious!

    I have heard so much about Mary Oliver. I didn't know she wrote essays in addition to poetry Can you recommend one of her books I might start with?

    Sending warm wishes across the miles that you have time to relax in front of a roaring fire, tea cup in hand and a good book!

    Jane x

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2017 at 8:11 AM

      Hi Jane:)
      WE are just listening to the morning news and Chicago is IN the news re the weather..it may come in as rain they say..any way..cozy up:)

      I am not that familiar with Mary Oliver..my friend Nancy is..she sent it to me..she wrote afterwards and mentioned she was not sure I would like it..but I do..it's a quiet kind of book that you pick up and read an essay/poem..here and there.

      Food..likes natural light..I have never taken a food photo after daylight that I have liked..;) NEVER..
      I am sure you can..I am sure you can:)
      Bundle up! Have a great week.
      I read another and for the life of me cannot remember..

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  27. Cheri Savory SpoonMarch 13, 2017 at 2:05 PM

    Hi Monique, this is going to sound crazy but here in Phoenix we are in the eighties and it is much too soon for the heat. Wishing for cooler weather lol! anyway I will be making the mushroom and white bean soup what a delicious combo, both are my favorite. Your daughter sounds very independent and wise.....must be like her mom;)

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2017 at 4:47 PM

      You are so sweet Cheri..but if she is a chip off someone's block for her independence ..it's Jacques':)
      I moved to the country at about 20 and never left..prior to that we had moved to the suburbs when I was 10!
      I went to Mtl for 6 months..to McGll..that's it..I was 19.
      Imagine..country roads..all these years:)
      The soup IS good and I think you will enoy it:)
      Hope so!
      Snowstorm tomorrow her...even w/DST!

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  28. PamMarch 13, 2017 at 2:31 PM

    The tulips are gorgeous and the mushroom soup has to be delicious! 4" of snow here in Chicagoland this morning and more on the way. The good thing is the streets are clear.

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 13, 2017 at 4:48 PM

      That's us tomorrow! We had heard about Chicago on the news yesterday..stay bundled up!

      Delete
  29. mzzbevMarch 14, 2017 at 2:38 AM

    I love your new banner at the top! I had to do a double take to make sure I was on your blog! :). Soup is so good for a chilly day. Do you warm your whole house with a wood fire? I'm up at 2am because I can't sleep, I think my Jasmine tea had too much caffeine :(. Are you in the path of that blizzard?

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 14, 2017 at 9:44 PM

      Right now very bad..a blizzard..first snow day for tomorrow in years!
      I never really sleep well:(Not the whole house..but it sure helps..sitting in front of it now:)

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  30. JeanieMarch 14, 2017 at 10:26 AM

    Oh Monique -- it's all wonderful! I love the soup. Looks good to me -- beauty on the outside too! You must be hunkering down. We just returned from New England last night ahead of the storm. Watching the reports on the telly today make me extra glad we got away when we did! Now so much to put away, clean up, organize at home and then baking! I got the "Lemon" book -- so many good looking things -- I can't wait. But soda bread this week for St. Paddy's day! Have a lovely week!

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 14, 2017 at 9:46 PM

      It's really bad now..pile ups..blizzard like..no school tomorrow..I know you will love Aida's book..so glad you are home!
      Would not want to be on the road..
      In front of the fire in warm pjs and robe with my Ipad😌

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  31. LindaMarch 14, 2017 at 5:55 PM

    Everything looks amazing! Beautiful bread! Beautiful Boy!

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 14, 2017 at 9:47 PM

      We are in the midst of a blizzard..snow day tomorrow..first time in years!

      Delete
  32. PollyMarch 15, 2017 at 7:53 AM

    I think the soup looks very nice, especially in your lovely bowl. The mushroom crescent and bread look good too.

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  33. Hélène (Cannes)March 15, 2017 at 3:33 PM

    Le jeune homme a bon goût ! ;-) Il y a trop longtemps que je ne suis pas passée par ici ... ni passée nulle part, d'ailleurs. Je continue donc ma lecture ...

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    1. La Table De NanaMarch 22, 2017 at 11:31 AM

      Je comprends très bien ..j'espère que tout est rangé.. Heureuse? Mais oui..j'en suis certaine!

      Delete

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