Dear Santa…

On December 18, 2019December 17, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, DiscoverLeave a comment

Have you been dreaming of a trip to France?

I’ll bet Santa is wondering what to put under the tree for you…

I have some good news, there are still seats OPEN in all 3 A Taste of Paris food and wine excursions to France, but registration is heating up so let Santa know which trip he should stuff in your Christmas stocking!

Have you always dreamed of visiting Paris? Or maybe you have been many times before, and like me, you can’t get enough. Either way, this trip dazzles with historic marvels, breathtaking masterpieces and unsurpassed flavors.

Paris, the most recognized city on earth, holds unmatched gastronomic treasures waiting to be experienced. Tree-lined boulevards and the romantic river Seine, winds through the city beckoning travelers from all corners of the globe. Partake in the glory that is Paris.

A Taste of Paris- April 12-18th, 2021

Are you a lover of wine? Join the fun and explore the thriving wine regions of Burgundy and Champagne, France; their rolling hills, medieval villages, the labyrinth of centuries old cellars and slow cooked iconic dishes will trill.

Champagne and Burgundy: Two of the most prestigious wine regions in the world, are as divine as the wines they produce. French wines delight the senses and engage the soul. With stunning estates and fruit laden vines that reach to the heavens.

A Taste of Paris- Wine Lovers- April 22nd-30th, 2021

Or maybe you have been dreaming of Provence; the colors and light have seduced artists for centuries and it’s no wonder. The countryside of rolling hills, olive groves, pine forests and lavender fields is peppered with Roman relics and elegant churches giving it a storybook quality.

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.

A Taste of Paris- Provence- September 11th-18th, 2021

Let Santa know what you are hoping for and dont delay! Christmas morning you may just find it under the tree!

For more information, contact me at lorie@atasteofparis.net OR call 214 551 9630

Top 5 Goodies from Paris

On December 12, 2019December 12, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, Discover, TasteLeave a comment

I have always dreamed of spending Christmas in Paris. Snow gently falling on the bustling streets and shop windows packed full of interesting goodies.

Alas, for now it is merely a dream. For anyone lucky enough to be traveling to my favorite city this holiday season, or any time of year for that matter, I have assembled a goodie guide for you.

Top 5 goodies to bring back from Paris

1-CHOCOLATE

Simple bars or carefully curated chocolate morsels, packed in a precious box, travel well and make marvelous gifts.

2- TEA

Mariage Freres tea is a lovely gift to bring back from the city. The blends are crafted much like fine French perfume and are meant to excite and entice the palette. You can buy loose tea or tea bags; tiny muslin sachets, that make me smile every time I reach for one. My favorite blend is called Wedding Imperial.

3- COOKIES

Marquise de Sable is a wonderful brand of biscuit, or cookie as we call them, to bring back for friends.

There is a wide assortment of flavors and the boxes are nice and flat making packing a breeze.

4- Mustard

Maille is a fantastic French mustard and lovely for gifts carried home.

It is astonishing the number of mustard flavors available; there is something for everyone on your list.

5- Olives

Olives make a nice gift or tidbit to enjoy once you are home.

French olives have their pit making them much more flavorful. My personal favorite are the picholine.

Is Paris your favorite city too or have you been dreaming of going there?

Join the group and come along with me, A Taste of Paris!

A Taste of Paris- April 12-18th, 2021

Chateau in the Dordogne region of France.

Audrey’s Frenchie Story

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

I love introducing you guys to my friends.

Audrey Friedman, owner of French Vintage Home, and I met years ago at an event in Dallas. We bonded over our shared love and passion for France so we decided to meet for lunch. We’ve been meeting regularly ever since and have become fast friends.

Audrey has been such a generous supporter of A Taste of Paris and ME and I know you will find her Frenchie story fascinating.

Audrey made her mark in industry by creating, building and then ultimately selling a linen company. In the midst of her busy work-a-day life she found herself traveling the world to visit family and for adventures of her own.

In 1998, Audrey visited a friend in the Dordogne region of France and fell in love with it. She began toying with the idea of buying a holiday home there.

While looking and working with her agent, she came across at 15th century chateau in a terrible state. The agent tried to talk her out of buying the property but Audrey had vision and knew the place would be spectacular when completed.

When Audrey began, there was no running water, no indoor restrooms and a kitchen that was just a hull; cooking had previously been done outside.

The restoration was done, quite remarkably, in 1 year. Audrey credits an extraordinary architect for the process going so smoothly.

The chateau was back and stunning as you can clearly see. During construction, many of the townspeople came to thank her for restoring this magnificent place which had been in ruin for over 100 years.

During the busy year Audrey made many friends and had a full social calendar attending and hosting her new neighbors but on Sundays, things were just too quiet. In small town France, everything is closed on Sundays, except the flea market.

