A few years ago I was in Paris in July. I was loathe to go but business called. Business was completed in a few days, and then my holiday began. After a week of trying to do all the things I normally like to do, but couldn’t because of all the crowds, I hopped on the TGV for Lyon.  I had never been to Lyon but always wanted to. After all, Lyon is the home of the historic French textile industry and the food, well, the food. I loved Lyon. From my hotel on the River Saone, I could see across to the Presqu’ile, walk to the daily market and get the most incredible selection of goat cheese from Marc, and the most divine peaches from Claude! And the pièce de résistance? Lyon’s Musee des Tissus et Musee des Arts Decoratif and the self guided tours of the silk weavers’ quarters. Heaven.

One day, while walking along the Saone I came across a very fancy sandwich board  with the words “Journées Européennes du Patrimonie” and “Degustation de Cuisines Anciennes” and “Archéo-Culinaires.” Very curious, indeed. Naturally I made note of the restaurant, Commanderie des Antonins, and made a promise to return that night. What a place! Cool  candlelight vaulted ceilings, it looked like the basement to some old church, and probably once was. There was an element of austerity and longevity, it was very romantic. And the food? Not the typical Lyonnaise fare and it wasn’t until that moment that I realized how absolutely starved I was for a simple meal! The meal was très simple. An apéritif, grilled steak, roasted poatatoes, trompettes de la mort, and a cheese plate. Vin ordinaire.

The apéritif was the most perfect thing. After a hot day doing some very serious sight seeing, Lyon has a phenomenal Musée des Beaux Arts, a glass of the cool basil infused Sancerre was just what I needed. Here is the recipe, a bit late but if you can still get some fresh basil, make some. For it is a light fresh and sweetly scented reminder of summer, and I think, still appropriate for the fall!

Last Gasp of Summer Apéritif

• One bottle of Sancerre
• 1 bunch of basil, washed
  
• 1/3 cup of sugar

In a clean glass container, add the Sancerre and the sugar. Remove basil leaves from the stems, and add to wine. Store in refrigerator for 3 days. Shake now and again. Strain. Serve chilled. Et, voila!

Every now and then I get a serious itch to leave Santa Cruz. This itch becomes severe when I don’t get my big city fix. Up until today, I always thought of myself as a big city girl. I mean, I love big cities, the bigger the better! New York, London, Paris, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Rome, New Delhi… Urban exploration is a serious passion. I can wake up early and not return to my hotel until late, just meandering through the streets, letting the city take me where it will. Oddly, today, I couldn’t wait to get on my bike and head to the ocean, and Farmer’s Market, and cafe, wine tasting at Bonny Doon, and even gin tasting! And you all know how I feel about gin… The amazing thing is that I was able to do all of this via West Cliff Drive, the local promenade along the ocean that overlooks the Monterey Bay. West Cliff Drive is my highway!

Her is a list of the top ten reasons why I live here. This list serves two purposes, for me to read when the itch returns and as an advertisement to friends in big cities so when they get the itch for a fresh ocean air… and are interested in a house exchange!

1. West Cliff Drive. A mere mile from my house, always a good place to walk or ride my bike. Always always clears the head, brightens my eyes, puts color on my cheeks, and a smile on my face. And when I’m really together, I can harvest mussels for dinner while on said bike ride or walk.
2. My community. Besides absolutely fabulous landlords and incredibly kind friends, I am neighbors with the divine Susie Bright ( sexpert and personal consultant), Pim Te (blogger, baker, and shopper extraordinaire), and Randall Grahm. All express incredible kindness, affection, and sincere interests towards me, my projects and, more importantly, my daughter.
3. The weather! I have a year round kitchen garden, an amazing rose collection, and access to all the fruit trees in the neighborhood and, believe me, there are plenty!
4. Cameron Marks Boutique. A great shopping experience offered by my friend Vanessa Ambrose. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I have both the key and alarm code and have been known to work out all kinds of interesting trades for clothing and accessories! How much apricot chutney and lemon preserves can the poor girl eat? I hope, a lot!
5. Lulu Carpenters, boutique coffee house and roaster. Great coffee. cafe, and staff. This is my home away from home, the staff is always welcoming and they absolutely adore my daughter. It also happens to be where Stella learned to crawl, go up and down stairs, walk, and say Yirgacheffe, Papua New Guinea, macchiato, and pain au chocolate.
6. The butcher department at Shopper’s Corner. Shopper’s Corner is an amazing locally owned grocery store with an extensive wine collection and full butcher department. Did I mention that the butcher’s are extremely handsome, knowledgeable, and always happy to fulfill any requests.
7. Santa Cruz is a university town nestled between the ocean and the mountains, an excellent situation for a forager at heart. Mussels, sea urchins, boletes, chanterelles, trompettes du mort, miner’s lettuce, wild fennel along the bluffs, and berries, berries, berries… 
8. Year round Farmer’s Market. I am at most a 10 minute walk, and much shorter bike ride, from two amazing markets. I frequent Wednesdays and Saturdays, perfect frequency for veggies and fruits. And, by far, the best stand is Dirty Girl Farm. Best strawberries, haricort verts, beans, and selection of greens. All organic!
9. The pleasure of living in a small town is the quality of life. I have an open door policy, friends always stop by and I love it, as does my daughter. I can walk into any restaurant, or bar, and feel instantly at home because I am surrounded by friends in the kitchen, among the staff, and diners. A new definition to the family meal… And being in California, especially Northern California, means an open and friendly manner rule the day!
10. Lastly, except for a couple of very hot weeks in the Spring and Fall, the weather is such that I can wear boots year round. Love my Fryes…

