Sarlat Market

My family has been in France for a couple of weeks now and while I've been photographing quite a bit, I've mostly been enjoying our time together and dealing with house-related tasks and projects.  If you've ever owned and/or renovated a very old home, then you know how easy it is to fill your time with an endless to-do list!  This is definitely a working vacation, but we love this little cottage so much that we plow through these issues with gladness (most of the time!).  We keep saying that "next time we will do this {insert fun activity}" and "next time we will resist the temptation to work on this {insert time-consuming house project}", but inevitably we cannot resist.  What can I say?  This sweet maisonnette is our baby. And quite honestly, just being here is vacation enough for us.  We are so grateful to be here. 

One thing we always allow time for is going to the Sarlat market on Saturdays.  I prefer to do all of my produce shopping at the market, so it's easy to justify piling into the van and heading fifteen minutes away to this fantastic outdoor market.  There are parts of the market that feel a bit touristy, but there are enough locals here to make it feel authentic and certainly worthwhile.  My limited French gets me by in simple situations like this, so the market is an experience I can thoroughly enjoy.  I love it.  

Favorites include homemade jam, homemade pressed juices, strawberries, walnuts, mushrooms, cheese, sausages and white asparagus--all local and all delicious.  Also, not-to-be missed are the Sarlandaise potatoes (similar to a gratin, but baked with duck fat) and crepes from a woman I call the Crepe Lady.  She is often near the paella/Sarlandaise potato vendor, which makes her easy to spot. Seeing her dark hair peeking out of her hoodie and cheerful, yellow awning always makes me smile. On our most recent visit yesterday, we stopped by for a savory crepe on the way in to the market and then for a sweet crepe on our way out.  Since I hadn't seen her at the market in almost 2 years, I justified the repeated visit!  Little details like homemade nut spread, fresh berries, and interesting combinations make her crepes my favorite in France.

Here are a few snapshots from our outing...

p.s. more images here and here if you're curious.

images by me

Edits Quarterly + an Escape to Florence

If you dream of Italy, like many of us do, peek at this petite teaser.  It's only one minute long and yet evokes sigh after sigh after sigh, thanks to beautiful imagery of one of the most romantic cities in the world.  The wanderlust rising within you is compliments of Ian Coyle, founder of the recently released Edits Quarterly, a well-designed online magazine dedicated to small narratives of film and photography.  It's an inspiring stop for a short burst of creative inspiration and of course, beautiful images and story lines. If you're a nutella et banane crepe fan, you'll also appreciate the short ditty on a Portland creperie too.

p.s. my favorite, authentic crepe recipe can be found here.

Paris Birthday Party

Almost a year ago, we started planning my daughter's Paris-themed birthday party...starting with the little Eiffel Tower key chains I bought during our last visit in the Spring. Yup...I schlepped those around for 9 months before finally having the chance to use them! Anyway, this was fun to plan together and I'm excited to share the details with you today. If you've read my blog for any amount of time, you know that I like to create homespun parties that don't break the bank (i.e. parties that don't cost more than $50-100). They are just kids after all! Keeping it sweet and simple is really the name of the game around here.

I debated about invitations for some time...and then I spotted macaron lollies in a recent issue of Donna Hay and knew this was just the idea I was looking for! Luckily, I was able to procure all of the necessary supplies locally. The macaron lollipop invitations provided the perfect excuse for hand-delivery; although driving around for an hour+ with 4 little ones at the end of the day is not recommended...:)

To set the stage for the party, we hung a Paris canvas brought back from Habitat. It was a such a pain to get back to the States, so I was happy to put it to further use! I laid a French linen tablecloth (albeit a little wrinkled despite my best efforts at the ironing board) on the table and added a few {mostly} borrowed Eiffel Towers (thanks Jihan!). The addition of cupcake stands, fresh hydrangeas and a handful of macarons completed the simple centerpiece.

Deciding on what food to serve took about five seconds--les crèpes et les macarons bien sur! We decided it would be fun to make the crepe-making into an activity, which the girls loved. They each donned one of my cooking aprons and went to town with the crepe batter (recipe forthcoming this week). They had a great time doing this and I'm happy my daughter politely reminded me that she was too old for some of the simple, old-fashioned party games I typically suggest. Anyway, once the whipped creme, bananas and nutella hit the table, it was all over! No one, including me, realized amidst the shrieks of delight, that we forgot to eat the cake. It really was all about the nutella--and rightly so!

For an additional activity the girls made their own Eiffel Tower out of sparkly silver pipe cleaners (again, thanks Jihan for the clever idea!). It was the perfect thing to do while waiting for all of the guests to arrive. We enjoyed watching each girl create her own monument in her own way. In the background we played the Putamayo French Cafe cd, as well as a few other French favorites my daughter enjoys. We also put a French spin on Hot Potato, using a miniature Eiffel Tower as the "potato" and the fore-mentioned French music. The girls giggled their way through the game and played it several times in a row. All in all, a successful party--I think it really helped my daughter feel more settled here in Seattle, which is all I hoped for in the end!

all images by Stephanie Brubaker


Update:  A few more birthday party theme ideas have been posted recently.

