Eating Well and Quinoa Tabouli

On January 8, 2019January 6, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, TasteLeave a comment

You are what you eat…if this is true, I may turn into a block of dark chocolate!

To get the year off to a great start, I will be teaching a class called Eating Well. We will explore ways to get the most flavor and nutrients from the foods we eat. The fun begins with red wine, because it’s good for us and crave-able Fire Roasted Salsa, my favorite condiment. This chunky salsa is sure to become a staple in your house too for vibrant color and taste explosions!

The more we learn about food the more convincing it becomes that eating well is essential to looking and feeling our best. Foods that nourish the body can also feed the soul; the part of us that craves amazing flavor.

Join me for Eating Well, a fantastic class where great tastes rule! Seats are limited so register TODAY by clicking HERE or email lorie@atasteofparis.net

Scroll to the end to see one of my favorite recipes from the Eating Well class last year, Quinoa Tabouli.

Eating Well Friday, January 25th 11;00-1:00~ Only a few seats remain

Being well in the New Year is at the top of everyone’s to-do list. In this entertaining class we will explore simply GOOD FOOD that will feed your body and your soul. In this class we will sip red wine as we start with my favorite condiment for topping or snacking, vibrant Fire Roasted Salsa. Our breakfast recipe, Poached Egg and Veg Tartine is almost too pretty to eat. Nothing heals the soul like classic Chicken Noodle Soup, when made from scratch it really satisfies. We will prepare Baby Kale salad packed with nuggets of goodness. Wild caught Orange Glazed Alaskan Salmon with Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables is quite possibly the best dinner ever. Marinated Pork Tenderloin served with cranberry apple chutney with quinoa hash alongside will get your crew to the table fast! Cinnamon Baked Apples make a great side dish or dessert and for a truly decadent finish we will prepare chocolate cups filled with dried fruits and nuts. Class Fee $59.00

Quinoa Tabouli

2 cups quinoa

3 cups water

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 cloves garlic pressed

½ teaspoon salt

2 cups cherry tomatoes finely chopped

½ red onion finely chopped

1 large English cucumber finely chopped

1 red bell pepper finely chopped

¼ cup Finley minced parsley

¼ cup finely minced mint

Wash quinoa thoroughly. Place quinoa in a medium sauce pan and cover with 3 cups water. Cook over medium heat, when water comes to a boil lower the temperature and place a lid on the pot, cook stirring occasionally for 12-15 minutes until seeds are tender. Meanwhile, make the dressing by combining, garlic, mustard, salt, lemon juice and mix well. Add olive oil in a stream whisking to incorporate. Remove quinoa from heat, allow it to cool. Toss vegetables and herbs in dressing, coating well. Add vegetables to cooled quinoa and toss.

Joy Seeker

On January 4, 2019January 3, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired8 Comments

2019 is finally here and we have a fresh start. 2018 was a good year and probably like many of you, I worked too much. The arrival of January offers us an opportunity to reflect on the past year and to think about what we would like to create for the new one.

As I worked through this exercise, one word kept coming to mind, JOY!

I have resolved to be a joy seeker in 2019. Finding joy in great accomplishments is easy but as we get wrapped up in mounds of work and commitments it can be a bit more of a challenge to be joyful about the little things.

To keep myself focused, I made a list of the things that make my heart happy and I will spend some time each day doing, being or having some of these things.

What brings your heart Joy? Will you share?

Merry Christmas from A Taste of Paris

On December 24, 2018December 19, 2018 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, DiscoverLeave a comment

ATOP Named to TOP 150 Food Blogs!!

On December 20, 2018December 20, 2018 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, Discover4 Comments

I am thrilled to report that A Taste of Paris was named one of the top 150 food blogs by BrandBallot. What an honor to be among so many talented food writers! I hope you will join me as I celebrate this fantastic news, thank you BrandBallot!

Teaching this holiday season was filled with fantastic food, amazing people and so much fun, thank you for joining me in the kitchen!

The winter and spring cooking class schedule is live and filled with fabulous food experiences. There are several new class styles added to the assortment. Registration is open so make your choices TODAY; and email lorie@atasteofparis or click HERE. to secure your seat.

I look forward to seeing you soon!!