"Still life with Cheeses" by Floris Claesz. van Dijck

This is the beginning of Easter week and the reality of my daughter not going to daycare just hit. Along with planning the menu for the week, play dates must be organized. The playdate is a wonderful event and though my daughter is not old enough to be dropped off at another child’s house, it is an opportunity to gather and, well, play!  But having a house full of children means one thing, lots of elevenses.

Elevenses are a very English tradition and, I think, aptly named for that time in the late morning when one starts feeling peaky. Grouchiness always descends on my daughter in the late morning and when I look at the clock, it is always 11! The body knows… Though the current trend is not to snack, with obesity on the rise any extra intake of calories is deemed gluttony, I believe that the elevenses is absolutely necessary. It is the most informal of meals, a meal on the run, for the park, or to be enjoyed at your desk. I eat a light breakfast, umm 3 to 4 cups of coffee, and my daughter does plenty of jumping and running so, as far as I’m concerned, a snack around 11 in the morning is suitable and necessary! And I don’t think an elevenses has to be a caloric beast now a days. 

Here is a list of my daughter’s favorite elevenses and I’m sure we will discover new ones in this week of play dates:

• raisins with sliced almonds and candied ginger
• plain yoghurt with honey
• fruit – berries, bananas, a tangerine
• apple slices with peanut butter
• cheese and crackers
• a pickle! or capers! or olives!
• rice cracker with almond butter
• half a bagel with avocado
• half an avocado
• a fruit roll, without additional sugar
• hummus with sliced cucumbers, carrots, and celery
• jello!
• a spoonful of homemade jam
• a cookie or home baked goodie

I admit to being a tyrant when it comes to juice. I only let my daughter have one serving of juice a day and that is always heavily diluted with water. Water, water, water. (note to self, less coffee more water)

Menu for Easter week

• Lentils vert du pay with duck confit
• Ceci bean potage
• Pasta with chorizo and asparagus
• Salmon with potatoes and apple salad
• Pot of beans!
• Lunch for the kiddos

1. grilled cheese sandwiches with ham and apples
2. bean and cheese burritos
3. bagels with cream cheese and lox

I think I’m ready…

Today was my first free Sunday in a very very long time. After my daughter’s father came to pick her up, I jumped back into bed with a great selection of reading, a fantastic cup of coffee, and some delicious pistachio macaroons. I love lounging and as a single parent, it is something I rarely get to enjoy. This week has been a little stressful with signing divorce papers, catching up with life, a particularly grouchy toddler, and a preoccupied ex slacking on co-parenting duties! So when my house was suddenly silent and calm, my mind started going to places it hasn’t gone in a long time. Napping, vacation, New York, Paris, dating… A dear friend has been trying to set me up on a blind date and on such a beautiful indulgent Spring day, oh why not?!