Authentic French Crêpes

One of our favorite family traditions is to make crêpes for dessert.  I even purchased a vintage cast iron pan just to achieve the crisp, brown texture I love. Favorite toppings include sliced strawberries, homemade whipped cream, honey, nutella, sliced bananas, homemade jam, lemons, etc. We don't make them often, but boy when we do, it's always a delicious, worthwhile experience.

Today, I'd like to share the recipe with each of you (after the jump).  It's our current favorite and straight from a Frenchwoman's recipe book. Bon appétit!

Teach Your Children Well + a Vintage French Cookbook

Perhaps all of the hours I've recently clocked on the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Pandora station (best.station.ever.) have resonated.  Or perhaps I am finally tired of thinking about doing something for so long that I can I must talk about it openly here--for accountability purposes :)  Let me explain...



So you see, one of the boxes I'd like to check on my ever-lengthening-parenting to-do list is to teach my children the skills I have.  Nothing fancy, really...just things like "make pancakes", "how to run a load of laundry" and "how to play Ticket to Ride".  I feel so strongly that not sharing my knowledge with my children is such a disservice to them.  Yet, I struggle so much with implementation; despite the fact that my inner voice has been telling me this for a couple of years now.

Strangely enough, this classic, vintage, French book--a gift from my mother-in-law who picked it up for me at a Paris flea market--is going to be the motivating factor for finally tackling this weighty issue.  I refuse to be the mother who sends her kids off to college without knowing how to cook a proper meal (thankfully I have almost 10 years to teach 'em!).   This darling children's cookbook, complete with a forward by Jean Cocteau, is titled, "La Cuisine est un Jeu D'enfants"; which basically means that `cooking is child's play'.  This is according to the French, bien sur!

Between the charming illustrations, simply stated directions and cooking tips (like "don't flip over the crepe" and "don't put the mayonnaise in the fridge...ever!), I know my 2 oldest will be tickled when I initiate a little kitchen date for the 3 of us.  The deal will be this: I will teach them how to make a simple meal (and clean it up); in return, they can use the opportunity to teach me a few more French words and phrases.

I am hoping that as I seek to create these opportunities more often, and subsequently deal with the potential chaos of teaching a child a new skill, that I will actually grow more fond of the process.   And then perhaps it will feed on itself and become a more natural part of my parenting style.  A mother can always hope...

If you have any thoughts or advice on the subject, I would love to hear them!

note: vintage copies from 1963 can be found here and a new hardback copy can be picked up here. 

images by me

Lemon Curd

I love a little homemade lemon curd--it's the perfect way to use up ripened lemons. People often ask me, how do I use lemon curd? What do I do with it? Since it is such a tasty treat to make, (and lasts awhile in the fridge) I thought I'd answer that question in the form of a post, complete with a link to my favorite lemon curd recipe from Gourmet mag.

Uses for Lemon Curd:

1. On a scone with devonshire cream (locally at Liberty Heights Fresh) or clotted cream

2. Straight from the jar (E. prefers this!)

3. Inside a crepe with whipping cream and berries

4. Atop a piece of angel food cake or pound cake, with whipped cream and again...berries if you can swing it; also fantastic on this lemon yogurt cake recipe.

5. As a filling inside a cake or cupcake. If you are making a layered cake, it's perfect sandwiched between the layers.

6. Swirled in a cheesecake. There is a {seemingly} great recipe on Epicurious for Lemon Curd Cheesecake. I am dying to make this recipe. Yum!

Okay so let's talk about a couple easy ways to dress up a mason jar. First, you can take the circular top out of the ring and trace it onto decorative paper. Cut out and glue or tape the decorative paper to the metal circle. This can be done in minutes. For an added touch adhere a label to the side of the jar. I like the Thomas Paul labels or anything from Remake too.

How to Make the Most Beautiful Paper Flowers

Now that we are all spotting pops of color here and there and sunshine is showing its face more often, it's time to relish in this beautiful season.  To celebrate, I wanted to share with you this online flower making course by Brittany Jepsen of the beautiful and highly creative blog, The House that Lars Built. Formerly an ex-pat living in Denmark, she now resides in the US and presents the most inspiring blend of creative projects both on her blog and at workshops.

You also must know that her paper flower creations are the prettiest I've ever seen. And, if you want in on that, you can sign up for her online flower making course; one that you can take at your own pace (love this part!).  She's also kindly offered my readers a 15% discount with the code "MODO". Wahoo!

p.s. if you live in Seattle, hit up Packaging Specialties for supplies.  They have the prettiest hues of crepe paper.

images via The House that Lars Built

Pannekoeken

Since I've given crepes--the French pancake--some attention recently--it seems only fair to give pannekoeken, Dutch pancakes, a shout out as well. I've consumed a lot of both this month and am 100% in love with this breakfast-for-any-meal-of-the-day tradition.

