Pate a Choux, Paint Cans and Brushes

Pate a Choux, Paint Cans and Brushes, originally uploaded by Theresa111.

Having the right space to create is something that makes me flourish and active. Here I must confess that even though I have a large home, I have not found it conducive to draw out my innate abilities, to create in most of its areas. Sounds strange, but I insist it is true.

For instance. The back side of the house faces north and west. I want to paint in the part that receives light from the north, however, my easel and paint brushes are in the studio, which receives the western light.

My kitchen faces the northwest and western light and since the plan when we purchased the home was laid out only one way, I had no way of knowing that the placement of appliances would matter that much to me. Back then we were simply happy to buy a house, never believing for one moment, that we would actually be here more than three to five years.

I was from one of those families that moved around a lot. We went where my father’s work took him. We were not a military family, nor nomadic. Home relocation was normal to us. My adorable mother would read the Sunday papers and would sometimes exclaim to daddy about a brand new apartment complex that was being built. Back then we lived in houses or apartments, which we would rent for no more than three years. Sometimes, we would only stay for one year because my mother would find a better place or a brand new one.

Moving so frequently afforded us the delightful task of going through our belongings and only packing what we really used. Along with packing the family treasures, we donated and made major decisions of what to keep and what to toss. I have found that by staying in our present home, we have collected rather too much. I mentioned about a month ago that I wanted to begin living a minimalist life and have been working toward that goal.

What I find irritating is that by tuning in to HGTV so much, I watch folks renovate and remodel their homes and this has brought to mind just how little space I really need to be happy and comfortable. I enjoy being on the backside of my home but it is not arranged the way I want. To be comfortable painting I need to do it in the kitchen, where the breakfast nook is. Now, it seems I will have to re-do my entire kitchen and extend into the dining area. We haven’t used that space since we moved the home office into the studio. The ony living we do in the living room is watch television or movies. I want to do this in the studio too. In fact, the sofa is in here too. Along with a smaller television.

It would be easier to move and set up an art studio, totally organized. Find the dream kitchen to prepare all sorts of delightful treats and meals. Separate my writing desk from the recording studio and have a cozy corner, as I presently have (facing west) and place our washer and dryer on the same floor as our master bedroom, instead of it being two floors down in the basement. In fact, I don’t want a basement after all. Perhaps a condo would be the answer. Everything on one floor and a gourmet kitchen for me. Cool!

The next place needs to be on one floor or we need to get one of those cute little elevators. They only cost around $25,000.00. Hey! No problem. Everything costs so much nowadays that it’s still okay to dream about them. That’s free.

Decisions. Time to move the artworks back into the kitchen and because of the cats, I will have to put everything away or they will be painting everywhere they walk. They do love to get into things. I will keep my writing to daytime and rehearsals, recordings, practicing my Autoharp, (much time will be needed to develop my skills) for the evenings. Plus I have started a home business … so I’ll need the computer and phone for that. I’m so busy that now I have to go take a nap!

Since I’m good at dreaming, I will start on the new home we will need so we can become settled, organized, and only buy a place big enough to be roomy, but not so large that rooms are not used. Wasted space is just that. Besides … since my mother’s been gone … the house doesn’t fit anymore. Maybe that is what is really bothering me after all. I know, I know, I’ve done a complete 180º flip, but that is the way I think.

Rothschild and Gerbet Macaroons

Rothschild and Gerbet Macaroons, originally uploaded by Theresa111.

What wonderful names for these delicious and chewy cookies. They are delightful and melt-in-your-mouth scrumptious. Reminds me of Christmas and festive things. The really delicate flavor of almond flour delivers a pleasurable explosion once you bite down and the fillings are creamy. A perfect compliment to the pale blond crunch.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and here’s hoping we all do something really nice for those around us.

Creme Caramel

Creme Caramel, originally uploaded by Theresa111.

In this photo you can see the caramel which has sauced the baked custard. The caramel is poured into the ramekin, before the custard mixture, and then baked in a Bain Marie, a water bath, at a very low temperature. When it is ready to be plated you use a sharp knife and loosen the custard. Place a clean serving dish top side toward the top of the dessert and place a hand on top, and one hand underneath the ramekin.  Flip it over and then remove the ramekin.

Cheese Straws

Cheese Straws, originally uploaded by Theresa111.

Roll out puff pastry leftovers. Dock and brush with clairified butter. Sprinkle a little salt, herbs and gently press cheese onto its surface. Using a very sharp knife or pizza wheel, cut equal strips and taking both ends, twist, ever so gently and place onto parchment lined sheet pan. Press the ends down firmly. Bake in very hot oven and they puff up beautifully. What a satisfying crunch. Eat them as is or dip into something tasty.

Birthdays, Husbands and Long Weekends

Viennoisserie Brioche Cream Rolls, Pain aux Raisins, Domes, originally uploaded by Theresa111.

Here’s something for you to feast your eyes upon, while you listen to me rant.

It’s Friday night, no Saturday morning, in the wee hours. I’m listening to a new CD of a keyboardist named “Benjie” and he works with my husband’s group, from time to time. So far the few cuts I’ve played have been soft jazz. All warm and cozy, with a hint of the city lights and rainy streets.

Yesterday, Friday, was my husbands’ birthday and since he had to work late, we will celebrate with flair over this long weekend. I adore long weekends and getting time to spend with this man of mine. I can tell already that we will be sharing good times. Not having to rush. Exploring the various ways to fill the days.

Strolling, while holding hands and ordering up a red wine to go with our Italian spaghetti dinner, which I will prepare. Home baked, crusty bread, sliced and drenched in garlic butter, then toasted for some color, brownish edges and appealing aromas. I’ll be sure to toss a garden salad for balance and color.

This already feels like the day we will finally paint that accent wall, in the living room. Either that, or I will throw the can against the wall, just to see what sticks. I just know I feel better than I have in weeks and it has released this devil-may-care mood. It is embellishing the mood of my wandering fingers and my grooving heart.

Benjie’s CD is really quite good. I’ll have to phone him to see if he would like to compose a few songs for me. I have decided to work on a CD and post some of the songs on my web log site. I ordered an auto harp and perhaps I will write a few tunes too. With the studio I am sitting in, who knows what I’ll be listening to soon.

When one feels good, life looks all the more pleasant. Hope is renewed and good times can be had by all.

I wish each of you a superb weekend, fun-filled and safe. Do something good for someone and throw in some excitement. Remember it is the time of Scorpio.

Croissants…Butter, Chocolate and Apricot

Croissants…Butter, Chocolate and Apricot, originally uploaded by Theresa111.

Traditionally, these pastries are baked to a darker golden brown. The ones you find in the supermarket are intentionally under baked, in order to stay on the shelf longer.

Suggestion: Heat your oven and bake them a little longer, until the outside is darker and crispy, not soft. They will remain moist inside and your reward is more satisfying, when you break the bread open.

As I am sitting here enjoying my Sunday coffee, I am wishing for a delightful treat. Unfortunately, it will not be something like these beauties because they are off my food list, for a while.

What a way to start off your morning. Choosing the perfect croissant to eat and biting into one. The crunch and delicious inside of the pastry is something to roll your eyes heavenward. Especially, the almond or dark chocolate ones. You might choose the all butter croissant to spread some freshly made jam or marmalade, on its many layers.

This is one of the most perfect French delicacies. My nephew, Matthew is stateside for a while, before returning to Paris. He has lived abroad for the past four years and tells me about the relaxed European life. The character of the cities and the different cultures he encounters. Time for a European holiday!