First mistake! When things are going well, enjoy the moment!  I put on my flirty Spring dress and headed to the pedicurist. My color this season is a very beautiful deep salmon color, very unusual! I left feeling like a million bucks, my feet tingly and beautifully lacquered. And off to lunch I went. My only expectations were for a nice lunch and informed conversation. Second mistake! Honestly, I don’t understand what my friend was thinking!  I smiled and tried to make the most of it. After all, I know my friend is not completely insane and she has always been an excellent source of advice and support…

Lunch was served, Duarte’s in Pescadero, and as I was about to dig into my bowl of Roasted Green Pepper Soup (yes, I eat on dates) the bomb was dropped. Apparently, I have too many interests and opinions and seem like a very independent woman. A “handful” so “I don’t think we should go out again, and I usually date women who are considered babes.”  I was really hungry and I was not about to leave my soup! I was hoping he would get up and leave, he didn’t so I decided to reveal my inner Duchess (my friends call me the Duchess after the film). Translation? I bowled him over with charm, eye contact, and humor! Then  I finished my soup, thanked him very much and walked out! 

I left feeling slightly demoralized over the male/female state of affairs, I mean this is 2009 and I live in Northern California, we are supposed to be a little more progressive here! The drive down the coast improved my mood, difficult to remain grouchy when driving down the California coast. Then I remembered the vow I made to myself upon the separation from my husband,  I WILL NEVER LET A MAN PUT ME DOWN AGAIN!  I’m fabulous!

When I arrived at my wonderful little house, I couldn’t help but smile . I am so happy and fortunate to have the life I have! And there is such a sense of satisfaction knowing that I am doing it on my own,  I made a new vow to myself. Whomever enters my life must enrich and not dilute!

To celebrate my singleness I made jars of pickled garlic and more syrup. Living alone means there is no need to worry about the scent of garlic under the skin, breath, etc… And I tackled two sacks of Ranpur limes. Again, no one to complain about the cupboards full of preserves! Ah, the pleasure and satisfaction of being a handful!

Pickled Garlic to Ward off Bores and Boors

1. Garlic
2. Brine
3. Cider vinegar
4. Rosemary
5. Black peppercorns
6. 1/2 pint Mason jars

• Make a brine. Fill your blender canister with warm water and add 3 tablespoons of salt. The warm water helps dissolve the salt quickly. Stir and gently drop in an egg, a whole egg in the shell. When the egg floats, your brine is ready. If the egg doesn’t float, add more salt.
• Fill your jars 3/4 of the way with peeled garlic
• Place a sprig of fresh rosemary and some peppercorns in the jar
• Add a tablespoon of cider vinegar and fill the remaining jar with the brine.
• Close tightly, shake and store in refrigerator. 
• Check back in a week

In Lithuania, pickled garlic is a bar snack and is served alongside fried rye bread. With beer or child vodka, what could be better?

The arrival of every season offers an opportunity to adjust one’s look and Spring is the biggest moment of metamorphosis. No skin is rougher than that of Winter, nor colors as dark. So every Spring I have a ritual. At home spa day, pedicure, trip to my favorite lipstick and makeup guru, and a trip to my local boutique and shoe store. 

For the at home spa day, consider a sugar or salt scrub. There is nothing like saying goodbye to old dry skin cells as you exfoliate and moisturize your entire body. The feeling is absolutely sensational, it makes your whole body tingle and it leaves your skin ultra smooth and soft. Just remember to properly clean the bathtub or shower floor, the oils make for a very slippery surface!  And for a facial, try a mix of honey and oatmeal. Mix the two together until you have a paste. Apply to face and leave for 15 minutes. Gently rub in circular motion before washing away with warm water. The oatmeal with exfoliate and the honey will moisturize and tighten.

Now colors. Think of a new nail color and take a trip to the pedicurist. After a long Winter in boots, your feet need and will appreciate some TLC before being seen! And don’t forget to take your cucumber slices, rest your eyes and relax while your feet get a complete overhaul! And please take a male with you, yes a male. One of my missions in life is to introduce as many men as possible to the pedicure, it’s just good basic hygiene!  As for lipsticks, perhaps a neutral for hikes, a trip to the Farmer’s Market, or to the garden. Pick something in a more medium shade for an everyday look. And for night, maybe something with a stronger saturation. This is the season to debut your skin after the long sheltered months so be kind, choose a moisturizer with at least an SPF of 30. I know we are not all blessed with olive skin, but be patient is acquiring your natural glow.

When it comes to clothing, there are a few basics in my closet every season. For Spring those basics include some solid cotton jersey t-shirts. I like jersey because it is can easily be layered  with so many different things. Choose a brighter palette so even if you have to wear it with your black cardigan, you won’t look out of season. Also, start considering your shoes. When Spring arrives, I do a lot more walking and spend a lot more time in the park. For me, a low wedge heel allows for chasing my toddler while wearing dresses and skirts.

