5 Steps to Make Packing a Breeze!

On March 12, 2019March 12, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of ParisLeave a comment

I will be traveling with my 2019 group to Paris very soon. Before we go, I always send my list of “Paris Essentials” to my travels. As I was checking and refining the list, I started thinking about packing.

When I head to France, I am often gone over 3 weeks at a time. I always get lots of questions about packing so I thought I would share my no-fail steps to make packing a breeze. Whether you are going for a weekend or a month it works!

STEP 1- Make a list of clothing essentials, see mine below, from this list you will plan all of your outfits.

STEP 2- Decide how many days of clothes you will need and lay them out in outfits. To save space, only take bottoms that can be worn more than 1 time.t for a great trip.

STEP 3-Accessorize each outfit with everything you will need including socks, underwear, scarves and inexpensive jewelry. Using a cell phone take a photo of each outfit, this will help you remember how you planned to wear them.

STEP 4- Fold everything into square stacks by outfit. Bottoms on the bottom of the stack, tops on top and dresses folded into thirds. I like to make a separate stack for accessories.

STEP 5- Place shoes in the bottom of your bag. Next, place 4 stacks of clothing into your bag, one in each corner and voila, you are set for a great trip!, scarves and inexpensive jewelry. Using you

My Outfit Essentials are:

3-4 pairs of dark jeans that don’t stretch out

1-2 pairs of black pants

one pair of soft black pants that can be dressed up

1-2 Dressy blouse

1 pair weight heels for a night out

2-3 pairs of comfortable shoes

Blazer to dress up an outfit

Soft shirts and blouses

Light and mid-weight sweaters for layering

Lightweight jacket

Bon Voyage!

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

Top 5 Travel Tips for Paris

On April 11, 2018April 10, 2018 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired2 Comments

I am preparing for another trip to Paris with my fantastic 2018 group and I cannot tell you how excited I am to be back in the city I love so much.

I thought it might be fun to give you my top 5 tips for a fabulous trip to Paris.

#1 Make a Plan for your time in the city.

Paris is a busy place and you need a plan for what you want to see and do long before you get there. This is not a town to show up and wing it. Start your first day with activities that are in close proximity to your hotel. Resist the urge to take a nap, this is a rookie mistake. Just take it easy, have a good dinner and get to bed early and by the second day, you will be golden! Plan to use the Paris metro, it is easy to figure out and the very best way to get around the city. For activities that are more spread out, use Uber to save your feet and don’t forget to schedule lots of breaks for pastry snacks!

#2 Packing

The best time for Paris is the early spring and late fall because the city is less crowded. The weather is usually lovely, although unpredictable so I recommend packing layers of clothing. I like to plan my outfits and fold them as a set; this is a huge time saver when getting ready. You will need:

Passport
Map
Umbrella
Scarves
Gloves
Lightweight coat or jacket
Electric converters or transformer for electric appliances
2 pairs of comfortable shoes

#3 Banks and Credit Cards

Call your bank and credit card companies to give them your travel dates. Ask them if they charge a conversion fee, many cc companies charge a 3% fee for changing the currency from Euros to dollars and that can add up! Think about loading a prepaid debit card with Euros before leaving the US, this is a handy way to be sure you don’t break your travel budget.

#4 Hydrate!

Dehydration makes your body tired and lethargic and the last thing you want is to feel bad on your trip. Flying and alcohol consumption (you will be doing both…its France you must drink the wine!) really dehydrate the body and can wreak havoc on your digestive system. I recommend you consume extra water and fiber starting 3 days before you travel. This insures an easier transition and no unexpected down time.

#5 Chill

Rest up before your trip. Getting out of town can be a challenge, there are so many details to tend too, I get it. But pulling all-nighters before your big vaca is a mistake. Instead, try and take it easy the last few days before travel, getting some extra sleep if you can. Pack your carry on with a few of your favorite snacks, board your fight just chill. I like to marathon watch movies and dive into a bag of Chex Mix. Don’t underestimate the power of a snack to help you pass the time.

I would love to have YOU along on one of my trips for 2019!

ATOP Goes PINK is SOLD OUT so I have added Springtime in Paris 2019

Or you might like ATOProvence September 2019!

For more information and to register CLICK HERE

A Taste Of Paris

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