Cooking Classes Winter Spring 2019

Eating Well-January 25^th 11:00-1:00-Being well in the New Year is at the top of everyone’s to-do list. In this entertaining class we will explore simply GOOD FOOD that will feed your body and your soul. In this class we will sip red wine as we start with breakfast, pretty Poached Egg and Veg Tartine. Nothing heals the soul like classic Chicken Noodle Soup, when made from scratch it really satisfies. We will prepare Baby Kale salad packed with nuggets of goodness. Wild caught Orange Glazed Alaskan Salmon with Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables is quite possibly the best dinner ever. Marinated Pork Tenderloin served with cranberry apple chutney with quinoa hash alongside will get your crew to the table fast! Cinnamon Baked Apples make a great side dish or dessert and for a truly decadent finish we will prepare chocolate cups filled with dried fruits and nuts. Class Fee $59.00

XoXo Chocolate- February 6^th 6:30-9:00 Valentine’s Day right around the corner and my mind always drifts to Chocolate. Chocolate is an interesting food; of all the foods on earth I have the most passion for this rich dark flavor. Maybe it’s the seductive quality of chocolate or simply the fact that there is artistry involved in creating with it, either way I look forward to sharing with you in this amazing class. Bourbon pairs perfectly with chocolate so we will sip a Mint Julep while we dive into chocolate. Our first Chocolate recipe will be savory, Cocoa Rubbed Short Ribs served with Roasted Carrots and Cauliflower and a Picada (herb and chocolate) Sauce. We will prepare an exquisite Decadent Chocolate Cake stuffed with Whipped Chocolate Ganache and topped with silky Ganache. Next up, we’ll make White Chocolate Pot de Crème with Strawberries. No chocolate class would be complete without an irresistible cookie; ours will be Chocolate Shortbread, dipped in dark chocolate and sprinkled with peppermint! Vanilla Lavender Chocolate Truffles are like little bites of heaven. We will keep the chocolate love going with Chocolate Crepes stuffed with cream and berries and drizzled with chocolate Ganache. Each guest will decorate a Chocolate Pop as a take home treat! Class Fee 62.50

Artisanal European Breads-February 8^th 10:30-2:30 ONE SEAT OPEN There is nothing like the smell of fresh baked bread coming from of the oven. Imagine yourself with the skills to prepare European style artisan loaves right in your own home! You will learn many techniques that go into producing amazing loaves including proper scoring techniques and stenciling for beautiful results. You will be taught the French Baguette, the Batard, Boule and Tabletierie. Each guest will take home 2 full sized loaves, a baguette and second; guests choice. In addition, you will prepare a batch of dough from scratch to be finished in your home oven. Class includes churning fresh cultured butter. We will take a break from the ovens and enjoy our warm bread with a lovely Chopped Salad for lunch with wine and cheese of course! A pretty great way to spend the day and your friends and family will be delighted by the results! $79.00

Make and Take-Dinner for Two- February 22^nd 10:30-1:00 A new offering in the cooking school! Come and take a cooking class and take home a 4 course dinner for two. Share it with your spouse or a friend! This class promises to be lively and full of fun! On the Menu:

Appetizer- Goat Cheese and Cranberry Spiral and ½ loaf French bread

Starter- Sun Dried Tomato Basil Soup with Cheesy Pillows of goodness

Main- Mouthwatering Chicken Cordon Blue with Honey Garlic Green Beans

Dessert-Apple Tart with Almond Custard filling

Chopped Salad and iced tea will be served. Class size is limited. Class Fee $64.50

Let’s Make Dinner! March 7^th 6:30-8:30 A new offering at the cooking school; come and make a 4 course dinner to be enjoyed together with a glass of wine. What a great way to spend the evening! We will cook together to prepare our feast then sit and enjoy the fruits of our labor with a beautiful glass of wine! You will leave with the recipes; this class promises to improve overall kitchen skills. Class fee 59.50

Food and Wine Workshop March 21-22^nd 10:30-2:00 Join me for an extraordinary 2- day culinary event and immerse yourself in good food and wine! We will explore wine styles and pairings as we work side by side to prepare truly mouthwatering dishes. We will dine together as we taste wine varietals and enjoy the recipes. Dinner tastes can be enjoyed here or taken home. This course promises to improve overall kitchen skills that last a lifetime. Hope you will join the fun! Class size is limited. Class Fee $192.50

Day 1~Champagne and Crement and Appetizers

We will begin our time together with a mini champagne workshop. The mystery of this amazing beverage will be revealed as we enjoy it with our appetizers of Tomato Basil and Gruyere Gourges, Crab Stuffed Mushroom Caps and an artistic American Style Cheese Board, packed to the brim with cheese, meat and goodness.

Sancerre and Chardonnay and Lunch

We will prepare and enjoy a crispy Goat Cheese Grapefruit and Avocado Salad and Seafood Crepes as we enjoy these beautiful white wines.

Rose and Dinner

We will prepare a lovely Chicken and Artichoke Tart perfect for dinner when served with a green salad. For a sweet finish we will make Pears in Chocolate Ganache and tiny Chocolate Madeleines.

Day 2~Beaujolais and Grenache and Breakfast

We will prepare a breakfast soufflé, Bacon and Cheddar to be eaten alongside Fruit and Almond Butter Tartine.

