Silver...

I absolutely adore antiquing and it just so happens that my favorite blogger, Corey, from Tongue in Cheek has a drool worthy brocante story more often than not. It puts me in the mood to traipse the local antique stores looking for treasure. It would be a defining moment if I was to stumble across some French antique gem hidden in between the nick knacks but that would be too much to ask for in this part of the country.

Today, I settled on something that at first glance is very pretty but does not necessarily have a French or European origin. The silver plated flatware set is covered in beautiful flowers and ribbons. What could be more lovely in a table setting?

After finding the off-putting name of Arbutus attached to my new purchase, I immediately began to research the history. Arbutus trees, also known as strawberry trees are a Mediterranean tree often found in France. I guess I did bring a little bit of France home with me.

Ps. Forgive my wrinkled linen.

My Little French Adventure

After reading Julia Child's memoirs of her life in France in her most current book before she died (My Life In France) I became inspired to learn to cook well. I have always been fascinated by a well set table and cupboards filled with exotic ingredients. Not to mention I am a Francophile in my heart of hearts. So I set out to buy Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia and her two chefs in waiting.

I have anxiously been waiting for it's arrival and today it has finally arrived. I cracked open the stiff spine and was initially dismayed that I would be preparing food around this book and in the off chance it may become dirty! To say the least the book is a treasure. In flipping through the pages you can immediately see how much thought and detail has been poured into these pages to create a totally comprehensive cook book.

I am very impressed at the research that was done to enable the reader to find all required ingredients and tools in the ordinary market. I love to cook for my friends and family cuisine out of the ordinary so that they have a memorable experience and come back for more. On an end note, I don't think there is anything to eat for my picky husband. I will make him try each recipe anyway.