Audrey made a trip to the market and with the first treasure found and purchased a new business was created.

Since that time Audrey has been seeking out the very best that the French brocante has to offer. She imports these amazing goods and sells them in her Etsy Shop and on her website French Vintage Home at very reasonable prices.

I know many of you like myself, are seeking the perfect treasures to go under the Christmas tree for family and friends.

Let me tell you, French Vintage Home is a great place to look but don’t delay, the best is going fast!

Thanksgiving Inspiration- 2 Scrumptious Recipes

On November 19, 2019November 18, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, TasteLeave a comment

Every year I teach a cooking class called The Thanksgiving Table; it gives me a chance to get creative with traditional fall flavors for that big meal everyone is anticipating.

I’m sharing a few of my favorites from this year in hopes of inspiring YOU!

Of course, the turkey is always the star of the Thanksgiving meal. If you only like white meat, consider skipping the huge bird and opt instead for a few turkey breasts, either way, my Citrus Roasted and Glazed Turkey is moist, juicy and filled with flavor.

These beautiful acorn squash make the ideal cooking cups for cornbread OR your own stuffing recipe! The key is to pre-roast the squash first so it gets tender, be sure you salt and pepper it liberally too.

Cooking time for the cornbread will be a bit longer than when using a baking dish too, so keep that in mind!

Citrus Roasted and Glazed Turkey

2 large turkey breasts

Salt and pepper

4 tablespoons butter

3 oranges, divided

3 lemons, divided

¼ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic, pressed

11 teaspoon ground sage

2 sprigs fresh thyme

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

1 onion quartered

1 cup white wine

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare the glaze by first zesting and juicing 2 of the oranges and 2 of the lemons. Add the juice and zest to a small sauce pan with 2 tablespoons of butter, sugar, honey, mustard, garlic, sage and herbs and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until mixture is thick, like syrup. Let turkey breast come to room temperature, about 30 minutes, before slathering with 2 tablespoons butter. Liberally salt and pepper the breasts. Quarter the remaining fruit and place that along with the onion in a greased glass baking dish. Position the turkey breasts on top of the fruit and onions and add white wine to the dish. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake turkey until a thermometer reads 125 degrees. Remove the dish from the oven and baste with glaze. Continue to baste every 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Let turkey rest for at least 20 minutes tented with foil before carving.

Acorn Squash with Cornbread Filling

4 acorn squash

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 ½ cups yellow corn meal

½ cup flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

¼ cup butter melted and cooled

1 ½ cups milk

2 eggs

½ red bell pepper finely diced

½ green bell pepper finely diced

Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut squash in half and remove seeds. Bush the surface of the squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 30 minutes. Prepare cornbread by combining dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. Add wet ingredients to a separate bowl along with peppers and mix very well. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix just until combined. Pour batter into the squash and bake for 28-32 minutes until cornbread is firm and beginning to brown. Allow to cool before serving.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Coming UP Roses Tart

On November 6, 2019November 5, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, TasteLeave a comment

It’s important to celebrate life’s little victories.

This beautiful apple tart I’ve named, Coming Up Roses, was made in a cooking class I taught last week. Even the picture makes me happy!

The recipe is fairly simple, the hardest part is slicing the apples, best done on a mandolin so they can be cut very thin. The key here is to really pack the apples tightly as you layer them around the tart.

It’s apple season so grab a bushel and serve a slice of this gorgeous tart to the people you love and you’ll be coming up roses too!

Coming up Roses Tart

1 sheet of puff pastry

4 Honey-crisp apples

1 tablespoon flour plus more for work surface

¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided

3 tablespoons butter

¼ cup apricot jam

1 teaspoon water

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll puff pastry out to eliminate the creases and so it will fit into a 9-inch tart pan. Place the pastry into the pan and press it firmly up the sides and on the bottom. Prick the bottom well with a fork. Line the crust with a sheet of greased foil and add pastry weights or dried beans to the top. Bake the crust for 12 minutes until it is beginning to brown. Remove from the oven and reduce heat to 375. Prepare apples by slicing them in pieces off the core and cut into very thin slices or use a mandolin and slice through whole apple, then cut the apple shards in half at the core. Sprinkle the bottom of the crust with first flour then 1 tablespoon of sugar. Begin arranging the apples on the outer edge of the prepared tart crust. Place apples peel side up, making rows and winding towards the center. Continue arranging apples very tightly working towards the middle. Roll several thin slices into a coil to form the center. The exposed peel will look slightly pink on the finished tart. Sprinkle the tart with remaining sugar and dot with butter. Place pan on a baking sheet and into the oven for 30-40 minutes until apples are tender and browning on the tops. Remove from the oven and glaze the top of the tart by heating the jam with the water until it is smooth. Paint the tart surface with the glaze using a pastry brush. Allow to cool before serving.

