My Melange

Birthday Boy

Today is Chris's Birthday.  Most people feel bad when they hear this, assuming that he would get gypped growing up because his Birthday is so close to Christmas, but he would tell you the opposite.  His family always made it a point to make his birthday, separate and special in its own right.

And speaking of special this birthday is a milestone. Chris turns 40.  Forty.  I still can't believe it.  As you know, I turned 40 in August.  Now it is his turn.  He never lets me forget that I am the *older* woman.

Happy Birthday, Hunny!  I hope you have a wonderful year ahead.

Photo:  One of my favorite shots of Chris.  I like to call it Pensive in Positano.

Merry Christmas!

I wish all of my dear readers a wonderful, healthy, happy holiday.  Spent with friends and family. I hope Santa was good to you this year. 

Merry Christmas one and all!

Photo:  A photo of me, first born, on our family Christmas card, 1967.  Forty years ago.

A Family Christmas

My Nephew is 5, going on 30.  I *heart* him, with every fiber of my being. And I don't mind bragging ~ he is cute as a button, sharp as a tack and smart as a whip!  He is a lover, not a fighter and doles out kisses and hugs like they are going out of style. He spells up a storm. It is so cute to watch and listen to him sound things out.  He has a great memory and is also quite clever.  This year it as all about Pokemon (last year was Star Wars and Transformers).  When I saw him at Thanksgiving he was teaching me how to play with the Pokemon Cards.  Apparently there are good and bad cards and each has special powers.  Funny thing was, I would see him doing this thing he called *sneak attack* and he took my cards.  But, wouldn't you know when I tried that, he would cry "Noooo, Aunt Robin, you can't do thaaaat."  Funny, how he has special rules for each of us.  In a shocking turn of events I never did win at Pokemon that day.  He beat me every time. Imagine that?

We had our Christmas yesterday.  Of course, it was all about when we were going to open the presents.  Or should I say his presents.  He hurried us up at the table when we were eating.  He would go around and say, "You're almost done", "Hurry up and finish".  Granddad Bill (my Dad) had a few scraps of dip left on his plate and my Nephew quickly ran over to give him enough carrots so he would have the tools to finish....quickly. 

When it finally became time to pass out the gifts, he would open a present..and before anyone else could get one of their presents open he would ask politely "Could we please open one of mine now?" Then he would open one of his again.  We would ask him to pass out gifts to everyone else.  He would toss each of us a present, but wouldn't leave us time to open it before asking..."Can I please open one of mine now?"  The kid has a one track mind!  Don't they all?

My Brother(his Dad) plays The Claw with him.  You know, of Jim Carrey fame in Liar Liar. He screams, cries, laughs.  It is heartwarming. You just say the Claw to him and his whole face and body stiffen in fear and excitement, he knows what's coming.  My Nephew has no defense...until yesterday that is.  Granddad Bill gave him a version of a claw on a stick for Christmas.  It operates by putting your hand in the handle on one end and squeezing and then the claw at the other end of the stick, clamps down.  Well, you should have seen his face when Granddad told him that it was *his very own claw to fight Daddy with.*  His face lit up like a Christmas tree and he glared at his father through squinting eyes and clenched teeth and said "I am gonna destroy you, I will destroy the claw everyday!!!!"    He was liberated.

But the best moments were to follow.  After presents, the adults sat around the table talking and laughing, while my Nephew retired to the playroom.  Grandma Pat (my Mom) had given him a set of Pokemon DVD's, a set of 9 in all.  He was over the moon.  He ran right over and popped them in the DVD player, and watched one right after the other.  He ran in to us at one point, in the other room, when we were making a little too much noise for him and requested with big wide eyes "Hey guys, can you please keep it down in here, you are too loud?" This was accompanied by a hand motion that resembled the director cutting the end of the scene in a movie.  This would happen over and over during the course of a few hours.  We were in hysterics every time he did it, which of course, just made it worse because we were even louder.

