Tune in Tomorrow on Fox 4 for Dinner Boards!

On October 14, 2019October 15, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, Discover, Taste4 Comments

Tune in tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15th to see me making gorgeous Dinner Boards on Fox 4, KDFW. I will be on about 9:35!

This is a sneak Peek at the featured recipes:

Rotisserie Chicken Board

Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Carrots

2 sweet potatoes cut into medallions

4 large carrots peeled and cut into sticks

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 tablespoons good quality maple syrup

½ teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary

Pinch fresh thyme

Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place oil, syrup, herbs and cinnamon into a zip top bag and mix well. Add vegetable and toss to coat evenly. Spread vegetables onto a baking sheet, generously salt and pepper. Place into the oven and roast until fork tender 15-18 minutes.

Kielbasa Sausage with Parmesan Crusted Potatoes and Green Bean Salad

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

3 pounds baking potatoes

1 teaspoon salt divided

½ cup melted butter

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup panko bread crumbs

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Peel and cut potatoes into 1-2-inch chunks. Mix parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, rosemary, salt, garlic and pepper on a plate. Put potatoes in zip top bag, pour butter over and toss to be sure potatoes are coated. Next roll potatoes in bread crumb mixture before placing in a single layer on a greased cookie sheet. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until golden brown and tender.

Green Bean and Cranberry Salad

1 ½ pounds of tiny green beans washed and trimmed

½ cup dried cranberries

½ red onions sliced very thinly

¼ cup slivered almonds

Dressing

¼ cup red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

3 tablespoons honey

1 garlic clove crushed

Pinch salt

Pinch pepper

¼ cup olive oil

Heat 2 quarts of water with 2 teaspoons salt in a saucepan until it boils. Add green beans and cook for about 4 minutes. Drain the beans and plunge into an ice batch to stop cooking. Make the dressing in the bottom of serving dish by whisking all ingredients together reserving the olive oil. Stream olive oil in slowly while continuing to whisk. Add first onions then beans and remaining ingredients to the serving dish. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving toss salad well.

Take Out Pizza Board

Harvest Salad

Mixed greens

½ cup crumbled fresh chevre

½ cup dried cranberries

½ toasted walnuts

1 ½ cups cubed butternut squash

1 teaspoon olive oil

Salt and pepper

Vinaigrette

1 shallot minced

¼ cup red wine vinegar

1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 Tablespoons honey

1/3 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

To prepare salad preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss squash with oil and salt and pepper and place on a foil lined baking sheet. Roast for 8-12 minutes until squash reaches desired tenderness, remove from oven and set aside. To prepare dressing, combine vinegar, shallot, mustard, honey and olive oil in a small jar and shake well. Assemble the salad by combining all ingredients in a serving bowl, toss with dressing and serve.

Looking for a FUN Friday Night?

On October 11, 2019October 10, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Discover, TasteLeave a comment

Will today finally feel like FALL?

When the first cool and crisp air blows in, I always feel like cooking. It’s the signal to my brain that the holidays, are just around the corner. Old recipes feel new again and I am invigorated to be in the kitchen.

I am welcoming fall with a nod to my precious time spent in Lake Como AND a first time ever, Friday Night Dinner Party on October 25th from 7:00-9:00.

With only 12 SEATS at the table, this will be a truly special evening of amazing food and FUN. Perfect for date night or night out just for YOU!

A quick demonstration style cooking lesson and then I will cook and serve YOU!

ON THE MENU:

Grapefruit Rosemary Sparkler Cocktail.

Appetizers: Spicy Shrimp with Basil and Focaccia with Caramelized Onions and Fennel

Salad Course: Grilled Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

Main Course: Menaggio Pork Loin served with Fontina Mac and Cheese and Assorted Roasted and Picked Vegetables– served family style

Dessert: Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Tuaca Gelato $79.00

To register, email me lorie@atasteofparis.net or CLICK HERE

Fall and Holiday classes are booking fast, to see the complete list CLICK HERE

Eating in Paris

On October 1, 2019August 30, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, Discover1 Comment

For me, eating in Paris is a magical experience.

Without fail, I start my day with my favorite bite, pain chocolate.

I will be in France when this post drops; thank goodness because my cravings for these little gems has been intense! I don’t worry about calories while I’m there. I eat what I want within reason and I walk…all day.

