The-French-Link

Back to the market!

2009-12-30T12:43:00.000-08:00

My sister and I had one more quick trip back to Paris this fall in search of a barometer~we found one! It is the last picture posted. We never seem to tire of walking up and down aisles for hours at time searching for that something special,whatever it is, that we must have. I just wish we could get more things packed in our suitcases! We have made so many trips to the markets that we are beginning to be recognized as the old ladies from the States and offered tea or beverages as soon as we enter the shoppes.....oh, chairs to rest in, also!

Spring Fling ~ 2009

2009-09-03T19:39:00.000-07:00

You really never quite know what you might find while wandering through the market areas!

Back to the Flea Market

2009-08-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has been over two years since I have posted anything regarding my favorite French shopping stops and places....my trips still continue several times each year. Having the shop now gives me a genuine need to search the markets and wander through the streets. It is a great experience to migrate in and out of so many shops and alleys, getting confused on directions occasionally and grabbing at that chance to visit with the owners. Yes, of course, the perfect time to practice my French!

More Finds at the Flea Market

2007-06-04T16:49:00.000-07:00

Strangely enough, I am drawn towards objects of art which I can not possibly place in my suitcase....... nor can I afford to have them packed and shipped home. I know if I keep searching, I may find something very special and delicate that I can carry with me. So until the object is found, I will continue to shop around and try not to get carried away and loose my head.............one can do this in Paris~

A Burst Of Petals

2007-05-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

I love flowers just about as much as I do food. With food, there are flowers.......flowers in the garden, on the dining table, in the kitchen.........everywhere you turn, a rainbow of color appears.
Since the 1950's, the original flower markets of Paris have reduced in size and continue to dwindle away. Now, the sale of freshly cut flowers is permitted at the food markets. There are a few places, as in this location, that you still are able to see a burst of petals, however, the selection is quite meagar compared to what you can find in the flower shops that fill the city of Paris, and those you find at the open-air markets.
One thing still remains the same-you can find Parisians buying bouquets of flowers everyday, just as they would a fresh baguette . I love flowers........

Hidden Treasures

2007-05-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

Delving into the flea markets in Paris , there is excitement around every corner! Often the displays in the windows of the shops are just as breathtaking as what is inside.....more than one Kodak moment, that's for certain!

After you have spent time visiting the local monuments and famous landmarks , there's a week for you, make it a point to visit the hidden nooks and crannies of the Paris Flea Markets...one more part of the heart and soul of this magical city.....

Visit Your Local Florist

2007-03-12T05:51:00.000-07:00

This beautiful form makes a statement of true sophistication-don't you agree?

The object of beauty was found in a local florist not too far from where my French Sister lives. I do wonder in amazement how the French floral designers pull these ideas together and come up with these ingenious creations for display in an average floral shop. This example is both simple and elegant at the same time-Curved so gracefully, the feathers take form..........

Bon Chic Bon Genre

2007-03-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

This may be the look we tend to associate the Parisian women with..........a look that follows the latest fashion shows thoughout the year.......a look that keeps up with the latest trends around the world. At any age, the Parisian women still desire to be seductive as ever-elegance, ease, the dynamic appearance all rolled into one.

Morning Coffee Stop-Laduree

2007-03-02T19:50:00.000-08:00

Dropping off the luggage at our hotel, we are out the door for refreshments.......our morning coffee, the French way.

French Doors

2007-03-01T18:01:00.000-08:00

On every street I walk , I notice great colorful striking doors......I have no doubt there are incredible things inside. I would love to know who has passed by before me.........the doors are always closed. I never see them opened ...........sooner or later, maybe I'll catch a glance of what is inside.

My French Sister's House

2007-02-28T14:32:00.000-08:00

Fortunately for me, when traveling to France, I have such a lovely place to rest my head after a long flight. I enter this room through ivy covered doors beaming with sunlight. This bedroom is a room where dreams are made......it is an enormous sunny room with a spacious and comfortable seating area. The bedcovers are billowing. Personal trinkets convey the message that you are indeed a guest in the family home. So many things to pick up an wonder about............... The ambiance is soothing. It's time to sleep...............

Paris Calls

2007-02-09T21:55:00.000-08:00

Will be making a quick run to visit some friends and to enjoy this wonderful city-be back soon!

Fabulous French Bread

2007-01-20T06:36:00.000-08:00

Making your own bread will bring you many compliments, however, I find bread making quite a challenge! After a day in the kitchen with flour scattered all over the place, I am ready for lots of compliments! (Not to mention how wonderful the entire house smells while baking fresh bread! )Undertaking the task of making bread is not complicated, but it does require many hours of your day.
Most of the recipes I use for making my French breads are from The French Farm House Cookbook , written by a familiar person to many of us, Susan Herrmann Loomis. Her bread chapter begins on page 314, however, my favorite bread recipe can be found on page 319, The Long Loaf.........
French bread is best when eaten the day you bake it-just a little food for thought!

Paris Flea Markets

2007-01-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

Attracted by people from all parts of the world, the Paris Flea Markets continue to be a conglomeration of antiques and shops all squeezed into a vibrant area in Paris..........
Here are a few photos to share with you in hoping that you will visit this unique and festive market the next time you are in Paris. Hopefully you will enjoy the same experiences as I discovering Paris off the beaten track.

Agneau au Sauce-Lamb with Sauce

2007-01-15T20:08:00.000-08:00

A perfect menu for a cold winters night and very little preparation~how could I ask for a better meal for an intimate dinner party? This simple recipe resonates with earthy flavors and is so satisfying to the soul!
Begin with the freshest ingredients. Hopefully, you might have a little herb garden in your window box area or a garden patch in your back yard that is still producing a hint of taste and color. Look for a sprig of rosemary and thyme~bring it in the kitchen and let's get busy............

Ingredients
4 lamb shanks, heavily dredged in flour
Fresh herbs-rosemary and thyme,
one tablespoon of each.
2 cups of water.
Olive oil for frying.
Salt and pepper.
1 quartered onion.
1/2 cup of red wine

Brown shanks in a large iron skillet on all sides until a rich brown color forms. This may take 15 minutes as you have four shanks to do. Keep adding oil as needed to prevent from burning in skillet. When shanks are completely browned, add salt and pepper to your liking. Add two cups of water to the skillet or enough just to cover the shanks and add the onion. Place lid on skillet and simmer for two hours at the lowest temperature. One half hour before simmering time ends, add the herbs along with 1/2 cup of red wine and continue to cook and reduce the sauce. Remove the onions before serving. Your stock will have reduced and thickened into a rich creamy sauce ready to serve over mashed potatoes and your lamb.

La Fraise

2007-01-05T19:46:00.000-08:00

Strawberry just doesn't have the same ring to it as the French translation..... However you may pronounce strawberry, it has a universal appeal that is pleasing to most.
Tonight I made a syrup from the large and juicy, red all the way through, fresh strawberries. Our berries are in season now . That's about the only wonderful thing about January!
I cleaned two baskets of the berries and placed them in a medium saucepan along with two tablespoons of water and one tablespoon of sugar. I reduced the syrup until it reached the consistency I was looking for and then added 2 teaspoons of Cointreau. One minute with the immersion blender and the berries became a velvety-smooth sauce for my crepes! A very quick and easy dessert .........