Now, all along he had been shrieking at different parts of the movies because he was so excited.  So Granddad decided to take the opportunity to give him a taste of his own medicine.  He went in the other room and said  "Hey, it is getting a little bit loud in here, you are making too much noise, can you please keep it down?" To which my Nephew replied, " I can't help it Granddad, I am makin' noise 'cause I am so happy!"  Upon hearing this honest declaration, the rest of us in the other room sighed a collective "Aaaawwwww."  *smile*

Christmas can't get any better than that can it?

Hope your Holidays are filled with similar fun-filled, heartwarming moments!

Photo:  2007 Family Christmas Card, my Nephew on a water slide

Panettone French Toast

Or, as I like to refer to it...heaven on a plate.  As promised, here is the recipe that I have adapted from Giada De Laurentiis, of Food Network fame.  Because we are only two here, the recipe is easily halved and that gives us the perfect amount.  I will warn you though...this is so thick and rich, you won't be able to eat more than a piece or two. Since panettone is only available to me during the Christmas Season I use it for special occasions only.  Like Christmas morning or New Years Day. I would recommend getting it out of the way before you start your New Years Resolution of weight loss(again), as this is definitely not low fat.  I hope you'll try it this Holiday Season.

Panettone French Toast:

1(1.1 pound; 500 gram) loaf panettone bread, baking paper removed
6 large eggs
3/4 cup whipping cream
3/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Real maple syrup

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Trim the bottom crust off the panettone. Cut the loaf in half.  Starting in the center, and slicing outward, cut 3/4-inch thick slices.  Cut each of these slices in half again.  This makes it easier to soak, cook and flip!   In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until well blended. Add the cream, milk, and sugar and whisk until well mixed. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter on a large nonstick griddle over medium heat. Dip 3 slices of panettone into the custard, turning to allow both sides to absorb the custard. Grill the soaked panettone slices until they are golden brown and firm to the touch, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the French toast to a baking sheet and keep them warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining butter, panettone slices, and custard.

Transfer the French toast to plates. Dollop the mascarpone atop each. Lightly dust with the powdered sugar. Drizzle syrup over and around the French toast and serve immediately.

Buon Appetito! 

Panettone: An Italian Holiday Tradition

picture courtesy of Paluani.it

When I first saw Panettone, I thought it was that ubiquitous fruitcake that you see around the Holidays.  You know, the dense brick of a log that everyone hates, but gets as a gift...and re-gifts it on down the line until they find someone who either actually likes it, or until it becomes so hard someone decides to be creative and use it as a Holiday doorstop.  Yeah, that fruitcake.  But panettone, is better.  Way better.  I saw Giada make French Toast out of it {recipe to follow in tomorrow's post} and I was hooked!  I shoulda figured that anything shaped like a chef's hat, should be a darn good treat.

Panettone is a traditional Italian bread, dare I say Christmas Bread, eaten during the Holiday Season.  Though it originated in Milan, it has become more popular in Central and Southern Italy. It can be eaten for breakfast with a big schmere of marscapone cheese.  Or enjoyed after dinner with a little Marsala wine.  *mouth watering*  I like it toasted with a little butter.  Honestly, I love it so much that you could probably rub it in the dirt and run it over with the car a few times...and I would still eat it.  Moaning and groaning in my enjoyment of it the entire time.  It's that damned good!

There are several anecdotal legends floating around that describe how the bread was discovered and named.  They are probably untrue, but they read well and are cute tales none-the-less, so I will share.

Story numero uno:  A 15th century legend from Milan states Atellani created the bread when he fell in love with the daughter of a poor baker named Toni.  Atellani, disguising himself as a baker, created the dough and added lots of fruits to make the bread richer, thereby impressing the girls father.  The Duke of Milan, gave his blessing and a marriage took place, in the presence of Da Vinci, and the new bread was then aptly named, Toni's bread, or Pane del Ton.

Story numero due: This one hails from the court in Milan.  During Christmas one year, the court cook had no dessert to serve.  A kitchen boy whipped up a sweet bread and everyone raved about it!  The cook did not take the credit, but rather gave it to the boy, whose name was of course, Toni.  And the bread was named after him. 

Some of the more popular names that we see here that make it are Perugina and Bauli. 

