Tweaking a French classic. . . . . . . . .

Today my kitchen was bursting with the fragrance of fresh vegetables, garlic, thyme

 and the best olive oil. Sizzling in two baking dishes in the oven, and bubbling

 from a skillet on the burner, music was created! Who knew a plump eggplant,

 two zucchini, two onions, and an orange and yellow pepper could taste so good

when blanketed with your own homemade thick tomato sauce, it's so easy.

 If you've spent time in the South of France, especially in picturesque Provençe, 

surrounded by lavender and sunflower fields, when dining in either a restaurant

 or a French home, you most likely have been served ratatouille. 

Also known as ratatouille niçoise, this colorful unctuous vegetable

 stew which originated in the city of Nice, is a French classic and so easy to

 make at home.

Purists may still choose the traditional French way of preparation where each

 vegetable is cooked separately atop the stove, a longer more messy process,

 then combined and cooked together slowly until they reach a creamy consistency.

 I used to make mine that way. The new way is much easier and to me tastes even

 more fantastic. . . . . .actually this version we will have for supper tonight is really

 the best I've ever tasted, honestly!

The word ratatouille derives from the Occitan ratatolha and is related to the French

ratatouiller and tatouiller, expressive forms of the verb touiller meaning 'to stir up'. 

From the late 18th century, in French, it indicated a coarse stew, and the actual 

ratatouille recipe didn't appear in print until around 1930.

Always serve ratatouille warm or at room temperature.

If you have refrigerated leftovers remove from the fridge allowing at least

 half an hour prior to serving.

There are dozens of recipes available online for ratatouille or, if you have a

 collection of French or vegetable cookbooks, you are certain to find 

 one to try. I used the simplified recipe from my awesome British cookbook

VEG by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall of River Cottage in Dorset, not far from

 my English home. It was a gift from my granddaughter Jasmin who always

 knows what I love, or will grow to love. . . . and I'm definitely loving

this cookbook.

Off now to eat and enjoy.

Bon appetit.

Wedding Day to remember. . . . . .

What can I say other than the day was one of the happiest ever. . . . .for me, 

our family, new friends, many of whom had traveled far.

It drizzled some, but of course the Brits didn't mind!

The bride was drop dead gorgeous, her attendants incredibly lovely.

Venue was amazing, food delicious, wedding cake scrumptious, 

liquid refreshments plentiful.

The age group was phenomenal - five months to ninety - and everybody danced!

The biggest surprise of all, making this wedding truly a whirlwind affair, 

Cassie and Richard, determined to do it right, had taken ballroom dancing lessons! 

Their first dance was a real dance, a perfect foxtrot with several dips, no trips, 

and much concentration.

One guest held up a 10 points sign, applause was deafening.

All I can say is, it was a beautiful wedding, everyone was very happy, and 

we all had a wonderful time celebrating the newly married couple.

Gifts from a 'sweet' heart . . . . . .

Sometimes you get what you want!

Sometimes someone special knows just what you want would like.

I loved this mug - creamy white, free form shape, and a word, 

a perfect word, CALM - it arrived on my birthday and my coffee 

has tasted better ever since, honest! 

Let's face it, one can never have 

too many mugs, for coffee, tea, and always flowers.

But wait, there's more to the story . . . . . . . . 

Not often, but sometimes if you're lucky, that sweet someone also works

where what you would truly love to have is waiting. It's been waiting for a while

and bringing it home was considered several times.

You know how SuzAnna's Antiques has treasures anew each time I 

stop by. Sometimes I have to tell myself 'no' and keep my money tucked away 

for necessities rather than indulgences.

The 'sweet' heart worked at SuzAnna's last Sunday on my birthday. When we picked her up 

at five o'clock to enjoy a birthday supper together (her 18th was on Saturday - look HERE),

she surprised me beyond all expectations with the perfect coffee mug, and the 

beautiful dome, on a walnut base, to round off my collection.

My now complete dome collection. Left - Jasmin's fabulous birthday gift, center - an 

extra tall beauty, and right - the large gorgeous oval.

Just think of the fun I'll have with these at Christmas.
Thank you Jasmin, you've really made me a happy grandma.