Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs an Easter Favorite

On April 20, 2019April 19, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, TasteLeave a comment

Looking for a fantastic new twist on Deviled eggs for your Easter table or spring fête? Check out my recipe for Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs that I created for The Art of Living Beautifully’s Spring 2019 magazine. Did you know you can now order this beautiful publication in print? Check it out!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend filled with worship, family and plenty of Easter eggs!

Smoked Salmon and Dill Deviled Eggs

6 large eggs

¼ cup minced smoked salmon, plus more for garnish

¼ cup cream cheese

¼ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons minced green onion

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Paprika for garnish

12 dill fronds for garnish

Place 6 eggs in the bottom of a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to boil over medium heat. Cover and remove from heat and allow to stand for 15 minutes. Remove eggs from water and allow to cool. Peel eggs, cut them in half lengthwise and pop yolks out into a bowl. Place egg whites on a serving platter. Add minced salmon, cream cheese, mayonnaise, green onion, mustard, lemon juice and salt and pepper to the yolks and mix very well. Place yolk mixture into a zip top bag, using scissors snip the corner of the bag and pipe mixture into the cavity of each egg white. Sprinkle filled eggs with paprika, add bit of salmon and dill to each egg for garnish. Chill for 1-4 hours before serving.

Upcoming Cooking Classes- Register HERE!

May 3^rd 10:30-1:00 Make and Take Dinner for Two- 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- Blue Cheese Pecan Crusted Grapes is a flavor explosion

Starter- Stunning Birds Nest Salad and Herbed Brioche Rolls

Main- Sweet Spiced Bourbon Pork Loin served with Darling Pommes William (ours are baked not fried) and abundant Balsamic Veg Roast

Dessert-Petite Chocolate Loaf Cakes slathered in Amara Cherry Creme Sauce

Tomato Soup and tea will be served. Class size is limited. Class Fee $64.50

June 21^st 10:30-1:00 Make and Take Dinner for Two- 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- We will master the art of precious Chinese Dumplings in both Pork and Vegetarian varieties and dipping sauce.

Starter- Thai Lettuce Wraps with chicken

Main- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with Pineapple Fried Rice

Dessert-Precious Pound Cakes with Sweet Citrus Compote

Spinach Salad and French Bread will be served with iced tea. Class Fee $64.50

Photo Credit: Lauren Palmer and The Art of Living Beautifully

Notre Dame has Inspired Generations

On April 19, 2019April 19, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, Discover2 Comments

The world watched in horror as Notre Dame, Our Lady Cathedral in Paris, France, burned for hours on Monday, April 15th, 2019. I was in Paris having just returned to my hotel after being near Notre Dame when the fire broke out.

The video you see above was taken on April 11th, 2019 when I visited Notre Dame with my A Taste of Paris, 2019 group. I feel very thankful that I took this tiny snippet, I don’t usually take video or pictures here as I have visited so many times but, on this day, I had been searching for several new artifacts.

Notre Dame is ALWAYS on the list of sites to visit with my groups, it has to be one of the most memorable and emotional places we go.

When you think about the fact that this structure is almost 900 years old, the very first stone was laid in 1163, it gives you chills. As you enter the structure and see all of the painstaking details, you began to understand just what it must have been like in mid evil times to carry and hoist each and every stone to construct this Gothic marvel. Notre Dame was completed in 1345 taking 182 years to build. Now that is awesome.

A few facts about Notre Dame you might not know:

- When Notre Dame was built it could hold 10,000 people for worship, standing of course, there were no pews.

- Notre Dame was built on the exact site of the pagan temple of Jupiter built by the Romans in the 6th century.

- In 1804 Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned the first emperor of France here.

- Victor Hugo’s, Hunchback of Notre Dame was completed, in 1831. At that time, the cathedral was in a terrible state of disrepair. As the novel gained in popularity, people began to visit Notre Dame and the French government decided to restore this massive beauty.

- The crown of thorns worn by Jesus, a nail from his cross and a piece of the cross are housed in the crypt at Notre Dame, in the deepest part of the structure. These artifacts are brought out for viewing only 1 time a year, on Good Friday. Luckily, these artifacts were saved from the fire.

- Notre Dame is one of the largest religious structure in the world.

Every year more that 13 million people visit Notre Dame

The above image is the center front facade of Notre Dame. You dont have a complete picture here but what you are looking at is Jesus in the center with his 12 apostles, Peter being just to His left. Above Jesus you will see the last judgement taking place. I love sharing this scene with my travelers in great detail and cannot tell you how grateful I am that it is still standing.

The French have vowed to rebuild Notre Dame and hope to have it completed within 5 years. I look forward to watching the progress that I am sure will amaze.

