tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59559094307979668182024-03-05T21:01:08.616-08:00la pecheAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-408150430423809152013-08-26T12:22:00.000-07:002013-08-26T12:22:12.121-07:00Chaussons aux Pommes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sunday mornings in Paris were the best. Despite the fact that I had to wake up at 5 am for work, they were definitely my favorite day. I loved spending time at work with my amazing co-workers and I knew a nice long run awaited me in the afternoon but one little treat I would indulge in were these wonderful Chaussons aux Pommes. </div>
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Usually only made on the weekends around the city, these light, delicate, buttery, apple filled pastries are the perfect breakfast treat. A nice change up from your traditional croissant and beautiful to look at.</div>
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I really enjoy making these little guys and get so excited when they turn out nicely. I actually have a batch of these baking in my oven riiight now. Give these a try for your next weekend brunch. Your friends will love you for it!</div>
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Chaussons aux Pommes</div>
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Pâte feuilletage inverse (puff pastry)</div>
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Butter block</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">400g Butter</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">130g Flour</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">In your mixer, combine butter and flour until smooth and homogenous. Form this into a cube and wrap with plastic. Refrigerate until ready to use. </span></span></span></div>
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Detrempe<br /><div style="font-family: Bentham; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">270g Flour</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10g salt</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">40g water</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">In your mixer, combine all ingredients to create a firm detrempe (read:dough). Kneed using the dough hook or by hand until the dough is elastic and pushed back when poked. This is a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px;"> French culinary term for the first stage in the process of making puff pastry, which requires only flour and water. After, form into another smaller cube, wrap with plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px;">Onto a floured surface, roll out your butter dough in a rectangle just enough so that you can wrap the detrempe inside of it. Place the detrempe in the bottom half of the butter dough and fold the butter over the detrempe to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px;">enclose it with the butter. Note: don't be afraid to use flour on the counter and the top of the dough, butter is easily melted and sticky so you will need to use flour to prevent the sticking and if the dough gets too warm and soft stick it in the refrigerator to firm up again. </span></span></span></span><br /><div style="font-family: Bentham; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Press together the ends of the butter to close everything up. Place the dough with the longest seam to your left, as if it is a book (an upside down one). Roll the dough out to about 10 cm x 35 cm long. Now you will give the dough its first "turn". Visually divide the dough into thirds. Fold the top third down and fold the bottom third up.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Repeat this three more times to total four turns keeping the long seam to the left. <b>Remember, if the dough gets too warm and starts sticking to your table wrap it and refrigerate it until firm again (15 mins-30 mins).</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Compote de Pomme</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 tablespoons butter</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tablespoon sugar</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8 apples</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">150g apple sauce</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">peel apples and cut them into small cubes (separate 5 into one bowl, 3 into another)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">brown your butter in a saucepan</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">add 5 of the diced apples and your sugar and mix until everything is covered with butter and sugar</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">top with a lid and let simmer on low heat until apples are very soft</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">take off the heat and mix your cooked apples with your apple sauce and then add the remaining chopped apples</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">refrigerate until ready to use.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Assembly</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Roll out your dough until it is 1cm in thickness. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Use an oval cookie cutter about 5-6'' at its longest point</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">scoop a spoonful of compote in the center of one half of the oval (so you can fold it over and enclose it)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">make an egg wash and brush around the edge of the dough and fold the empty half of the dough over the compote and lightly press the edges together to seal them.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">turn upside down on your baking sheet and egg wash them twice.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">using a knife, score a design into the dough.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">bake at 350 until golden brown and puffy (about 30-45 mins) and let cool before eating (don't let those apples burn your tongue!)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*these can be frozen and kept up to three months!*</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bon Appetit!</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-54369602824275206462013-08-25T12:03:00.000-07:002013-08-25T12:03:49.055-07:00What is Paris?<div style="text-align: center;">