For lunch I usually try and find something on the run. This can be hard to do in a country whose culture supports sitting for meals for roughly 2 hours at a time.

Usually I grab a prepared sandwich at a boulangerie or a savory crepe eat as I go, very American!

In the afternoon, I almost always make a stop for a bite at one of my favorite chocolatiers!

For dinner, I usually sit and almost always order some version of roasted chicken or fish with vegetables.

Ratatouille is my favorite and I get very excited when I find it on the menu. Full disclosure, fish is rarely served like in this photo. It’s almost always brought to the table whole; head on!

Want to eat and cook your way through Paris with me? Registration for travel for 2021 is OPEN!!

A Taste of Paris April 12-18th

Want to just spend A Day in Paris, Cooking? Join me for:

A Day in France- Bistronomy Friday, November 1^st 10:00-2:30 French bistros have changed over the years, many combining the classics along with gastronomic dishes all at affordable prices. Bringing an haute cuisine experience to the masses, this movement, now decades in the making is called Bistromomy and will be the inspiration for our class. We will enjoy crafting a French Blonde Cocktail, wine with the meal as well as a cheese course. For Petit Dejeuner, I will demonstrate Pain Chocolate, always my favorite, served with Homemade Yogurt and Fresh Fruit Compote and honey. Le Dejeuner will be comprised of a beautiful Savory Tart and Beet and Goat Cheese Mousse Salad a la Ritz, Paris. For diner, 2 dishes; sensational Salmon over Hash wildly elegant and Polenta Ratatouille, both will have your taste buds on high and served with Gougeres Swans! Dessert will be a bouquet of Roses, a stunning apple tart AND from Stohrer in Paris, chocolate Cake Stuffed with Cream and more chocolate! Tuition $89.00 Register HERE or by email to lorie@atasteofparis.net

A Favorite- Bistro 31

On September 26, 2019August 30, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, Discover, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Do you have a place that no matter how many times you go; you ALWAYS have a fantastic time?

That’s how it is for me with Bistro 31 at Highland Park Village.

It all started about 6 years ago when Mark and I had date night here. We went to the upstairs bar, (hidden at the time) and ordered a bottle of champagne! What an absolute luxury! We had an amazing night and Bistro 31 became one of my favorites.

There are so many things to love about this place.

For starters, it is just fun to get “off campus” and do a little people watching.

The restaurant is intimate with a smallish main building and a greenhouse structure with a movable wall. When the weather is nice, they leave it open so you get an al fresco dining experience.

The cocktails are fabulous, they have a superb wine list and the food is always scrumptious.

Mark always gets the steak and frites but there is something for everyone; seafood, pasta and specials including a chef featured risotto of the day.

The furnishings are cool and comfortable, upholstered booths and chairs at the tables by the windows.

On this visit I had the Burrata Salad and the Roasted Chicken.

Such a lovely evening!

Bistro 31 was the site for lunch at the ATOP summer event; A Day of Dior.

I hope you will be inspired to give Bistro 31 a try soon, and let me know how you like it!

Heavenly Double Chocolate Pecan Cookies

On September 24, 2019September 2, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, TasteLeave a comment

Sometimes a girl just needs a nice hit of chocolate. Next time that happens to you, try this recipe!

If you enjoy my blog, please share it with friends and family that might enjoy it too!

Double Chocolate Pecan Cookies

1 cup butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

3 eggs

1 cup dark cocoa

2 cups flour

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 cups coarsely chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using an electric mixer cream together butter and sugar until it is pale and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, add vanilla then cocoa and mix well to combine. Add salt, leavening and flour and mix just until incorporated. Stir in, chocolate chips and pecans. Drop cookies by tablespoons on a greased baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Artichoke Cheese Bake

On September 17, 2019August 30, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Taste2 Comments

Need a simple go-to appetizer? My Artichoke Cheese Bake never disappoints a crowd.

It really is so simple to make, just mix the ingredients, put it in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. Really people go crazy for this stuff! Try it the next time someone asks you to bring an appetizer to a party!

For more fantastic appetizer recipes, consider joining me for an upcoming class, Ultimate Appetizers on November 14th, just in time for holiday party inspiration!