I would love to hear from you guys about you first visit to Notre Dame or any detail you would like to share!

A Favorite French Dessert

On April 5, 2019April 4, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, TasteLeave a comment

There is nothing more classically French than a Lemon Tart.

By the time you read this I’ll be in Paris preparing for my A Taste of Paris 2019 group! I thought it might be fun to share a French favorite with YOU. You can make a Lemon Tart and enjoy a taste of Paris along with us!

Follow all of the FUN on Instagram @atasteofparis.net or Facebook by liking the atasteofparistrips page.

A special note to my followers that have been attempting to register for cooking classes and send pricing inquires for Upcoming Trips, after several weeks, all of the forms on my site are now working!

Lemon Tart

Crust

1 ½ cups flour

¾ cup cold butter

½ cup+ 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

Filling

1 8-ounce package cream cheese softened

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cream

½ cup fresh lemon juice (3 large lemons)

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon lemon zest

3 large eggs

Topping

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup powdered sugar

To prepare the crust, combine flour sugar and salt in a food processor and process to combine. Add cold butter cut into cubes and process until dough forms a ball. Prepare tart pan by coating with butter or non-stick spray. Press crust into pan evenly. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Chill crust for 15 minutes in the freezer. Prick bottom of crust with fork and bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned. To prepare filling, combine sugar and cream cheese and whip with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, next add lemon zest and juice and mix well. Pour into tart shell and bake for 25-30 minutes until filling is set. To prepare topping, combine cream and sugar in a bowl, whip with and electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Pipe onto cooled tart and serve.

Trips in 2020- More information HERE

A Taste of Paris-April 13-20th, 2020

A Taste of Paris- The French Rivera and Monaco March 25th-April 1st

A Taste of Paris- Wine Lovers Burgundy and the Champagne Regions September 9th-17th 2020

Cooking Classes- Register HERE

May 3^rd 10:30-1:00 Make and Take Dinner for Two-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- Blue Cheese Pecan Crusted Grapes is a flavor explosion

Starter- Stunning Birds Nest Salad and Herbed Brioche Rolls

Main- Sweet Spiced Bourbon Pork Loin served with Darling Pommes William (ours are baked not fried) and abundant Balsamic Veg Roast

Dessert-Petite Chocolate Loaf Cakes slathered in Amara Cherry Creme Sauce

Tomato Soup and tea will be served. Class size is limited. Class Fee $64.50

On the Menu:

Appetizer- We will master the art of precious Chinese Dumplings in both Pork and Vegetarian varieties and dipping sauce.

Starter- Thai Lettuce Wraps with chicken

Main- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with Pineapple Fried Rice

Dessert-Precious Pound Cakes with Sweet Citrus Compote

Spinach Salad and French Bread will be served with iced tea. Class Fee $64.50

I Love Succulents!

On March 27, 2019March 26, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris2 Comments

I’m sharing a passion project with you today. I LOVE succulents, I mean love them!

I wanted to create a patterned display of this seductive, textural plant.

I started with a cute, smallish birdbath, you know cherubs make my heart sing!

Next, stones went into the bottom for drainage.

I ordered several varieties of succulents all in 2-inch pots and 1, 4-inch pot for the center of the pattern. CLICK HERE for my source.

To create the design, I started on the edge, working with a single variety to make a section. Next, with a different color plant, a second row was formed.

Additional plants were added until the entire planter was full.

There is nothing as gratifying as planting something pretty. Happy Spring!

I hope to see you in an upcoming cooking class! CLICK HERE for the schedule.

Handcrafted Cheeseboard

On March 19, 2019March 19, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, Taste4 Comments

Handcrafted cheeseboards that make people swoon are easier to make than you think! After a long hard week, Mark and I often opt to stay in on a Friday night and enjoy a “picnic” cheeseboard made in a matter of minutes, and YOU can too!

Start with a beautiful wooden board and 3 cheese varieties. I like to choose something soft like Brie, a semi-soft cheese like Gouda and a hard cheese like Comté. Or in this case a stronger cheese like Blue.

I always add some type of meat to the board. If you get something sliced thin, like this salami, you can pinch the center of each slice to create this pretty ruffled effect.

Next, add fruit, apples are my favorite. I like a firm, tart apple varietal like Honey-crisp to pair with rich cheeses. Dried fruits are always nice too, they are sweet and chewy giving you another texture to enjoy. Sprinkle on a few nuts, some Provencal olives and maybe even a few cornichons. Last but not least a good loaf of French bread.

That’s all there is to a gorgeous display of food. Add a bottle of wine and you are ready for an epic Friday night!