When you think of Paris, chances are that the first things to come to your mind is the Eiffel Tower or maybe the Notre Dame, Louvre, Jardin du Tuileries or Luxembourg or crepes, maybe? While all those things are a part of Paris, the city is about SO much more than that.</div>
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When I find myself reminiscing about my beautiful city [yes, <i>my</i> city ;)] I find my mind wandering to all the little details and experiences that really make Paris what it is. </div>
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The smell of croissants filling the air on my way to work in the dark, early morning. </div>
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The lines outside the boulangeries at 5 pm for the nightly baguette. </div>
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The way the light reflects off the building along the Seine at the end of the day. </div>
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The early morning/late night <i>crepe complete</i> walking home after a fun night with friends. </div>
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Sunday mornings at the market.</div>
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Drinking cheap wine and eating bread and cheese on the Seine while the day changes to night.</div>
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Afternoon runs through the city and into the Jardin des Plantes and Sunday morning runs along the Seine.</div>
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Walking 45 minutes home instead of taking the metro because you just want to be in the city and take it all in.</div>
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Exploring an exciting new restaurant or wine bar with friends. </div>
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Savoring the foie gras while standing shoulder to shoulder with strangers at l'Avant Comptior. </div>
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Making French bread pizzas on weekday nights with Coco. </div>
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Catching the Eiffel sparkling on your walk home at night while the moon and the city lights reflect on the Seine.</div>
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Racing to try to catch the metro only to be shut out at the last second.</div>
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Finding inspiration on every corner. Zesting for life.</div>
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Watching all the French girls be so sophisticated and trying to capture a sixteenth of their chic-ness. </div>
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Walking around aimlessly and just feeling such bliss and awe that you are lucky enough to call a place like Paris your home.</div>
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I miss Paris and my friends and everything about it all the time. It still catches me off guard when I realize how long ago I left. Its already been 8 months? I can't believe that. The truth is that living and truly experiencing a place like Paris changes you. It stays with you forever and a part of your heart will always live in the city of lights until you return again.</div>
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Have you ever felt this way about a place you've been? </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-86071637407289788022013-08-11T12:11:00.000-07:002013-08-11T12:11:31.873-07:00Friendship around the globe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4 days until I get to see one of the most amazing people I know. My best friend and "little" Erin is coming to visit me! Sometimes there are people who come into your life that you know were just meant to be there. </div>
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We met back in college when she rushed Gamma Phi back in 2006. Funny thing is that I went to high school with her brother and he was the one who said "look for the girl who looks like me with long hair" and well, ya he was right. Spotted her instantly.</div>
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college- it was love from the start</div>
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celebrating me going French</div>
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celebrating Erin's 21st in Vegas</div>
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Since then we have been the closest of friends. We've been there through some of the scariest, trying and heartbreaking times of our lives - loss of friends, near death experiences (and recovery time spent watching "Accepted" on repeat) and some of the best times - celebrations, birthdays and traveling.</div>
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When friendships are this amazing you make time for each other despite the fact that - this girl lives in Madrid, Spain!</div>
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She is being an awesome children's teacher there and loving every minute. I've never known another person with such a zest for life than Erin. She will literally make you laugh and smile no matter what is going on in her own life. Selfless, beautiful, hilarious, caring, spirited...she is one incredible friend.</div>
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best welcome sign ever</div>