Fall Dinner Party- 2019

On October 29, 2019October 29, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, TasteLeave a comment

Last year I participated in a huge dinner party with The Art of Living Beautifully and Unique Unique Designs, it was a blast so this year I decided to create a Fall Dinner Party Class on a smaller scale. It was really fun for me to get out my dishes and crystal wine glasses and set a beautiful table for my honored guests.

For the centerpiece I wanted to use copper pumpkins. These were perfect to go along with my copper chargers and I thought a little bit of metallic would reflect the lights. To make them, I bought fresh white pumpkins, the stems were taped off and then sprayed them with copper paint. Once they were dry, they were ready to be the focal point of the table arrangement.

To complete the design, pears, squash and lots of grapes were added. Using fresh foods as centerpieces is an idea that has been gaining popularity and it’s really smart because you can eat the arrangement after the party is over!

I still had plenty of fresh flowers in the house.

I was completely enchanted with these stunning roses that were the color of fire.

The table was set and the guests arrived!

All 12 were greeted with a Rosemary Grapefruit Sparkler, a tart refreshing cocktail, ideal for the unpredictable Texas fall season.

While we munched on appetizers of Focaccia Bread topped with Caramelized Onions and Fennel and Spicy Shrimp, we had a short cooking lesson.

I shared about my recent experience in Lake Como, Italy and how a special meal there inspired this menu.

Next up were beautiful salads topped with pear shards, blue cheese and my famous Sweet and Spicy Pecans, recipe below!

Dinner was a Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Pork Loin Roast served on a bed of root vegetables and alongside Fontina Mac and Cheese. Dessert was Chocolate Lava Cakes with Tuaca Ice Cream and I might have even gotten the bottle of Tuaca out for sampling…I will never tell!

The night was a huge success and I look forward to hosting many more events like this one!

In fact, I have a Holiday Luncheon scheduled for December 13th with only 2 seats left at the table. If you would like more information CLICK HERE and register TODAY!

Registration for all 4- 2021 ATOP trips to France is in full-swing. Request information TODAY and start to plan YOUR ATOP trip to France!

I hope you are all enjoying the fall season!

Sweet and Spicy Pecans

2 cup whole pecans

3 tablespoons butter

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon smoky paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet, brown pecans in butter over medium heat. Add sugar, spices and toss until pecans are coated. Add vinegar to mixture, stir over low heat until the moisture is mostly evaporated. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour pecans onto prepared pan and bake for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and pecans are dry to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool.

A Little Bit of France- A Simple Recipe You Will LOVE!

On October 24, 2019October 24, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, TasteLeave a comment

This yummy dish is called Tartouillat, (pronounced tart-o-ya) is from the Burgundy region of France and is typically made with cherries and brandy.

Apples and pears are in full season, so I created this dish to capitalize on their fantastic flavor for my French 2-Day cooking class a few weeks ago. Many of the class participants voted this dish among their favorites. The best news; it’s simple and practically fool proof to prepare.

It’s mostly fruit so nice for breakfast or for dessert with ice cream or even a drizzle of caramel sauce!

Do you love French foods? There are still a few spaces OPEN for A Day in France, it promises to be a stunning display of French foods!

The day begins with me demonstrating Pain Chocolat, as much fun to watch as it is to eat…who am I kidding? I crave these puffy morsels so I am EXCITED!!

We’ll be exploring Bistronomy a Parisian phenomenon and nothing is a better example than this gorgeous Beet and Goat Cheese Salad originally from the Ritz in Paris. To register email lorie@atasteofparis.net OR CLICK HERE

Tartouillat with Apples and Pears

4 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and sliced into thin wedges

2 Bosc or Bartlett pears peeled, cored and cut into thin wedges

4 tablespoons butter

1 cup flour

2/3 cup sugar

2 ½ cups milk

6 eggs

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon apple brandy

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large chef pan, cook apples in butter until they become soft. Add pears to the pan and remove from heat. Grease an 8 x 11 glass baking dish, pour the fruit into the bottom of the dish. Beat the eggs with the sugar until it is pale and fluffy, add flour and salt and mix just until combined. Add milk and brandy and whisk until there are no lumps. Pour milk mixture over the fruit and bake for 38-45 minutes until top is beginning to brown and springs to the touch.

TIP:
For the best results eat it the day you prepare it, it can hold over night but is not as good the next day.

Eating in Paris

On October 1, 2019August 30, 2019 By Lorie FangioIn A Taste of Paris, Be Inspired, Discover2 Comments

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

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

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

Tag: Plan a trip to Paris