I hope you will join me for an upcoming cooking class, we have so much fun!! Register for classes TODAY by email to Lorie@atasteofparis.net

April 25^th 6:30-8:30 Let’s Make Dinner A new offering at the cooking school; come and make and enjoy a 4-course meal. The fun begins with a CoCo-Light Martini as we will dive into our menu. We will prepare and enjoy a Texas tradition Jalapeno Poppers MORE

May 3^rd 10:30-1:00 Make and Take Dinner for Two 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- Blue Cheese Pecan Crusted Grapes is a flavor explosion MORE

June 21^st 10:30-1:00 Make and Take Dinner for Two 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- We will master the art of precious Chinese Dumplings in Pork MORE

Handcrafted Cheeseboard Shopping LIST:

3 wedges of cheese

Thinly sliced salami

Assorted fresh fruits

Dried fruit

Nuts

Olives

Cornichon

French bread

Basil from the Market

On March 7, 2019March 6, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Taste1 Comment

Sweet Basil is my favorite herb. The vibrant color and fragrant flavors of pepper, anise and mint make a delightful addition to many of my recipes. I grow plenty of this prolific herb in my garden every year to support my habit and my cooking classes.

During the winter months I crave that fresh from the garden flavor so I pick up organic containers of basil at the market. To prolong its life, you will need a few household items; a glass or vase filled with water, a pair of scissors and a zip-top bag.

Snip the tip of each basil sprig at an angle with a pair of sharp scissors and put each stem in the glass filled with water.

Next, split the bottom of the zip-top bag on both sides about 2-3 inches and place it over the basil. This will create a greenhouse effect.

Leave your basil greenhouse on the counter-top where it will receive plenty of bright light. Change the water daily and you will be surprised at how long basil will keep!

Basil pesto used for Panini is my favorite Basil; recipe, what’s yours?

Basil Pesto

1½ cups fresh basil, compacted

2 garlic cloves

½ cup walnuts

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

Place basil, garlic, walnuts, salt in food processor, pulse until smooth, add Parmesan, olive oil and process until mixed well.

Single chocolate brownie on a parchment square.

Homemade Brownies!

On February 28, 2019February 27, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of ParisLeave a comment

I know I have published my homemade brownies before but this decadent chocolaty recipe deserves another look!

I made these last week for my Make and Take Cooking Class; a new type of class where participants come and cook and then take the delicious results home to share with someone they love!

Instead of just cutting the brownies and putting them on a serving platter, I wrapped each one in parchment paper and tied them with this cute red and white string.

Such a darling way to offer a sweet treat, don’t you think?

Join ME for the fun at an upcoming cooking class! New classes have been added to the roster! Register today by Clicking HERE or email lorie@atasteofparis.net

AND for information regarding upcoming trips to France email me at Lorie@atasteofparis.net!

Thursday and Friday March 21-22^nd 10:30-2:00 Food and Wine Workshop- 2 SEATS OPEN! 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 6:30-8:30 Let’s Make Dinner A new offering at the cooking school; come and make and enjoy a 4-course meal. The fun begins with a CoCo-Light Martini as we will dive into our menu. We will prepare and enjoy a Texas tradition Jalapeno Poppers a true crowd pleaser. We will sit for our 2-4^th courses and wine will be served. The second course will be Strawberry Salad served with Sweet and Spicy Pecans a perfect starter. Our main course will be decadent Coriander Cured Beef Tenderloin served on a bed of Sweet Bourbon Smashed Potatoes and finished with Roasted Corn Salsa. Yippee! For a delectable sweet finish, we will prepare Pistachio Coconut Pot de Crème. 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. Class size is limited and promises to be an amazing evening! Class fee 62.50

May 3^rd 10:30-1:00 Make and Take Dinner for Two 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- Blue Cheese Pecan Crusted Grapes is a flavor explosion Starter- Stunning Birds Nest Salad and Herbed Brioche Rolls Main- Sweet Spiced Bourbon Pork Loin served with Darling Pommes William (ours are baked not fried) and abundant Balsamic Veg Roast Dessert-Petite Chocolate Loaf Cakes slathered in Amara Cherry Creme Sauce Tomato Soup and tea will be served. Class size is limited. Class Fee $64.50

June 21^st 10:30-1:00 Make and Take Dinner for Two 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- We will master the art of precious Chinese Dumplings in both Pork and Vegetarian varieties and dipping sauce. Starter- Thai Lettuce Wraps with chicken Main- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with Pineapple Fried Rice Dessert-Precious Pound Cakes with Sweet Citrus Compote Spinach Salad and French Bread will be served with iced tea. Class Fee $64.50

Homemade Brownies

¾ cup butter

1 ½ cups sugar

¾ cup flour

¾ cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder

3 eggs

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a 9×13 glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Melt butter in a microwave safe bowl. Add cocoa powder to melted butter and mix well. Stir in sugar and then eggs. Add flour salt and vanilla and mix to combine. Add chocolate chips and nuts and spread batter into dish. Bake for 24-28 minutes until edges are beginning to brown.