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In the past year we have been to Paris, Madrid, Cali and soon to be Colorado together. We celebrated our birthdays in Paris and made our first (failed) attempt at making a Thanksgiving turkey in Madrid, celebrated Christmas in Cali and we are about to explore the summer in Colorado. </div>
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I love this girl more than life itself and can't wait to see her. </div>
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birthday dinner in Paris</div>
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rainy day at Eiffel</div>
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Xmas in Cali</div>
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out in Madrid with Jaime!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-32680133570202758532013-08-07T18:14:00.002-07:002013-08-07T18:14:29.453-07:00Too much fun to pass up - Greek life flashbackSome fun girls in the blog world have made a <a href="http://messydirtyhair.com/2013/08/those-were-days.html">link</a> up for today talking about an experience you had being in the sorority/fraternity world and after reading some of their posts I decided I just had to join in.<br />
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As most of you probably already know, reminiscing about college is nothing but fun. Truly the best four years...ever! I loved my college experience and a lot of that had to do with Gamma Phi Beta. *Beta Lambda*<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pZtAQ8tHKnYV8u-zFkFV2-45lJz5_TIe6kgKIlO-2RMs0nmXD0WwxAyRdFZ1jxM0sMIlAkNDphyphenhyphenuVEOOuIQ-Y-x_vse4bOCIofKVu8yZodUbzL4E0mnW48qseEKeJHAlY0lDPIzvjmIm/s1600/n24605273_36612273_4479439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pZtAQ8tHKnYV8u-zFkFV2-45lJz5_TIe6kgKIlO-2RMs0nmXD0WwxAyRdFZ1jxM0sMIlAkNDphyphenhyphenuVEOOuIQ-Y-x_vse4bOCIofKVu8yZodUbzL4E0mnW48qseEKeJHAlY0lDPIzvjmIm/s400/n24605273_36612273_4479439.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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^our last formal together - i love my fall05^</div>
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^presenting our new baby members^</div>
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^ freshman year awkwardness </div>
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I came SO close to ditching recruitment and saying I wasn't interested in Greek life but thanks to my persistent recruitment director, I showed up and a week later I was standing there on bid day with 55 new girls I had never met before plus the existing 100+ older girls...intimidating to say the least.</div>
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^my little sis and best friend^</div>
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^fall '05's finally being at the top - seniors!^</div>
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^these girls will forever be a part of my most cherished memories ^</div>
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Despite all the negative views people have regarding the Greek system, I can honestly say it was one of the best things I've ever done. Not only did I have a blast at all the events, formals, rush week, big sis/litte sis, etc. but it gave me life long friends that give my life such meaning and it also taught me a lot about dealing with people, being able to talk to anyone (pocket questions?), enduring crowds, time management, friendship, trust, dedication and commitment. I would not trade Gamma Phi, the memories or the people that have come into my life through the Greek system for anything.<br />
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PS- looking through all these old photos makes me miss it even more!! ah! <3Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-11233189111264897092013-08-03T20:24:00.000-07:002013-08-03T20:24:11.145-07:00Brown Butter Glazed Madeleines <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These French tea cakes are the perfect addition to your daily cup of tea or coffee. I always loved having breakfast at <a href="http://blesucre.fr/">Blê Sucrê</a> in Paris or grabbing a bag of them before dropping down into the metro for a midday snack. </div>
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They are dainty but satisfying. Lightly crisp on the crust then buttery, moist and airy on the inside. The brown butter glaze just takes it to the next level. I also recommend trying a citrus glaze if you are looking for something a little lighter and brighter. Or go with the classic and just enjoy them <i>sans</i> glaze.</div>
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Madeleines</div>
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yields 30 tea cakes</div>
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butter and flour your scalloped madeleine molds</div>
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preheat oven to 430 degrees F/220c with baking stone in the oven (if you don't have a baking stone - like me! - heat up a baking sheet in the oven and use it as a baking stone)</div>
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200g (1 cup) granulated sugar</div>
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150g (3) eggs</div>
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125g (1/2 cup) milk, warm</div>
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275 (2 cups plus 1 tbs) flour*, sifted</div>
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10g (1 tbsp) baking powder</div>
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125g (9.5 tbsps) butter, melted</div>
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1/2 lemon zest</div>
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2g (1 tsp) vanilla extract</div>
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sift flour and baking powder</div>
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cream butter and sugar until light in color and fluffy</div>
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add the tempered milk, mix to incorporate</div>
