Bastille Day

Bastille Day is the French National Day which is celebrated on July 14th of each year. In France, it is formally called La Fête Nationale (The National Celebration).  It celebrates the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison on  July 14th 1789. It was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation, and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy which preceded the First Republic, during the French Revolution. Festivities and official ceremonies are held all over France. The oldest and largest regular Military parade in Europe is held today, the 14th of  July, on the famous Champs Elysees Avenue in Paris in front of the President of the Republic and important foreign guests.
And if you're a French expat, Bastille Day is the perfect excuse to show up at your embassy and stuff your face with free food and drink, too bad I cannot make it there today......Can I have a rain check ?
So where can I go to have my escargots smothered in garlic oil ? How about some smelly cheese on a fresh baguette just taken out of the oven? I would also enjoy a flute filled with my favorite chilled Champagne Veuve Clicquot while eating decadent chocolate truffles made with 72 % cacao.......and while we are at it, how about a stack of crepes Suzette ? Perhaps someone will invite me, the day is young and I'm available.
In the meantime here's the recipe for Crepes Suzette should you want to try it.
***Crepes:***
1 cup flour
4 large eggs
1 1/4 cup milk
1 pinch salt
1/2 stick unsalted butter
vegetable oil for oiling pans
***Sauce:***
1/2 stick unsalted butter
3 tablespoons sugar
1 orange, juice and grated rind
1/3 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)

Whisk together or combine the flour, eggs, milk and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend just until smooth. Add melted butter and combine. The batter should be the consistency of light cream. Let sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Lightly oil 1 (6-inch) crepe pan and set over medium heat. Pour about 1/4 cup batter into pan and swirl until the pan is coated. Cook crepes until the top begins to look dry, about 60 seconds. Turn and cook the other side 30 seconds, wiping the pan with an oiled paper towel if crepes begin to stick.

Sauce: In large skillet, melt the butter. When foamy, add sugar and stir until dissolved. Add rind and juice; bring to a simmer. Turn heat to lowest settings. Fold each crepe in half and place 2 at a time in the warm sauce. Using tongs or spatula, fold crepes in half again. Repeat until all crepes have been added. Work quickly so the first crepes do not absorb all the sauce.

Bon Appetit and Happy Bastille Day !

A Bientot.

Dinner & Movie Date with a twist

I came home from work at about 1 pm and decided that it would be nice to take my honey out for a nice dinner date and perhaps a movie. So I proceeded to ask him if he would like that. Of course being agreeable, in general, I knew that he would say yes. The only twist I told him is that he would have to pack an overnight bag. He looked at me and asked why since it was a dinner & movie date. I explained that you never know where you'll end up in life or what may happen. He seemed content with that response and started to pack.
Within 3 hours we had packed, had asked the kids to feed/water & walk the pets and  were on our way to the airport.
I checked us in at the kiosk without mentioning our destination and proceeded to  the "private club" the airline has because I had a one day pass. Wow, how nice to be away from the maddening crowds in the hallways. I felt like I was in my own living room, except for the fact that there was a waiter who came over to take our drink order, (wish I had him at home) anyway, we relaxed for 1 1/2 hours until flight time. Once we arrived  at the gate I could no longer conceal the destination from him, unless I covered his eyes with a bandana or something and  I didn't think that would go over too well. Besides the fact that the gate agent would be making announcements soon.
He looked at me in disbelief after seeing DUBLIN on the gate screen. He was thrilled and excited as well.
The flight was short and easy to Dublin, especially in business class. Before leaving the gate area we had a glass of champagne and picked our dinner from a very nice menu.
After our dinner & drinks (I told you it was a date) we watched a movie and dozed off for a few hours.
Once in Dublin, we wasted no time, we went to the hotel I had booked and unpacked our change of clothes. It was early morning in Dublin and the air was crisp. We took the hop on hop off bus in order to see all the sights. We got off at the Guinness factory and then again at the Temple Bar area. We passed Trinity College and many other beautiful sites. We stopped at O'Neill's pub to have some Shepard's pie which was very rich and filling, and also had a plate of fish & chips, (not Irish but we wanted it anyway) . Of course we had to have Guinness beer with that. The pub was full of people being loud, drinking, eating and laughing. The energy was contagious, and gave us a sense of renewal. So off we went to explore a little while longer, until we no longer walk, eat, drink or keep our eyes open.
After a short night of deep sleep, we headed to the airport to catch our flight back to the US of A.

It was an unforgettable dinner & movie date.

Home Made Whole Wheat Bread................

The new start to my mini blogs ...or if you prefer, my tweets on steroids

Apparently according to my Facebook page, there is mass hysteria about some zodiac mix up, or change of signs. Social media has everyone panicked about their zodiac tattoo . Imagine having the wrong sign on your, well, wherever you have it, body part. What a tragedy !
Imagine all these years of looking for a specific partner with a specific "sign", finding him/her and now learning that he/she is the WRONG sign..... oy vey! What do you do? And all the years you spent reading someone else's horoscope.....what about the jewelry that has your sign on it...do you sell it ?
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/13/no-your-zodiac-sign-hasnt-changed/?npt=NP1
When you are done , you'll see there's no need to break up or call your tattoo salon. You can cry over spilled milk but not over zodiac issues.here's to a fabulous 2011 year !
http://www.horoscopes-love.eu/year-horoscopes.php
Now back to baking..................

Roasted Root Vegatable Soup