Artichoke Cheese Soufflé Bake

2 8-ounce packages of cream cheese

1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup of mayonnaise

2 cloves garlic, pressed

1 cup chopped frozen artichoke hearts

1 red pepper chopped

Dash cayenne

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Using an electric mixer, cream together cream cheese, mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese for 2-3 minutes. Fold in vegetables, garlic and cayenne. Pour mixture into a deep baking dish and bake 25-30 minutes, until brown and bubbly. Serve with crackers or French bread.

One of the Sweetest Provencal Towns

On September 12, 2019September 3, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, DiscoverLeave a comment

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is without a doubt one of the sweetest towns I have ever visited. It’s an idyllic small community that is surrounded by the Sorgue River.

The Sorgue has 14 remaining water wheels making use of the power of running water. These wheels were originally used to power mills; first corn then wool and silk mills. The moss-covered paddles pushing the babbling water, add real charm to the riverside.

Sunday is market day in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Shoppers can find vegetables and other food items.

Prepared foods abound, like this enormous copper pan filled to the brim with paella.

This market usually has a nice assortment of brocante for shoppers seeking treasures. Arrive early, by 8:00 as vendors start to pack up by noon.

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is an antique town and shops are open on Sundays. A little known fact; walk down the alleys past the antique stores and you will find many of the back-doors of the establishments open creating a maze of tiny booths and tables of goodies. If you are an antique lover, this comes highly recommended.

I found several sets of linens here that are absolute treasures.

I am still wondering what is behind this charming open window covered with ivy in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue…

Want to visit L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and many other Provencal villages in 2021? REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

PROVENCE
September 11th-18th, 2021

Provence – where sparkling seascapes, fiery sunsets, and the striking variety of scenery make visitors feel as though they are stepping into a French Impressionist painting. Sun-soaked flavors and a convivial spirit flourish in this region. Our magnificent base for this food and wine centric trip of a lifetime is Saint-Rémy-READ MORE

Dinner Boards

On September 10, 2019August 30, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, Taste2 Comments

I am into wooden boards!

Of all shapes and sizes! These are a few of my favorites. The board I am holding is an antique Turkish bread board, and it’s old! You can see that the wood split and copper was hammered in place to hold it together and restore it for good use. Below that is a striped board that Mark and Brandon made me many years ago that is a treasure and staple in my kitchen. And just beneath that, is a prized large olive wood board that I hauled back from Provence and trust me, it barely fit in my suitcase!

I NEVER cut on these boards!

Instead, I like to use them for serving. Here I am using it as a trivet for a hot dish of Artichoke and Red Pepper Quiche.

What about the idea of serving an entire meal on the board? This is my olive wood board, piled high with a fresh crispy Chicken Caesar Salad, ready to be served right from the board.

Talk about a quick dinner, Sausage warmed along with Baked Beans and Confetti Slaw.

Who’s hungry?

If you are board with dinner, try using your wooden boards to serve!

Tune into Fox 4 for a segment featuring ME and more Dinner Boards on Tuesday, October 14th!!

Chicken Caesar Salad on a Board

Dressing

1 cup mayo

3 cloves of garlic

1-ounce anchovy paste

¼ cup milk or half and half

1/3 cup grated Parmesan

2 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon Dijon

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Salad

2 grilled chicken breasts cut into chunks

2 heads Romaine lettuce

½ cup of halved tomatoes

Parmesan cheese shards

Toasts

½ small French bread loaf sliced paper thin

¼ cup olive oil

2 cloves of garlic crushed

To prepare the toasts, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix olive oil and garlic in a small bowl. Dot both sides of the bread with a small amount of the oil mixture using a pastry brush. Spread the bread on a baking pan. Bake toast until golden brown about 4 minutes, turn toasts and cook another 3-4 minutes to brown the other side. Meanwhile, prepare dressing by adding all ingredients in food processor or blender, process to combine well. Add additional milk if a thinner dressing is desired. To prepare the salad cut root of each lettuce head off and let water run through to clean the leaves. Keeping the bundles intact slice heads into thin strips and place the lettuce in the center of the serving board. Add chicken, tomatoes and toasts and toss along with a generous amount of dressing. Top with Parmesan shards and serve.