So, next time your mulling over that fruit cake in the supermarket, thinking it might the perfect gift for a neighbor, think again. Envision this: In true Christmas Vacation fashion, that very dense fruitcake might be lobbed in a fit of rage from the neighbors porch next door, loudly crashing through the dining room window, sending shards of broken glass flying through the air, some landing in the homemade gravy, others piercing the skin of that perfectly cooked turkey, while the whole family is gathered round the perfectly set Holiday table in the middle of saying grace.

Buy a panettone instead, for the window and ensuing debacle you save may be your own.

A Christmas Meme and Spreading Cheer

I was tagged by Jeni, over at the Passionate Palate for a Christmas Meme.  I will give you my list of 12 things I love about Christmas.  Whether it be traditions, memories, food, or Christmas past or present ...here are my favorite things about the Holidays!

1.  sight of the tree, with all the presents wrapped underneath
2.  watching the How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Christmas Vacation
3.  the Smells of Cranberry balsam filling the air
4.  baking (and eating) Christmas cookies
5.  mulled wine
6.  chilling to the *classic* Christmas songs.  You know Bing, Nat and Frank!
7.  decorating the tree
8.  watching my neices and nephews faces light up as they open their presents
9.  on-line shopping ( avoiding the crowds is my Christmas present)
10. putting the cookies out for Santa...and having them be gone the next morning
11. extra time off from work
12. noshing on Monkey Bread at my Mom's house on Christmas morning, hot right out of the oven!

I am tagging Anne, the Foodie Froggy, Stephanie at Rodrigvitz Style, Constance at Rochambeau, Melanie at Le Petit Cabinet de Curiosites  and Melissa over at the Inspired Room.  I know we are all very busy getting ready for the holiday, so no obligation here folks! And in the spirit of giving I am passing this along to anyone who wants to play~condsider yourself tagged! 

And speaking of the spirit of giving, yesterday, Kathy from Dream of Italy notified me of some special promotions going on over at her site. 

**Holiday gift subscriptions are being offered with a free DVD of Cinema Paradiso!
** And travel gift baskets are $10 off for My Melange readers!! Use the coupon 10basket at checkout to receive your $10 discount!

Happy shopping...or whatever last minute things you have left to do!

Vanves Flea Market

The first time I went to Paris, I just had to go to the huge and famous Puces Saint-Ouen flea market at the Porte de Clignacort Metro station. That is where Flea Markets of France originated.  I spent the day and had a lovely time, but most of this area is filled with vendors that are set up like store fronts, the antiques are pristine and therefore come with a hefty price tag attached!  Too rich for my blood.

This time, I wanted something with more of a neighborhood flea market feel.  Not permanent fixtures, just real people coming to set up a table and sell. I am happy to report that I found it.

The Vanves flea market is accessible by Metro and is just a short walk from the Porte de Vanves station.  It is located on Line 13, Southwest of the center of Paris.  I round the corner and this is what I see.

My heart skips a beat, for the thrill of uncovering a treasure is upon me.  I look down the sidewalk and it appears endless.  *Joy*   *Rapture*

I found these lovely old letter stamps

This cute little fabric elephant, seemingly tied to some wrought iron candlesticks, in case he was thinking of making a clean get-away!

Proof that you can find anything at a flea market.  The butterflies are a maybe, but a definite NO on the bugs.  Eewww. 

I spent quite a bit of time at this booth.  The vendors name is Julia and the name of her business is Missy.

She has lovely old French fabric and textiles.  Check out that delicious red toile in the background.

And buttons galore! More buttons than the eyes can process at one time..

She also had lots of great old French containers.  I love the color of these. I think they were used to hold bandages.  What would you use them for?

Or what about these?  If memory serves me correctly, these were little French compacts filled with powder. I love that French green and silver tag.

 

Honestly, I was stopped many times while trying to take pictures.  There were many lovely things to take photos of, but some of the vendors were not happy with me or my camera.  Julia on the other hand was quite gracious.  She let me snap all the shots I wanted after I asked nicely.  I also know that Catherine Deneuve comes to this flea market, so I inquired with Julia.  She told me that she was in fact there a few weeks back, and that she was seen crying.  Oh, how sad.  Maybe we will have a happy sighting of the French beauty. 

