Cookie, Cookie, Cookies

I love cookies, lol. I was out and about early this morning and decided to make a stop at my favorite French bakery in town, rightly titled French Gourmet Bakery. I remember coming here as a child with my parents to purchase fresh bread for delicious meals at home. So this place and I go back, I love it.

Me and cookies are very much like that episode of Family Guy where Stewie has a crush on the little brunette girl who’s line of notice throughout the show was “Cookie?” For then Stewie to find out she never liked him- it was only for the cookies. Mmmm, cookies, haha, that would be me, too.

My craving came from the other night- we were enjoying some wine with our neighbors when someone said cookie, and both she and I instantly start saying cookie and that we want a cookie.

Now I have them, and yum! Your classic chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin are pictured at the top- chewy and magical, simply perfect. This bakery can do no wrong, not once in all these years have I ever had a bad experience.

Following the classics, is another one in my heart- the thumb print cookie. Perfectly crumbly with the right amount of moistness that melts only when placed in your mouth, oh and the chocolate they use is ridiculous how great it is. My “I don’t like chocolate” friends fight for the last bit of it. Truly, a must have.

The last one is an iced ginger cookie with the little silver ball sprinkles. Simplicity goes far with this one, and all the spices are just right.

Normally I do like to bake my own cookies, but I have not done so in a while. Besides, this place for me is an extra special treat.

Here’s to the love of cookies. I dare you not to want one, now [ LOL ].

P.S. I just found out they now deliver online (their cookies at least, cakes are in store only). So if you are in for a treat take a look: http://www.fgbakery.com – much love!

Soupe à l’Oignon Pour Votre Sante

When it comes to soups this has always been my favorite one. Soup a l’Oignon or French Onion Soup is a delicious bowl of onions in beef broth (often spiced with a bit of sherry and herbs) with the occasional crouton and coated in a blanket of gruyere cheese with a heavenly aroma.

I am a bit of a sniffling mess at the moment, and nothing cures me like a bowl of French Onion. It warms my throat and keeps my belly happy.

I don’t have to be sick to enjoy it though, I adore it much the same whether sick or healthy. The crispy cheesiness that clings to the bowl is also a nice ending treat.

Traditional is my favorite, as I find sometimes when people try to dress it up it loses its character. Multiple cheeses doesn’t offend me, but keep the broth simple- it should never be cloudy or creamy. Abide the rules and you will be rewarded every time.

Flirtatious French Martini Madness

The little taste of chambord from my Kir Royal has left me with a curious craving for more. What better way than in another delightful drink of choice- the French Martini.

Now, this one is a bit more tropical and thus a playful and fun drink (and far different from the sophisticated simplicity of the Kir Royal). Ingredients are few and simple- vodka, pineapple juice, and chambord. The pineapple definitely adds that tropical value, and the chambord sweetens the deal beautifully.

I have seen the drink as a French Cosmo as well- and you can really play it up as much as you want to. For me, simple is best and divine.

A little twist and playfulness is always fun though- and this drink delivers it just right.

Much love, xx

Yummy Yummy And On The GO

So the other day I found myself in an unfamiliar part of town at an early hour of the day with an appetite. My Fiance and I had attended a meeting in this area (about an hour or so away from our home) and decided some food was now in order.

Then we saw the Super Target and couldn’t resist but make a little stop. If anything we could replenish some grocery items and make something when we returned home.

Then there was the display of freshly baked and still warm bread- yes, the fogged plastic and heavenly aroma.

There was no way I was going to last until home. The lovely thing was they had a demi version of the baguette- just the right amount for the two of us and a bit easier to handle than the full sized version.

A few slices of hard salami and gruyere cheese and it was the perfect yummy meal we were looking for. I’ve always loved this for breakfast, but forget about it from time to time.

When I lived in Bay Harbor Islands there was a neighborhood French Bakery that actually offered it on the menu, and I would relax at a table either alone or with a friend sipping some coffee, enjoying my meal, and watching people pass by.

Now I can do the same but on the go. I usually prefer to sit and relax but sometimes things need to be done and it can be nice to have a little bite as you walk. Kind of makes me think of Breakfast At Tiffany’s, and all the more reason to enjoy it.

Chateau Richard Bergerac Wine

Organically farmed and certified by ECOCERT, I was pleasantly surprised and happy to taste the Chateau Richard Beragerac Wine. Presented in a half bottle it has an appealing charm and comes with a pleasant reward.

Bergerac itself is a town in France East of Bordeaux and in the Dordogne departement. Its location at the Dordogne river offers excellence in its grapes and wines that are well known as among the best of the Bordeaux region. The Red wines of Bergerac are best for tasting when aged from 2-4 years, which makes the 2005 just right. Full of fruity flavor- particularly black cherry and plum and some hints of vanilla, it has a nice balance to the tannins and acidity of the wine.

Many times half bottles can be quite alarming with their price tags, though this one I found more welcoming at $15. Its a reasonable jump if its your first and you will not be disappointed.

Trying wines (both familiar of names and those perhaps strange at first) and finding what you like is what it is all about- and you do not know until you try.

Baked Fresh And Into Your Home

Are you taking advantage of your local scene? Boulangeries are quite commonly seen all throughout France, but what about in our own backyards. Many boutique French shops, especially patisseries, are often also working boulangeries. We do not have the many specific markets as in France, but we do have fresh products available to us.

The supermarket can get so dull sometimes, over processed foods and bland brand name after bland brand name. Start taking advantage of your local bakeries and be rewarded with warm freshly baked bread in your home. Its marvelous to enjoy and without the mess and fuss of making it yourself.

Sandwiches gain more life and flavor as do all your meals and snacks. There is nothing like the smell or warmth of freshly baked bread.

I remember as a child, my parents would take me with them to this little local French bakery and we would purchase fresh bread that would last for the week- every Sunday we would go. Its the small things that make differences in our lives, and food and memories go hand in hand.

Yves Saint Laurent A Loving Memory And Admiration

An icon to forever be remembered and cherished among the highest names of couture, we say farewell to the master in his passing late Sunday evening in Paris.

Yves Henri Donat Mathieu Saint Laurent; a child determined by desire and admiration and who became a legend in the fashion world admired and respected by all. With Christian Dior as his mentor, his designs rose to the highest levels truly representing the couture name and heart.

He forever set the trends for women of fashion everywhere, and was ready in a time when women were just receiving such freedoms. And unlike any other designer of his time, Yves Saint Laurent’s designs held versatility and range. Never limiting himself to one key note style- he was constantly moving forward with brilliant ideas.

His retirement in 2002 to the couture world held quite the farewell, and now we say goodbye with much love and remembrance.

“To be beautiful, all a woman needs is a black pullover and a black skirt and to be arm in arm with a man she loves.”

-Yves Saint Laurent