Confetti Veggie Slaw

2 carrots shredded

1 green bell pepper cut in a julienne

1 red bell pepper cut in a julienne

2 cups of shredded purple cabbage

2 green onions finely diced

Dressing

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons olive oil

To prepare dressing, whisk together ingredients in a small bowl. Assemble slaw in serving bowl by layering ingredients. Add dressing, toss to coat. Let salad stand for a few minutes before serving.

Baked Beans

2 16-ounce cans of baked beans any brand

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup ketchup

¼ cup yellow mustard

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch salt

Mix all ingredients in a 9 x 13 glass baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until center is bubbling.

Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis

On September 5, 2019August 27, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, TasteLeave a comment

Have you ever made panna cotta? It really is delicious!

Panna cotta is a lot like creme brulee only not quite as rich. Gelatin is used to thicken the milk and cream mixture rather than egg yolks and it is generally topped with berries.

Making Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis is a great way to eek the last bit of flavor from summer berries. Make it today, you will be glad you did!

Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis

1 envelop plain gelatin

2 tablespoons water

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 ½ cup whole milk

1/3 cup sugar

Seeds from one vanilla pod

In a small sauce pan add water to gelatin. Let it bloom about 2 minutes. Next turn the burner on to low and stir until gelatin is completely dissolved. Meanwhile, heat the milk and cream and sugar together in a large saucepan over medium heat stirring constantly until mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat, add gelatin and vanilla and stir well. Pour mixture into 4- 6-ounce ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap and let chill before topping with Raspberry Coulis.

Raspberry Coulis

10 ounces fresh raspberries

½ cup sugar

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

In a heavy bottomed sauce pan heat berries with sugar and lemon for about 8 minutes. Pour berry mixture into a blender and process. Strain mixture to remove raspberry seeds. Store coulis in refrigerator until needed.

Pretty Cakes

On August 29, 2019August 16, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, Taste10 Comments

You may have heard that my daughter, Brooke is engaged!

A few weeks back we hosted a little get-together for her finance’s family and their wedding party.

I made the cutest little cupcakes for the event and I wanted to share them with YOU!

Brookes favorite cake is Chocolate with White Butter Cream, recipe below, so I made a batch.

I iced the cupcakes by putting the frosting in a zip-top bag, I snipped the tip and pipped the frosting in swirl pattern.

I bought the cutest edible paper flowers, gold star sprinkles and large drugeries to decorate the tops.

It was so much fun!

I got out my food stylist tweezers to help me place the drugeries, large edible pearls, exactly where I wanted them. You could definitely use a standard pair of tweezers for this task!

I arranged the cupcakes and a very large tiered stand that sits on my center island.

To complete the assortment of goodies, there were vanilla and pistachio macarons and a biscuit barrel full of decadent dark chocolate bon-bons.

With a few flowers it looked amazing!

Next time you need a yummy sweet treat, my Chocolate Cupcakes with Butter Cream Frosting are hard to beat!

Chocolate Cupcakes

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1/3 cup extra dark coco

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup butter

1 cup water

2 eggs

½ cup buttermilk

1 ½ teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 24-place cupcake pan with paper liners. In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda and salt and set aside. In a small sauce pan set to medium, heat water, coco and butter until the butter melts. Add warmed liquid to flour mixture and stir till combined. Add first buttermilk then eggs and stir well. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 19-21 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting.

Butter Cream Frosting

1½ sticks butter at room temperature

6 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 teaspoon almond extract

Milk or heavy cream

Using an electric mixer, combine butter, sugar, extracts and several teaspoons of milk on low speed and beat, add milk as needed to get the proper consistency for spreading. Mix on high speed for 5-7 minutes to create a fluffy frosting. Do not leave the mixer unattended.

A Taste Of Paris

Category: A Taste of Paris

Tune in Tomorrow on Fox 4 for Dinner Boards!

Looking for a FUN Friday Night?

Eating in Paris

A Taste of Paris April 12-18th

A Favorite- Bistro 31

Heavenly Double Chocolate Pecan Cookies

Artichoke Cheese Bake

One of the Sweetest Provencal Towns

PROVENCE
September 11th-18th, 2021

Dinner Boards

Tune into Fox 4 for a segment featuring ME and more Dinner Boards on Tuesday, October 14th!!

Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis

Pretty Cakes

A Taste of Paris

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