Result? Gorgeous, tingly, fresh, wonderful you!

Cafe Cannibal, Paris

Monday, again. Another opportunity to start life on the right foot! After a Sunday of too much caffeine, I decided to begin my weekly chores last night. With the BBC’s production of Pride and Prejudice in the background, I managed to do most of the household chores, plan the menu for the week, and even cook a couple of things. Spring is in the air and I hope to either spend more time in the garden or zip up to Oakland in the afternoon. Either will be a very pleasant diversion from my current work load!

Menu for the week: Carte pour la semaine:

~White bean soup with prosciutto and sage

~Beef and chickpea stew

~Early Spring Vegetable Frittata 

~Chicken liver salad

~A pot of beans!

~Oatmeal cookies

White Bean Soup with Prosciutto and Sage

1. 2 cups dried cannellini beans
2. 2 cloves garlic
3. 1 leek, cleaned and sliced into thin rounds
4. 1/2 lb. prosciutto, coarsely chopped
5. 1 cup tinned tomatoes, pureéd
6. 1/2 cup fresh sage
7. Salt
8. Parmesan cheese

• Place the dried cannellini beans in a soup pot with 8 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer
• In a sauté pan, slowly cook the garlic and olive oil in 2 tablespoons olive oil
• When the garlic and leeks are lightly browned, add the prosciutto and quickly cook through. Set aside
• Check the beans regularly making sure they have plenty of water.
• When the beans are cooked thoroughly, in about 2 hours, add the garlic mix, pureéd tomatoes, and sage.
• Cook for another 25 minutes, salt to taste.

NB: Omit the prosciutto and you have a very flavorful vegetarian soup!

This soup is delicious served with Parmesan cheese and a crusty bread.

Enjoy!

"White Flag" by Jasper John, 1955. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Today was the end to a very long week. I have found myself in a good rhythm lately, balancing work and home life which means spending quality time with my daughter. I have created a manageable routine with one exception, me time! I haven’t gone out in weeks and weeks and when a friend rolled in from out of town, I decided to play hookie and go out. I had such a wonderful time, I had forgotten what an evening of informed adult conversation was all about. I realized that I spend a lot of my day in my head with very little adult interaction. My response? Go out again! Well two nights in a row of not working and sleeping in had serious repercussions. I’ve been playing catch up all week long, in every respect. 

This morning I woke in an absolute tizzy. My nest was topsy turvy and not how I usually like it for a Saturday of baking, art projects, and visitors. What to do? I decided to spend the day around the house cleaning and gardening in a calm relaxed manner. Why do I specify my chosen temperment for cleaning? Well, anyone with children knows that as soon as they get wind that the parent has an actual agenda, they sense that your attention is elsewhere and demand even more of it. Or so it goes for my 2 1/2 year old. By being discrete in my chores, which means taking lots of breaks to entertain and dance, I hoped to reach a certain level of order in the house and spend a lovely day with my daughter. I was prepared to spend the whole day cleaning in random spurts if necessary! Brilliant plan?

Discretion is a foolish attempt with a two year old in the house. My daughter, or my little assistant as I often call her, is an extreme busy body. She “needs” to assist me in everything I do, everything. After the third chore was accomplished, she realized that I was setting the tone for the day and immediately became very bossy and needy. At one point even crying, “But I need my Mamacita to hold me.”  Truce.

The art of surrendering is an important skill to have and accepting your limits graciously is a true mark of character. Sometimes you just have to know when to give up, pushing something through is not always worth it. If I had continued on my path, my daughter and I would have both ended up miserably in tears. Instead, I put my mop down and left the laundry in the dryer. Today was an absolutely glorious day for spending outside playing catch, sowing seeds, and potting some plants. And though my house is still a complete fright, the garden looks much better. More importantly, my daughter and I spent the rest of the day working together without tears, tantrums, or bossiness! My daughter will spend the next two days with her father and I will have plenty of time to catch up on house chores but, you know, time lost with your children can never be regained. So remember, your child before the chore!

Astor Piazolla & YoYo Ma, Libertango

How can it be Monday again, it has come far too soon. Yet here I am again. Though I usually spend the greater part of Monday between chores and organizing for the week, today was an exception. I had an unusually long work day and a friend is visiting from out of town. Though my domestic sphere is not exactly where it usually is at the end of Monday night, my spirits are high after a wonderful evening of adult conversation, laughter, and catching up with an old friend. Thank you Jerry!

