Let’s Have a Pique-nique

Bonjour, amis!

If you know me even a smidge then you know I love French culture. One thing the french excel at is a picnic…or in french a pique-nique. They better, they invented it. So where did it come from? It originated in the 17th century as a social gathering where each one invited would bring something to share. It started with the upper class but, eventually all were invited to be involved. But today, in France a pique-nique is still a popular thing to do.

So let’s throw one together. The main thing is to keep it simple but beautiful. Another thing the french do well. I can honestly say that so much of this was already in my fridge but it’s always good to prepare.

Let’s build a perfect french picnic.

• Crudités (veggies)-

  I used mini cucumber and cherry tomatoes (I know, I know that’s a fruit)..I also drizzled balsamic glaze to punch them up a notch. Typically, I always have these two things in my fridge. A frequent meal of mine is a tuna steak and these two things are the base.

• Fruit-

  Blueberries and strawberries (two things I always have on hand because my kids eat them constantly)

• BREAD!

  Any french picnic worth its salt needs some delicious bread. I used baguette which I also made my sandwich with. Also, I added water crackers for another vehicle option.

• Meat-

  I went with salami and capocollo

• Cheese-

  One thing I did seek out? These adorable baby Brie wheels. Omg you guys. They’re so cute. Also just enough. No one wants to buy a huge wheel if you’re not going to use it all.

• Fruit spread

  Apricot and red raspberry are what I chose.

• A sandwich (duh.)

  I went with a very traditional french sandwich. Simple. Raspberry spread, prosciutto, and Brie. That’s it.

• Bubbles!

  Or whatever you like to drink but I feel like some champagne or fizzy rosé is the ticket in this situation.

  The best part about having yourself a french picnic is it doesn’t have to be hard. You can use half of what I did. Or double it. And nothing has to be the same as what I used. It’s just a good blueprint.

“Give me books, French wine, fruit, fine weather and a little music played out of doors by somebody I do not know.” – John Keats

Decadent Deliciousness

Hello Friends!

I cannot believe that there is less than one week left in February. It flew! I feel like I blinked and it was gone. I’m always excited for a new month though.

As we move through the year, I’m still all about that French vibe and I’ve been wanting to make this recipe for a very long time and let me tell you, it may easily be one of my favorite recipes I’ve tried and its so simple!

COQUILLE ST. JACQUES

what you need:

what you do:

1. In a large pan combine scallops, shrimp, mushrooms, wine, onion, and just a pinch of salt.

2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Strain mixture and make sure to save one cup of cooking liquid.

4. In the pan melt half stick of butter, add flour and mix well.

5. Pour in the reserved liquid and cream and cook. Whisk it until thick.

6. Remove from heat and add in cheese until mixed.

7. Add in seafood mixture, mix well, and then add to four oven safe dishes.

8. Melt 1 tbsp butter in microwave and add in Panko, then sprinkle over your dishes.

9. Cook under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

One of my favorite things in the whole world is having a glass of wine (or champs) and making a fabulous dish. Since I gave up meat for Lent this fabulously French dish was the absolute perfect dinner.

Enjoy your day! Thanks for stopping by!

Indulge.

Salut Friends!

In my first post of the year, I said my Monday or Tuesday posts will be “French Infused”, what I mean is I’m going to immerse myself in the french culture however putting my own spin on it. Because after all, I’m not French and I don’t want to change myself only better myself.

So this is my take on a french lifestyle while still being me.

In all my research I’ve done and the culture I’ve experienced, one thing the French do is find the time to indulge. This is one thing I struggle with. During my days I rarely sit to stop moving. Much to do in a day, you know. But if I have one tip for you, its to take a moment to indulge in something you love and take that minute to yourself. I’ve started doing this and let me tell you I’m a better person, wife, and “Mama” for it.

My two favorite ways in indulge?

If I only have 30 minutes to myself: a glass of wine in my dressing room.

If I have more time: A hot bubble bath.

My friends, take this massive french tip into 2021 and indulge a little.

Have a great week Everyone!!