I know you have heard of Vichy before.  Could this be an old lozenge tin? 

This is my favorite shot.  This is what a flea market means to me.  It epitomizes everything I love about flea markets.  First, I love the van, pulled right up to the sidewalk, doors open, displaying it's vendors wears.  Ties, pictures, boxes of buried treasure.  But my favorite item is of course, the chandelier.  Isn't it beautiful, shining brightly amongst all the clutter?  Perfect for your Paris Apartment. I would have gone home with it, provided it would have fit in my luggage.  But alas, I left it hanging.

I happened to hear some American ladies in front of me, conversing with their American friend who now lives in Paris.  She was offering a lesson about French flea markets.  She told them, "While everything is lovely in Paris, you will not score any deals here.  For that, you must go to the South of France."  I am inclined to agree and I am sure my friend Corey knows a thing or two about that!

Porte de Vanves
Open Saturday & Sunday
avenue Marc Sangnier & avenue George Lafenestre
Metro: Porte de Vanves (line 13)
06 88 64 82 77
http://pucesdevanves.typepad.com/

Missy
visit them at the Porte de Vanves or
06 81 56 51 46
03 25 40 43 15
missy.france@club-internet.fr

The Lonely Chair

Winter has come early here in the Northeast, which, for someone who hates snow and winter, doesn't make me jump for joy.  I am not a skier, haven't ice skated in years and I can have hot cocoa anytime.  Nine inches yesterday...and they are calling for more coming this weekend.  *Sigh*  I see no end in sight...and technically, it is not even winter yet!

So, I am transporting myself to this chair, waiting for me at the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris.  I could think of no better time to go.  I knew this shot would come in handy! 

So, where is your favorite spot to imagine yourself?  You know, when life gets you down or stressed, when the weather is too hot or too cold.  Where will you be?  On the beach?  Shopping? Horseback riding?  African Safari?  Do tell!

A day at the Marche d' Aligre

photo: copyright Marche d'Aligre

Food markets are abundant in France.  Some are known for food, others carry a wide variety of items.  Some markets are permanent real estate, others are only there on certain days. A movable feast, if you will.  In Paris, each neighborhood has their markets.  It is where the food shopping is done, close to home.  Most locals visit specific markets, and develop a relationship with the food purveyors.  They know who has the best beets, who's onions are grown locally etc.  The purveyors take pride in knowing their merchandise and will pick out the cream of the crop for you, you needn't root around and touch the produce.  Think Mr. Whipple preaching *Don't squeeze the Charmin*.   

When I visited Paris in September, I was able to tour the Aligre Market with my friend Anne.  Though this market is not in her neighborhood, she likes it very much.  And being a foodie, I totally trust her judgment!  Come on, let me show you around.

First, we grabbed a nosh, alright, you beat it out of me, a few noshes at one of her favorite places in the area, Moisan Bakery.  All the freshly baked treats are organic. I highly recommend it!  After we inhaled our homemade goodies in no time flat, we checked out the produce at the outside market.

Look at those fabulous leeks...they were the size of Louisville sluggers.

The artichokes like softballs. (No, I am not a baseball fan. And the sports references stop here, I swear on a stack of baseball cards)

Have you ever seen a round zucchini before (you know I could have gone there..but I promised)

This sure beats a UPC codes plastered on the shelves at a supermarket, doesn't it?  You know the stuff is fresh when the sign is handwritten!

Even the salad greens looked extra gorgeous, not all wet and soggy from the automatic sprayer clogged with bacteria and green gunk. Mmmm, that sounds edible!!

There is also a brocante located outside.  Here is a shot of some Netsuke for sale.

We all had a chuckle at all the naughty little poses. *blushing*

Anne tells me the inside of the market has much better quality than the outside, which I can hardly believe.  There is a butcher, cheese shop, fish monger, gourmet spices and jams and more!

This is the *inside* lettuce.  Do you see a difference?  I bet the rabbits can tell. 