Bright red tulips in a green vase setting next to a stone cherub.

Are you ready for spring?

On February 26, 2019February 24, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be InspiredLeave a comment

I don’t know about you, but winter has seemed extra-long. In my town we have had many cold, rainy and I will say it, gloomy days.

Much to my surprise, a sweet friend brought me a lovely bunch of tulips on Friday evening and it was a welcome sign that spring is on the way! I simply adore having fresh cut blooms in the house, it is such a decadent luxury.

When you start to see tulips and daffodils in the markets and florist you know warmer weather is just around the bend.

Tulips are probably the easiest flower to manage into a gorgeous arrangement. I thought I would show you what I did. First, trim each stem with very sharp scissors and cut them at an angle. This lets the stems take on more water.

Next, remove any loose foliage towards the bottom of the stems. This helps to keep the water clean and pure for the blooms.

To arrange, simply gather the bunch of stems and place it into a vase or even a mason jar filled with water.

I am always amused at how the stems seem to turn towards the sun, just like me!!

Are you as ready for spring as I am? What are you looking forward to most? I hope you will share your thoughts so we can all get ready for spring together!

Tune into FOX Tomorrow for Valentine Date Night

On February 12, 2019February 12, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, Taste1 Comment

Tune into Fox 4 KDFW, tomorrow, Wednesday, February 13th about 9:40 to see ME cooking LIVE with the morning crew!

I’ll show you how to host a Romantic Date Night, just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Instead of fighting crowds this year, opt to stay in with this mouthwatering menu. Pan seared Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Pan Sauce served over Creamy Mashed Potatoes is decadent and satisfying and the best part, it won’t take you all day to prepare!

For a sweet ending try one of my favorite go-to recipes French Chocolate Bark.

Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Pan Sauce

2 boneless pork chops, 6 ounces each

1-2 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons butter

½ large Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped

¼ cup dried cranberries

1 tablespoon onion, grated

1 small garlic clove, pressed

1 teaspoon brown sugar

2 tablespoons dry white wine

¼ cup chicken stock

pinch cinnamon

¼ teaspoon sage

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in a chef’s pan set over medium/low heat. Salt and pepper pork chops liberally. Dredge chops in flour and place into the hot pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes until pork is getting brown. Flip and sear the second side. Remove the chops from the pan and place them in a glass baking dish and into the oven to finish cooking, about 18 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 155 degrees. To prepare the sauce deglaze the pan with the white wine. Add remaining ingredients and cook until mixture is thick and apples are breaking down a bit. Remove from heat and serve over the pork shops.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

3 pounds potatoes, preferably Yukon Gold’s, peeled and diced

½ cup heavy cream

¼ cup butter

Salt and Pepper to taste

Boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain water, reserving 1 cup of cooking water. Place potatoes in a bowl an electric mixer and mix with cream and butter until perfectly smooth. If potatoes are still too stiff, add a bit of the cooking water until desired consistency is reached. Salt and pepper to taste.

French Chocolate Bark

1 12-ounce package of 60% cocoa chocolate chips, I use Ghirardelli’s

½ cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped

½ cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped

½ cup coconut

Line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Melt chocolate in microwave safe bowl in 30 second intervals stirring well in between each time. Spread melted chocolate on parchment paper creating a thin sheet of chocolate. Sprinkle with fruit and nuts and slightly press into chocolate. Chill the candy in the refrigerator until set and break into pieces. Keep bark refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

TASTE THE FOOD. TASTE THE WINE.

TASTE THE CULTURE.

A Taste of Paris 2020

Culinary adventure of a lifetime!

More Details…CLICK HERE

My Favorite Valentine Treats!

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

Valentine’s Day means plenty of chocolate everywhere!

I am sure you saw my recipe for decadent Red Velvet Brownies last week.

How about Chocolate Lava Cake, a quintessential favorite and oh so easy to prepare as long as you know the secret…bake the cakes cold from the refrigerator!

And of course Chocolate Truffles like the ones at Maison du Chocolat in Paris are unbeatable and surprising simple to make!

I hope you will be inspired to make a chocolate treat for someone you LOVE today!

A Taste Of Paris

Tag: cooking schools in McKinney