Paris in the Springtime

Spring time in Paris was truly enchanting, I recall walking the city streets filled with the scent of fresh flowers from the local floral shops, parks were covered in new blooms, and the scent of spring was in the air. I remember the prominent scent of fresh bread filling my lungs as we ran past the many patisserie on our way to the metro to join the hustle and bustle of the lively city, trying to avoid the down pour of spring rain that was sure to stop at any moment, but at the time had drowned us completely.  

At night, we would stroll through the city streets when its a bit calmer on the Champs Elysees, the scent of the fresh rain still lingering in the air watching the mystical city lights unfold all around us as dusk slowly faded away and the city accepted the night fall.  Off in the distance, the Eifel tower lights start to twinkle and the chorus of Champs Elysees ran through my head: "On the Champs-Elysees whether the sun is shining, it's raining, it's midday or midnight.  Everything can happen to you on the Champs-Elysees."

So you can imagine my joy when I saw this beautiful black and white Paris table set and thought, its a must have!  The color scheme is meant to capture the excitement of Paris in the Springtime, with the bright fun yellows popping against the black and white.  

The backdrop is to mimic the beautiful topiaries often found in window boxes or out front of the shops or Hotels, and the fairy lights draped across the screen are to mimic the fairy lights draped all over the city of Paris. 

This whole inspiration was based on a little cafe table that one might sit at, at night looking around the city of Paris.  Of course, you cant have a Paris table with out local delicacies from a French Patisserie, so I went to Elaines French Bakery, we used them for my sisters wedding, and there the closest thing I can find to  a traditional French Patiserie in Utah.  

Then to finish off the spread, we had to have an incredible French drink, and what says it better then Oragina!  Ok, I know most of you are thinking wine, but alas, I dont drink so I went with a local favorite that back in the day you could only get in Europe.  Now you can find them at Pirate O's, Trader Joes, 

World Mart and other import stores.

Stay tuned for Paris In a Cup Tea House, My survival guide to Paris, and some Pictures I took throughout the years!

Whole Wheat Apple Pie Crepes

Basic Crepe Batter

2 Eggs
1 1/4 C. Low Fat Milk
1 C. Wheat Flour (or white)
Pinch of Salt
2 T. Melted Butter or Vegetable Oil

In a blender, put in all the ingredients and blend together until completely blended. Next, place in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.  Heat frying pan with a little butter or oil and then pour a 1/8- 1/4 cup of batter into the pan... if its hot enough the batter should stick.  Lift up the pan and let the batter roll around to the edges.  Cook on medium heat until its easy to flip the crepe, cook on the other side for about 30 seconds and serve! Makes about 8-10 depending on how large your pan is.

Apple Pie Filling

4 Medium Apples (peeled and cut thin)
2 T. Brown Sugar (I use Truvia normally making it sugar free)
1/2 t. Cinnamon
1/4 t. nutmeg (I highly suggest using fresh nutmeg its amazing!)
1-2 T. of Butter (Depends on the size of your apple)
1/2 t. Vanilla

Start by peeling the skin off all your apples, and then cut them up into thin slices. Next add butter to frying pan with apples and saute them until they get soft.  Add sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the pan and mix until sugar is melted.  Last turn off the heat from the stove top, add vanilla and stir for a few second.  Then your done!

To assemble crepe lay the crepe down and spread 1 Tablespoon of Plain Greek Yoghurt.  Next add apple filling to crepe, fold over and start on next crepe.  Once all the crepes are made, I like to drizzle whats left of the sauce from the pan over the crepes.

I'm not a huge fan of syrup on breakfast food, so sometimes when I make wheat pancakes, I like to put this on top instead of syrup.

If you dont want the apples try yoghurt and fresh berries.  I would have done that, but I didn't have any berries laying around, just remember that the plain greek yoghurt is plain, so if you add berries drizzle a little honey or agave syrup to make it sweeter.  This is just a healthier way to eat crepes, and they really do taste amazing! Of course if you want to go the more "traditional" way, add white flour instead of wheat, same amount, and then a favorite of mine is Nutella with fresh strawberries or bananas.  

England Through the Years

Maybe its the charm of the country side, or the hustle and bustle of walking through the city of London, or maybe its the history that lies within the country, one way or the other, I love visiting England!  The first time I went to England I was 16, we spent three days there in a whirl wind tour that left my head spinning. Since then I have been able to spend more time there, yet still I feel as if I have only seen a brief glimpse of this Country, and would love to have the opportunity to see more of it.  So here are a few pictures from the last few years taken in London, Bath, and Oxford. (This was hard since I have over 500 pictures, but this is just a taste!)

 

Since I had so much fun doing this week about England, I decided to make my new week based on France.  So stay tuned for recipes, table scape, high tea at Paris in a Cup, and photos from my travels!