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add the sifted flour and baking powder, mix to incorporate</div>
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while mixing, slowing add in the melted butter, stirring constantly</div>
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add the lemon zest and vanilla, mix to combine</div>
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cover with plastic and let rest in the fridge for 30 minutes</div>
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fill your buttered/floured pans 2/3 of the way</div>
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bake on your baking stone (or sheet tray) for 5 minutes at 430f/220c</div>
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then turned down your oven to 390f/200c and finish baking until lightly golden brown and springy (about ten minutes)</div>
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unmold immediately and let cool on a cooling rack</div>
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glaze</div>
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200g (1 cup) powdered sugar</div>
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70g (5 tbs) browned butter</div>
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pinch of salt</div>
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whisk to combine</div>
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dip your cooled madeleines hump side down and let cool</div>
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you can adjust the thickness of your glaze by addding more sugar to thicken it or more butter to thin it out</div>
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*I suggest using unbleached and unbromated (if you can find it) flour in all recipes</div>
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Bon Apetit!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-47206238329123279252013-07-29T08:45:00.000-07:002013-07-29T08:45:51.831-07:00Napa Trip: Part 3<div style="text-align: center;">
After the wedding, Mike and I headed off to Sonoma with his parents, sister and frenchies. We had a fun and relaxing two days together. It started out with a fun breakfast at the <a href="http://thefremontdiner.com/">Fremont Diner</a> where we met up with Mike's uncles and other family members who live in the area. It was my first time meeting some of them (after 11 years!) so it was really nice. Then we went wine tasting at <a href="http://www.benziger.com/">Benzinger</a> vineyards and <a href="http://www.chateaustjean.com/">Chateau Saint Jean</a>, relaxed at the pool and had a lovely dinner. </div>
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Chateau Saint Jean</div>
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Mike's parents at their favorite winery Chateau St. Jean</div>
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The next morning we had an awesome breakfast (and a perfect cappuccino) at the <a href="http://www.sonomasunflower.com/">Sunflower Cafe</a> and visited the delicious <a href="http://www.vellacheese.com/">Vella cheese</a> store where I happily bought some cheese and butter to take home with us (its amazing!). </div>
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Benzinger vineyards</div>
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The trip was perfect and I can't wait to go back and spend some more time up in California wine country. We headed to the airport and then continued to wait 5 hours at the airport since we were delayed 3 hours on the way home. Clearly, Frontier did not want to make it easy on us this trip.</div>
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Either way, still worth the 5 hours of total flight delays. Have you ever been to Sonoma or Napa? What are your experiences and recommendations?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-36683714454843743292013-07-25T16:02:00.000-07:002013-07-25T16:02:21.942-07:00Napa: Part 2Michael is the first friend of ours to take the plunge into married life. Michael (we call him Fowle) and Mike have been best friends since freshman year of high school. Its crazy to see how we have all grown up since then. It was a wonderful day celebrating Michael and Danielle's wedding. They met back in college at the University of Arizona and are just an absolute perfect couple. To see such an amazing couple get married was such a privilege.<br />
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It started at the rehearsal dinner the night before. We went to Brix restaurant which not only had amazing food and wine but a view to die for. Backing up right against a gorgeous vineyard, it was perfect. We had a great time with all their friends and family and watching an awesome slideshow of the bride and groom throughout the years. A little surprise, Captain Sully and his wife were at the same restaurant that night and came in to say hi and give a toast. Exciting!<br />
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the bride and groom!</div>
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The wedding ceremony was so beautiful. A grand church filled with so much love. They vowed to love and take care of each other forever and we have no doubt that they will. The reception was just as great as everything else had been. At a gorgeous winery in Saint Helena where we ate amazing food, drank even better wines and danced like fools.<br />
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The wedding was perfect and went off without a hitch. I am so happy I got to share this weekend with them and wish them years of wonder, love and adventure.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-74554441140469901242013-07-21T15:03:00.001-07:002013-07-21T15:03:19.733-07:00Trip to Napa: Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last weekend Mike and I jetted off to SFO for an amazing weekend filled with friends, family, and a wedding between two incredible friends of ours. We did SO much in the five days we were there so I am going to break it down into a few separate posts. </div>