Red Blends and Lunch

As we taste our wines we will enjoy freshly made Creamy Cauliflower Soup and an inventive Crispy Vegetable Salad.

Bordeaux and Cabernet and Dinner

We will learn the origin of the iconic dish Beef Tournedos served with Blue Cheese and Walnut Butter over dreamy Mashed Potatoes. To finish our days together we will celebrate round an exquisite Double Chocolate Tart topped with Raspberries.

April 25^th Let’s Make Dinner Details coming soon

May 3^rd Make and Take Dinner for Two- Details coming soon

Christmas Morning~Salmon Artichoke Quiche

On December 19, 2018December 17, 2018 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, TasteLeave a comment

Looking for something scrumptious to make for Christmas morning? Try my Salmon and Artichoke Quiche, you will not be disappointed!

Salmon and Artichoke Quiche

1 sheet puff pastry

10 eggs

½ cup cream or milk

1 cup grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese

1 ½ cups cooked salmon chunks

1 ½ cups frozen artichoke coarsely chopped

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon fresh dill finely chopped

2 green onions finely chopped

½ teaspoon salt

¼ freshly ground pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degree. Unfold puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. Eliminate folds in dough by rolling with a rolling pin. Grease a deep 9 inch round quiche dish. Place dough into dish, letting the corners fall over. Fill quiche by first sprinkling an even amount of gruyere cheese into the dish. Next layer the salmon, artichokes and green onion into the dish. In a bowl, beat eggs, milk salt and pep[per and dill until well combined. Pour the egg mixture into the dish and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Fold corners of pastry over the quiche and bake until center is set and quiche is puffed and brown, about 35-40 minutes.

If you prefer a more formal quiche, trim the edges of the crust and pinch into a fluted pattern.

Christmas Morning~Cinnamon Pecan Wreath

On December 17, 2018 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, TasteLeave a comment

Do you have your menu planned for Christmas morning? At our house, I always make something sweet and something savory. We eat a big breakfast to tide us over to an early Christmas dinner. Last year I shared my Cinnamon Bread Leaves with you and this year I have done a throwback to on oldie but goodie. Cinnamon Pecan Wreath is so beautiful and tempting; your family will be delighted! Cinnamon Pecan Wreath happens to be one of the recipes I shared with The Art of Living Beautifully readers this month. For my post, I want to take you through the steps to make this centerpiece delight.

Begin the day before you want to serve the Cinnamon Pecan Wreath by thawing frozen bread rolls in a greased bowl overnight in the refrigerator. Roll the dough into a rectangle; it does not have to be perfect! Next pour on melted butter, then cinnamon sugar and last pecans.

Roll dough into a log; bring both ends of the log, together to form a ring. Pinch the dough ends together, sealing it.

Using a pair of kitchen scissors; cut 2/3 of the way through the ring every 1-2 inches all the way around. Take each slice and twist it to expose the layers. Twist all of the slices.

Once your wreath is complete, cover it with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. Bake for 30-35 minutes in an oven set to 350 degrees before garnishing with glaze and pecans.

Stay tuned for another Christmas Breakfast recipe later this week!!

Cinnamon Pecan Wreath

20 frozen bread rolls

1 stick of butter, melted

¾ cup sugar

¼ cup cinnamon

1 cup pecans chopped

12 whole pecan halves

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

1 vanilla pod

1 small orange, zested and juiced

Pinch salt

Grease a medium mixing bowl and place frozen rolls in the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough to a large rectangle about 13×22 inches. Brush the rectangle with melted butter. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the butter. Next, sprinkle on chopped pecans. Roll long end of rectangle into a log. Bring the two ends of the log together to form a ring and pinch the dough to seal the ring. Using kitchen scissors, cut into the ring every 1-2 inches, about 2/3 of the way through the ring forming slices. Pull each slice firmly and twist it towards the right. Continue twisting all the slices. Your cinnamon ring will resemble a wreath. Cover the wreath with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about one hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake wreath for 30-35 minutes. If wreath is getting too brown, tent it with foil. Prepare glaze by combining powdered sugar, the seeds from the vanilla pod, salt, the zest and 2 tablespoons of juice in a bowl and mix well. Drizzle glaze over bread ring and garnish the top with pecan halves.

Grand Marnier Truffles~Third Sweet Tradition

On December 14, 2018December 11, 2018 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, TasteLeave a comment

Dark chocolate truffles are a tradition! Every year for the last 14, I’ve taught a class called Gifts from the Kitchen. In this class we make recipes that are perfect for gift giving along with inventive ways to package the treats. Since the beginning, a chocolate truffle recipe has been included, in part because they make fabulous gifts but also because Grand Marnier Truffles were the very first gift from MY kitchen, many many years ago!

