Hello everyone — happy almost Halloween! It’s been raining here all week and the forecast still predicts showers around trick-or-treating time. Fingers crossed the rain holds off long enough for the kids to get lots of candy. Below is this week’s easy family meal plan, picked to be simple, seasonal, and crowd-pleasing. Enjoy!
This Garlic Basil Chicken Pasta is bursting with flavor and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight. The key is marinating the chicken in fresh ingredients—olive oil, garlic, basil and shallot—then sautéing the chicken and tossing it with spaghetti and creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s one of those recipes … Read more
This dish was fun and very easy to make. I first tried it at a friend’s party and loved it, so I adapted the recipe using lower‑fat ingredients to reduce calories and fat. The result was delicious — about 120 calories per serving compared with roughly 250 calories for a typical spinach and artichoke dip. … Read more
This past Saturday we took a family trip to Philadelphia for the Wizard World Comic Convention (Comic Con). One acquaintance congratulated me on being a “great mom” for bringing my kids to the event. Wonder Woman wannabe and the boys with their new Tribbles. Remember those?! As flattering as that was, the outing was really … Read more
Berry Yogurt Salad is a delightful mix of fresh berries, strawberry Greek yogurt, instant pudding mix, and whipped topping. Light, creamy, and fruity, this salad is perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, brunches, or a kid-friendly dessert. Quick Look: Berry Yogurt Salad Ready In: 15 minutes Serves: 8 Calories: 240 Main Ingredients: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberry … Read more
A zesty, colorful Peach Mango Salsa that comes together in minutes using fresh ingredients. It’s an easy appetizer perfect for tortilla chips, taco night, game day, or a quick snack. If you want a fresh twist on classic salsa or pico de gallo, try this peach mango salsa. It’s one of those make-ahead dishes you … Read more
Fajitas always take me back to Scotland. It sounds odd, but after living on them during the spring of 2008, the connection is real. I spent a semester abroad at the University of St. Andrews, and while Paris had been my first choice, I wanted fewer constraints and more late-night adventures. During those five months … Read more
These oven-roasted harissa potatoes are an easy side with a spicy kick. Tossed in harissa, they’re flavorful, gently hot, and complement many main dishes. Do you need another potato side? Absolutely. Potatoes—roasted, baked, mashed, or fried—are a beloved staple for a reason. They’re versatile, comforting, and perfect for experimenting with bold flavors. My go-to is … Read more
Fondant potatoes, or pommes fondant, are a stunning way to elevate humble russet Idaho® potatoes. Cut into cylinders, seared until golden, then gently braised in butter, garlic, herbs and stock, they develop a crisp, buttery exterior and an incredibly smooth, creamy interior. This elegant side dish makes a memorable addition to any holiday table. If … Read more
Blaze : – « Monseignor, il est l’or, l’or de se réveiller. »
Don Salluste : – « Il en manque une ! »
B. : – « Vous êtes sor ? »
D.S. : – « Tout à fait sor ! »
Blaze: – “Sir, it is time, time to wake up.
Don Salluste: – One is missing!
B.: – Are you sure?
D.S.: – Totally sure!”
(Dialogue between Blaze (Yves Montand) and Don Salluste de Bazan (Louis de Funès) as Blaze tries to wake Don Salluste by jingling gold coins.)
Some language puns are impossible to render in translation. If you haven’t seen the classic French comedy La folie des grandeurs, starring Louis de Funès and Yves Montand, the joke may make little sense. Don Salluste is obsessed with gold, so when Blaze rattles coins to wake him, the word for gold, or, replaces syllables in the lines: “Il est l’or” instead of “Il est l’heure,” “Monsignor” instead of “Monseigneur,” “sor” instead of “sûr.” The sound play is quintessentially French and priceless if you know the film. It’s a cult favorite I rewatched growing up.
Here, though, the pun becomes literal: “Il est l’or du thé”—it is time for tea and, perhaps, a little taste of gold. Tea time can feel like a small treasure, especially when accompanied by a delicate cake.
Financiers: Mes lingots d’or – Bars of Gold
I always keep a reliable go-to cake, especially when inspiration runs thin. Right now, the heat wave has stolen my focus—my neurons feel like they’re on vacation. Still, I discovered a baby cake that I adore: the financier.
Financiers appeal by shape, flavor, and size. These little almond-scented cakes often resemble small gold bars, which explains the name—financier. As one friend pointed out, their rectangular form looks like a lingot d’or. The origin of the word is straightforward when you notice that resemblance.
Traditional financiers are made from egg whites, nutty browned butter (beurre noisette), and almond powder (poudre d’amandes). The classic shape is rectangular, though oval versions exist. They are small, individual cakes that pack a moist, nutty flavor—perfect with tea.
At home we drink a lot of tea. In P.’s family, tea time is almost always paired with a cake, cookie, or biscuit. That ritual makes the little financiers an especially welcome companion for a cup.
I made two batches to test texture and flavor: one infused with Matcha green tea and the other studded with red fruit (I used strawberries). The results were consistently moist and nutty. Both versions are satisfying—comforting little treats that feel like a small luxury.
La joie du ventre, c’est toute la richesse du monde ! The joy of a full belly is one of life’s simplest riches.