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The trip started out at 4 am. Waking up before the sun to head to the airport to catch our 8 am flight to San Fran. Big surprise, we were delayed two hours so naturally we headed to the airport bar for breakfast.</div>
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We landed in SFO and headed up to meet Mike's sister who works in the city. While she finished her work day we galavanted around San Fran for a few hours. First stop...<a href="http://www.tartinebakery.com/">Tartine Bakery.</a></div>
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I had been looking forward to visiting Tartine for what seems like...ever. I was so excited but to be honest, I was pretty underwhelmed when we arrived. Yes, everything was good but it was not as great I expected. The rude girl who helped us didn't add to the experience. I will say that we did not get to try the bread (we were too early, it comes out at 4:30pm) so that might be their saving grace. Nevertheless, I was glad we went.</div>
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After that we headed to the pier building to check out the shops and walk along the water. It was beautiful and I definitely wish we had more time in the city. Some other time...</div>
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We headed to Mountain View to Mike's sister Kris and her boyfriend Mike's home where we were happily reunited with these little French faces. Shuug and Penny! </div>
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We got to see the cute little town they live in and have dinner in their downtown. In the morning Mike and I went on a bike ride to check out the Google Campus and then we headed up to Napa.</div>
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We had an amazing lunch at <a href="http://travignerestaurant.com/">Tra Vinge</a> where they had house pulled mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes to die for. Then we had a really interesting tour at the <a href="http://www.raymondvineyards.com/">Raymond</a> vineyard. They are complete biodynamic and self sustainable. It was so interesting and beautiful, plus the wines were fabulous. I highly recommend checking them out if you are in the area.</div>
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After that, it was wedding time!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-10015026787295555742013-07-19T20:37:00.001-07:002013-07-19T20:37:24.910-07:00help them rebuild!Hi everyone!<br />
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This is Laura.<br />
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I am calling in a favor. Laura is a close friend of mine from college and sorority and her and her boyfriend just endured the devastating flood in Calgary, Canada. They are safe but they lost they apartment and everything their owned in the flood.<br />
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They are handling it with such patience and grace but it breaks my heart that they have to deal with all of this. They have set up a <a href="https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/6YPs1?fb_action_ids=10100802176483937&fb_action_types=fundrazr%253Astory_update&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%257B%252210100802176483937%2522%253A655330817829480%257D&action_type_map=%257B%252210100802176483937%2522%253A%2522fundrazr%253Astory_update%2522%257D&action_ref_map=%255B%255D">website</a> to help raise some money to help them get back on their feet. Any and all donations are welcome, anything helps! I know Laura and Chad are going to make it through this and come out a stronger couple for it.<br />
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Thank you for taking the time to read this and <a href="https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/6YPs1?fb_action_ids=10100802176483937&fb_action_types=fundrazr%253Astory_update&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%257B%252210100802176483937%2522%253A655330817829480%257D&action_type_map=%257B%252210100802176483937%2522%253A%2522fundrazr%253Astory_update%2522%257D&action_ref_map=%255B%255D">help</a> out these inspiring people.<br />
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<a href="https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/6YPs1?fb_action_ids=10100802176483937&fb_action_types=fundrazr%253Astory_update&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%257B%252210100802176483937%2522%253A655330817829480%257D&action_type_map=%257B%252210100802176483937%2522%253A%2522fundrazr%253Astory_update%2522%257D&action_ref_map=%255B%255D">website</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-43405350347359759932013-07-18T19:25:00.000-07:002013-07-18T19:25:06.698-07:00the life of TayHave you missed this little face? I know I did!<br />
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I was so worried that Taylor wouldn't recognize me when I got back from Paris. I mean, a whole year without seeing her I didn't know what to expect but I was so happily surprised when she immediately jumped into my arms at the airport. It was the best!<br />
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Needless to say, I love hanging with my little girl again. She is as cute as ever and loving all the outdoors here in Colorado. She is a hiking champion. Seriously, puts Mike and I to shame with her skills. Jumping rock to rock, racing up the trails and looking back at us like... "Come on guys!"</div>
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I love her little face!</div>
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yes, that is an "I <3 Paris" sweatshirt. its awesome.</div>