Making beautiful and taste tempting chocolate truffles is easier than you think. Try my recipe for Grand Marnier Truffles TODAY, you will be glad you did!

Stay tuned next week for some of my favorite Christmas Morning breakfast ideas!

Grand Marnier Truffles

1 cup heavy cream

3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon Grand Marnier

3 1 inch strips orange peel

½ cup powdered sugar

½ cup unsweetened cocoa

Heat the cream, Grand Marnier and orange peel in a medium saucepan or double boiler until it begins to steam. Remove from heat and discard the orange peel. Add chocolate chips to the warm cream and stir until chocolate is almost incorporated, add butter, continue to stir until completely smooth. Refrigerate the mixture until chocolate has solidified about 3 hours. Combine powdered sugar and cocoa on a plate. Using a spoon and your hands, roll chocolate mixture into balls; roll the balls into the cocoa mixture. Store the truffles in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Magic Cookie Bars~Second Traditional Sweet

On December 13, 2018December 11, 2018 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Taste1 Comment

Magic Cookie Bars are a second sweet holiday tradition in our home. These sensational chocolatey treats have really stood the test of time. I think I was about 10 years old when my mother made these the first time and we have had them every year since!

It is hard to beat the flavor that is packed into these pretty bars. I hope you will make a batch to eat and share this holiday season and stay tuned for one more sweet tradition this week!

Magic Cookie Bars

1 stick butter, melted

8 whole graham crackers

1 ½ cup chopped walnuts

2 cups shredded sweetened coconut

1 12 ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour melted butter into the bottom of a greased 9×13 glass baking dish. Crush graham crackers into a fine powder. Sprinkle crumbs evenly over butter. Sprinkle first a layer of walnuts, then chocolate and last coconut. Drizzle milk evenly over coconut. Bake for 18-22 minutes until coconut is lightly browned. Let cool before slicing to serve.

Christmas Tree Cookies~A Fangio Tradition

On December 11, 2018December 11, 2018 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, TasteLeave a comment

Christmas Tree Cookies are a tradition in the Fangio home! Ever since my children we scooting around the house in footed PJ’s we’ve been making these delicious cookies. Buttery, soft, and melt in your mouth goodness is only the beginning. I simply adore the fact that they look so homespun. Sure, these days we could break out the royal frosting and fancy tips and go for a instagram able moment but it would just not be the same.

One year we even turned our Christmas Tree Cookies into a cookie garland and hung it around the door.

When guests left the house we cut the cookies apart for a little to-go treat. The kids’ and little Brandon LOVED it!

Make a batch of Christmas Tree Cookies with someone you adore TODAY! You will be so glad you did and stay tuned all week! I will be sending some of our favorite sweet recipes perfect for taking, sharing or just plain munching!

Christmas Tree Cookies

2 cups butter

3 cups powdered sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon almond extract

5 cups flour

2 teaspoons soda

Using an electric mixer cream the butter and sugar together, add eggs one at a time until both are incorporated. Add vanilla and almond extract and mix well. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and add slowly mixing to incorporate. To make rolling faster and easier, separate dough into 2 large zip lock bags. Press dough flat into the bags. Chill dough for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut bags off of chilled dough. Roll and cut on floured surface. Bake cookies on greased cookie sheets 7-11 minutes.

Buttercream Frosting

1½ sticks butter at room temperature

6 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon of vanilla

1 teaspoon almond extract

Milk or heavy cream

Green and yellow food coloring

Using an electric mixer, combine butter, sugar, extracts and several teaspoons of milk on low speed; continue to add milk as needed to get the proper consistency for spreading. Beat on high speed for 5-7 minutes to create a fluffy frosting. Do not leave the mixer unattended. Color ½ cup frosting bright yellow and color the remainder bright green. Spread the green frosting onto the Christmas trees. Using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip, pipe a star at the top of each cookie.

Brie with Buttered Pecan Cherry Compote- Appetizer 3

On December 7, 2018December 3, 2018 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, TasteLeave a comment

When it’s appetizer time, nothing satisfies like brie served with a decadent topping. My Brie with Buttered Pecans and Cherries is hard to beat. The tart fruit and warm pecans complement the creamy texture of brie perfectly.

Serve this tasty bite with apple, French bread or crackers for a happy crowd!

Stay tuned next week when I will be sharing some of my favorite sweet bites to enjoy with your friends and families.

Brie with Buttered Pecan Cherry Compote

1 brie wedge

2 tablespoons butter

¾ cup chopped pecans

¾ cup dried cherries

Juice and zest of 1 orange

¼ cup brown sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla

Pinch salt

In a small saucepan, melt butter. Brown the pecans in the butter for about 3 minutes. Add remaining ingredients to saucepan and simmer slowly until mixture is thick. Pour warm compote over room temperature cheese and serve.