This weeks menu:

• Homemade mac and cheese (aka pasta with Alfredo sauce)
• Ground beef taco filling
• Chicken soup
• Frittata with winter greens
• Pot of beans!
• Biscotti 

Since I didn’t have time to prepare any of these dishes ahead of time, this is a week for cooking with my daughter,  I will have to allow for more time when preparing dinner. She will learn how to make Alfredo sauce and biscotti. Also, our dear friend Jello JoJo is a bit under the weather so we will make a jello mold for delivery and cheering up.

*Le Gourmet, by Pablo Picasso 1901. The National Gallery of Art

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Louis Armstrong, What a Wonderful World

Oscar once said, “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance” and I agree! I choose not to think of this quote in terms of “self-abuse” but rather in taking the time to seek pleasure in the everyday and romancing one’s spirit. Today was a very busy day but I was able to finish all my chores by 4 in the afternoon. Today was also the kind of day that I absolutely adore. Rainy, windy, stormy, and mildly cool. Very dramatic. I decided to take a stroll along West Cliff Drive, my local promenade along the ocean, and envelop myself in the energy of the day. I was not disappointed by the tempestuous sea and, for a moment, I felt like Catherine walking along the moors in Wuthering Heights. The air was so invigorating and the moment so romantic… Though I had no one to share it with, the romance of the moment brightened my eyes, put color on my cheeks, and a smile on my face. The beauty of the day made me feel beautiful and energized as only the best of lovers can. 

After leaving the ocean, I continued my date with myself at the local bookstore and found some great used cookbooks. Finally ending at my cozy little house where I made vin chaud and was joined by Creole chocolate hazelnuts and Pablo Neruda. An excellent date.

Vin Chaud

1. One bottle of a good red table wine
2. 1/2 an orange, cut into sections, peel and all
3. 1/4 cup sugar
4. 1/4 cup brandy
5. a splash of vanilla
6. 3 cloves

• Place all ingredients in a saucepan.
• Heat gently, bring to a simmer.
• Simmer for 3 minutes.
• Turn heat off, cover, and let steep for 5 minutes.
• Remove orange and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

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J.B. Lully, Marche pour les cérémonie des Turcs  

I ran into a friend at the market today, I didn’t think she was purchasing an excessive or peculiar amount of groceries. Never the less, she smiled apologetically, and said, “I shop everyday, I’m just not that organized.” If you are a working mother, on a budget, or hate eating out all the time, a little planning can go a long way. Taking the time to cook is a wonderful way to insure good balanced meals, involve your kids, and save both money and time. Planning a menu is one of my favorite things, and though I used to love sitting in my cook book library and perusing countless books before a dinner party, my needs are now less extravagant and more practical. Keeping an energetic toddler satiated is a full time job!

A menu is a highly personal and specific thing. It depends on the season, the family, and the cooks time and energy. And to be successful, it must remain dynamic. Eating the same thing week in and week out is a sure way to sabotage your efforts, avoiding hungry and complaining family members and eating out! How do you plan a menu? Well, start by thinking of your family’s favorite dishes. I am fortunate, my daughter eats just about everything. Though I am not a huge meat eater, I do eat meat. You might start thinking along the lines of a pasta dish, a soup, some kind of stew, burrito night, pie night, pizza night, to grill, cookies or a quick bread, etc…

Even with the best of planning, there are always those days when you just can’t be bothered for one reason or another. On those days, bring out the frozen pizzas or pot pie. Cook some veggies or make a salad and, voila, dinner is served! Depending on your social life, always allow for drop in dinner guests.

This weeks menu:
~ A chicken tagine with chickpeas and olives
~ White bean soup with chorizo and kale
~ Roasted sausage and sweet potatoes
~ Pasta with lamb and brussel sprouts
~ The every present pot of beans
~ A banana bread

I am very lucky in being able to go to the Farmer’s Market twice a week. I always have greens and herbs in the garden and buy only what looks good and in season. I try to add at least one green to every meal and always have fruit, fresh and dried, on hand for snacks. This may sound like a lot for two but it really isn’t! Everything is easily prepared, keeps well, and kid approved! And remember, leftovers can always be lunch for latter in the week or leftover night!

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