After our tour, we worked up quite a thirst, so we strolled over to Le Baron Bouge, where all the locals go when they are done shopping at the market.  This place is usually brimming with life, but we had the place to ourselves during our visit.  If you go on a Sunday, the crowds are so heavy that you will see locals lined up on the street eating oysters and drinking wine.  It is a convivial sight! 

Check out the barrels of wine, ready for filling your empty bottles.  Now that is my idea of *to-go*!!!  Just look at the ridiculously cheap prices per liter.  You can't even buy a coke for that in Paris! Oh, how I love France!!!

Anne and I indulged in a glass of wine and some delicious cheese.  Chris was a party pooper and had a beer.  Blech.  Beer in a wine bar..is he nuts?  Then it was time to head out for a little lunch.  We checked out another neighborhood favorite of Anne's, called Pause Cafe. 

The joint was hopping, we waited and scored a table out on the terrace on a beautiful sunny day in Paris. Perfect for people watching.

We enjoyed our prix-fixe lunch, and I highly recommend this place!  We each had a different entree and dessert...so we could share a little nibble from each others plates.  It is nice to have friends that know that trick...and appreciate it!!  Nothing worse than asking your French friend to share her meal and have her give you a dirty look followed by a stab in the hand with her fork.  What a faux-pas that would be!  Come to think of it, in France, I think lesser ill-mannered dining infractions witnessed at dinner parties are often punishable with, gulp, the guillotine. "Off with your hand!"  Thank goodness for casual dining.

Marche d'Aligre
rue d'Aligre
Paris, 75012
Metro: Ledru-Rollin
check the website for hours, pictures and plan

Baron Bouge
1 rue Théophile Roussel 
Paris, 75012
01 43 43 14 32

Pause Cafe
41 rue de Charonne
Paris, 75011
01 48 06 80 33

Moisan
5 place d'Aligre
Paris, 75012
01 43 45 46 60

Gifts Ideas for Travelers

I thought I would put together a little list of some fun things to recommend as holiday gifts for the traveler(s) in your life. Maybe you will add a few to your Wish List this Holiday Season!  Since most of my readers are ladies, the recommendations are decidedly feminine, though a few things may appeal to the men who read as well.  Here we go...

To keep up on all the latest deals and travel trends and drop-dead gorgeous photos, give a magazine subscription to Travel + Leisure or National Geographic Traveler.

No thoughts on where to take your next vacation? Get more ideas from 1000 Places To See Before You Die.

Not your everyday set of travel guides, Luxe City Guides are just that, Luxe.  And lovely to look at too.  Available by city..or if you really like the recipient, go for the LUXE World Grand Tour Box!

Give the gift of language with Rosetta Stone and learn to speak like the locals.

Take their mind off of a 3 hour runway delay with an iPod shuffle.

Disheveled hair and smudged make-up after a plane ride can really get you down.  Give a beautiful etched purse mirror for quick touch-ups on the go.

Don't want freshly manicured tootsies touching grungy carpet in your hotel room or the tile floors at the hotel pool do you? Eeewww. Travel slippers are a stylish alternative to ugly tube socks. 

Philosophy amazing grace perfume oil is the perfect size for obeying airport carry-on restrictions.  It leaves you smelling shower fresh and clean.

Variety is the spice of life, so why not spice up your hotel room with this collection of travel candles from Tocca. So many good flavors to try! 

Need to travel with your baubles?  Keep all your bling-bling safely tucked away in a stylish Jewelry Roll.

For the independent traveler, going solo, who just loves to park themselves at a cafe for hours and write ...a refillable leather journal is a must.

Make memories by giving a gift certificate for a  Snapfish Photobook.  It allows your special someone to create a personalized photo album, with their own vacation photos and captions.

A nice Florentine bag for your laptop or for toting around all the souvenirs you plan to bring me, uh, ahem, bring home from your trip, won't have people thinking you just came home from a European backpacking adventure.  Fashionably functional, or is it Functionally fashionable.  Whatever. Either way, it's a great looking bag.

Happy Shopping!  Oh and if you don't mind me asking...would you mind sharing what is on your wish list this year?