More on pannekoeken and other pancake goodness over at Zupas today. Bon appetit!

p.s. receiving a lot of positive feedback on the crepe recipe; we use it a lot in our family for easy dinners and desserts. If you are looking for something fast, give it a whirl!

images by Stephanie Brubaker

Stephmodo Guide to Paris

It's high time I assemble all the information I've shared on this blog about Paris in one tidy post. It's lengthy, but it's chock full of excellent, useful, budget-friendly information. Enjoy!

























Poilane: You'll find the best apple tart (tarte au pomme) in Paris right here on Rue Cherche-Midi. Poilane is a must-visit if you love pastry. They don't offer a bajillion choices, but rest assured that what they do make is perfection. Every time I'm in there I eye their linen market bag--one of these days I'll actually pick it up :) After munching on a few treats, start walking towards Mamie Gateaux.




Mamie Gateaux: A lovely mix of Japanese and French design thanks to the cute couple who owns this shop, the brocante next door, and the yummy cafe two doors down as well. I hear her cakes are delicious! You can read more about my experience there here.



































L'Ebouillante: my favorite place to lunch in Paris. L'Ebouillante is located on a quiet pieton, next to a church and offers outdoor seating. I love their big salads and non-alcoholic drinks--two things that are hard to find in Paris and well-done in this establishment. Try their "bricks" too--amazing, giant, omelets. After eating here, walk one street over to Papier+.



Papier +: my favorite paperie in Paris. It's not cheap, and I usually don't buy much, but I love walking away with a few labels, a pad of paper, and pencils. It's such a cheerful place due to all the intense color and they package your goods up so very nicely.


Berthillon: After lunch at L'Ebouillante and a quick trip to Papier +, walk over the Seine to the lovely Ille de Saint Louis and grab a cornet double (2-scoop cone) at Berthillon. I recommend the Peche au Menthe (Peach Mint) and the Fraises de Bois (Wild Strawberries--like the kind that grow in the Dordogne). Closed on Sundays, Mondays and during the entire month August.



Merci: If I hit one store in Paris, it's this one. I can't tell you how much I love it! Located in the Marais.



Museums: While studying art in Paris for an entire month during college, I came to know the Parisian museums quite well. Here are a few museums I favored the most: Museé d'Orsay (a must-see for any tourist), Museé Rodin (perfect for a quiet garden walk and stunning sculpture), Museé Jacquemart-André (excellent Dutch art--think Rembrandt--in a cozy setting) and the Museé Marmottan Monet (go only if you are a Monet fan).


Restaurants that are Affordable:

Le Pré Verre - I've never not enjoyed their delightful, easy-on-the-wallet 3 course meal. For less than 30€ one can consume 3 inventive, nouveau French courses. Tucked behind the Sorbonne, it's usually locals only. Make reservations ahead of time or show up the minute they open and promise to eat quickly :)

Les Cocottes - Located down the street from one of our favorite boulangerie/sandwicheries and conveniently located near the Tour Eiffel. Everything here is baked in a little dutch oven (Le Creuset of course!) and is delicious and affordable. It's a fun spin on typical French food and I'm dying to get my hands on their cookbook for sale in the restaurant as well.

La Régalade - 7 years ago we ate there and each enjoyed a 4-course meal for 65€...for 2 people! I've read the prices have gone up a bit since then, and that the well-known chef has moved on (wasn't thrilled with his new restaurant Le Comptoir), but is still affordable for what you receive. It's a bit of a schlep from the nearest metro station (Alésia) , but it's worth it. You'll need to make reservations a week in advance at least. The best terrine and cornichons I've ever consumed came out of this kitchen.

Bistro Poulbot - a recent discovery near Montmartre. Truly locals only, which is where I prefer to dine in Paris. Very traditional French fare (escargot, terrine, foie gras) and all of it oh so good! Head up to Sacre Coeur afterwards for a crepe and excellent views of the city.



































Flea Markets: Hit a flea market {or two} during your stay in Paris...just make sure you know your numbers in French first :) In Paris try Porte de Vanves, Clignancourt or St. Ouen (this is supposed to be the largest). If you speak enough French to navigate a French website, check out the local vide-greniers instead. It's pretty much all locals. However, you will likely need a car to visit these locations.

Other notes that are trés important:

Helpful information as to what to pack for your trip to Paris can be found here.

I found a handful of these recommendations via Blueprint magazine--what an excellent guide. Oh I miss that magazine.

If you are traveling to Paris with kids, read this post. We spent some time in Paris with our 3 little ones a couple of years ago and learned a few things :)

Looking for an affordable hotel right in Paris? Read this post as well as the helpful comments shared for some valuable information.

I've shared some of my favorite chain stores in Paris (and a couple of boutiques) in this post. Keep in mind that chain stores are closed on Sundays and the boutiques on both Sundays and Mondays (and during August).

Ina Garten's Insider Guide to Paris can be found here. I love that woman!

Also, David Leibovitz's blog stores some excellent information about Paris. You'd be wise to spend some time there.

images 1-13 by Stephanie Brubaker / images 14-15 - the Kok's Nikon + iPhone :)