Viva la France!

Today is Bastille Day, a national holiday in France that marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille in Paris on July 14, 1789. The historic people's revolt was the first step to establishing a republican government. What a great excuse to pop a cork, dust off your high school French phrase book and download some Edith Piaf.

Tonight we'll be eating Coq au Vin and Tarte Tatin. I am using Nigella Lawson’s recipe for the Coq au Vin and Julia Child’s La Tarte Tatin from The Way to Cook. I'll let you know how they turn out.

I hope your day is magnifique!

Happy Independence Day!

Growing up my mother always made a special breakfast on holidays…popovers on Christmas, crepes on my birthday, strawberry shortcake on her birthday, eggs over easy with bacon for my dad. It was a great way to say I’m always thinking of you. Even while we were sleeping my mom was working to make our life feel special. I am keeping the tradition alive in my home and my boys were delighted to kick off our Fourth of July weekend with blueberry waffles, sparklers and smoke bombs. The biggest hit of the morning was the watermelon fruit bowl (now I’m glad I gave up a beautiful day on our Honeymoon in Thailand to take a cooking class).

We will spend our four day weekend riding bikes, swimming, kayaking on the Hudson River, eating lobster, listening to the St. Petersburg Quartet at Music Mountain, swing dancing at Boscobel, and watching the West Point fireworks. Whatever you do this weekend be safe, be happy and be grateful for your independence.

Happy Fourth of July!

Meal Plan Monday

Sunday
Miso Glazed Roast Chicken
Brown Rice
Eggplant

Monday
Szechwan Peanut-Noodle Salad with Shredded Chicken (left from last night)

Tuesday
Lemon Pepper Salmon
Pasta with Pesto and Peas
Carrots

Wednesday
Salmon Sandwiches with Basil Mayo and Arugula(using last night's extra 1/2 lb of salmon)
Oven Fries

Thursday
Campanelle with White Beans, Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
Homemade Rosemary Bread

Friday
Veggie Omelet
Toasted Rosemary Bread
Green Salad

Meal Plan Monday

Monday
Roast Chicken with Cauliflower and Chickpeas
Hummus and Warm Pocket less Pita Bread

Tuesday
Date and Nut Couscous Salad with Chicken (left from last night)
Carrots

Wednesday
Apple-Turkey Burgers
Cole Slaw with Fennel and Dill

Thursday
Rigatoni with Fennel-Beef Ragu
Rosemary No-knead Bread
Salad

Friday
Open-faced Roasted Eggplant and Mozzarella Sandwiches
Salad

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

I'm out of the kitchen until Monday.
Keep Well,
L

My Morning Cup of José

I made a last minute addition to my Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Horchata. I used a recipe from Martha Stewart Living but had to modify it since I didn’t have rice or almond flour on hand. The sticky, sweet, cinnamon-vanilla, drink was a hit with my boys. I had some leftover and I added it to my morning coffee. I didn’t need the rum this early in the morning so I left it out. You can be sure the next time we have company for brunch I’ll be serving steaming hot cups of José (with the rum).

Horchata
4 cups whole milk
1 cinnamon stick
1 can (14 ounces sweetened condensed milk)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ cup dark or light rum (optional)

Bring whole milk and cinnamon stick to a simmer.
Remove from heat.
Whisk in condensed milk and vanilla.
Cool slightly.
Transfer to a pitcher.
Refrigerate until cold.
Drink over ice or use to sweeten and lighten your coffee in one pour.

Meal Plan Monday

Sunday
London Broil
Broccoli
Baked Potatoes

Monday
Steak Salads with Sweet Corn, Avocado and Buttermilk Dressing (last night's steak)

Tuesday
Roast Chicken with Oranges and Lavender
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Cauliflower

Wednesday
Chicken Salad Wraps (remains of last night's bird)
Chips

Thursday
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Nachos
Guacamole
Chili Rellenos
Margaritas

Friday
French Bread Pizza
Green Salad