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What is your little pup up to this summer? Being cute as ever, I'm sure.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-34694844896430785792013-07-10T20:09:00.004-07:002013-07-10T20:09:57.916-07:00À tout à l'heureMike and I are headed up to Napa Valley tomorrow for a weekend celebrating our friend's wedding! We can't wait to see these two amazing people commit their lives to each other. Mike is a groomsmen (best friends since high school!), we will be wine tasting, seeing friends and family and of course visiting some awesome bakeries (for me!). We will be back next week.<br />
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Have a wonderful weekend everyone!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-375372869378569402013-07-09T19:48:00.000-07:002013-07-09T19:48:43.016-07:00Pear. Walnut. Almond. Tart.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tarts are such an easy and awesome dessert. They are definitely my go to when I just want to throw something together. I love the classic combination of baked fruits and almond cream and pears are a great choice. My other favorites are grapes, apricots and peaches!</div>
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This is a perfect snack for a hot summers day. Its light, fresh, easy to share and I'm pretty sure it wants to be friends with a nice cold glass of white wine. mmm.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Pâte Sucré</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">250g flour<br />100g butter (room temperature)<br />100g icing sugar<br />1 egg<br />20g water<br /><br />sift the flour.<br />cream the butter and icing sugar together.<br />add the egg. mix until smooth and homogeneous.<br />add the sifted flour.<br />if using a mixer, beat until the dough comes together.<br />if using your hands, use your hands or a scrapper to "frasage" the dough. basically, take a handful of dough and press it into the table while sliding your hand or scrapper so the dough smears. once all the dough has been frasaged, gather it. wrap in plastic and refrigerate 30 minutes.<br /><br />Creme d'amande<br /><br />250g butter (softened)<br />250g sugar<br />250g almond powder<br />200g eggs<br />50g flour<br />40g rum (optional)<br />5g vanilla extract<br /><br />cream the sugar and butter together.<br />add the almond powder and cream together.<br />add the eggs, one by one.<br />beat the mixture to "blanch" it. (make it white in color)<br />add sifted flour, mix.<br />add rum and vanilla. mix to combine.<br />cover and fridge.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">walnuts, chopped and lightly toasted</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">pears, halved and sliced<br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">roll out your pate sucree, poke the dough to make holes for steam while it bakes. line your tart ring or pan with the dough and pread walnuts in the bottom of the shell. Pipe almond cream on top of walnuts and then press the sliced pears into the cream. Bake at 350 until golden brown and the almond cream is golden and springs back when touched.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Let cool and enjoy!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-6115985698565888282013-07-07T10:47:00.000-07:002013-07-07T10:47:23.636-07:00The view from the top<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Of the Eiffel Tower is breathtaking. Can you believe that it was in my FINAL week of living in Paris that I finally made my way to the top of Eiffel? Talk about procrastination. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxToGp30MeGgfFUNXEXKsRx0JPTY2Ps4vLn3gPe2Rpx9-P2iIlGj3QNdTL5To42IJ74MwU-LMJSMxCHwklyUjLvZNDMb8W1xFT9rl9AWi6CTxL7ipkBTPinxf3z_jM6LsNSI2-pSDY6cL/s1600/IMG_6117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxToGp30MeGgfFUNXEXKsRx0JPTY2Ps4vLn3gPe2Rpx9-P2iIlGj3QNdTL5To42IJ74MwU-LMJSMxCHwklyUjLvZNDMb8W1xFT9rl9AWi6CTxL7ipkBTPinxf3z_jM6LsNSI2-pSDY6cL/s400/IMG_6117.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My friend Danielle and I had such a great time in our last weeks. We made a point of doing as many of the things that we never got around to doing throughout the year like going to the Army Museum, one more shopping trip to Oshyo, going to the top and just walking the streets together. It was an awesome way to conclude an incredible year.</div>
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We waited and waited and waited some more until we finally got to step onto the lift that took us up. We had both been up to the 1st and 2nd level of Eiffel but this was the first view from the very top and it was perfect. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiqOn5YTR_bxtEjVUuXBuMzCEhyphenhyphenTgugSeWTEKiWlgJpTXPQKD1yiorvT_j9-19Mp1DiC8xWagOr9AW3Stk-ZYpun2Cnk399WUWCfFO4RsJwKhnCRr7Nyr2p8M1XASlJWiEbZF_4akouNc/s1600/IMG_6103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiqOn5YTR_bxtEjVUuXBuMzCEhyphenhyphenTgugSeWTEKiWlgJpTXPQKD1yiorvT_j9-19Mp1DiC8xWagOr9AW3Stk-ZYpun2Cnk399WUWCfFO4RsJwKhnCRr7Nyr2p8M1XASlJWiEbZF_4akouNc/s400/IMG_6103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Paris is hands down the most beautiful city you will ever see. From the ground to the air there is beauty all around you. The buildings, the streets, the sky, the people, the parks...its simply perfect.</div>
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I miss my beloved Paris and my amazing friends so much. I am really grateful that we made the effort to take the trip to the top.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-46252248021134715972013-07-02T13:40:00.000-07:002013-07-02T13:40:20.710-07:00Entremet: Mogador<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Entremet is one of my favorite types of pastry to make. You can mix and match as many flavors and textures as you can think up. Chocolate and raspberry is one of my all time favorite flavor combinations so this cake is one of my favorites. </div>
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Chocolate genoise cake soaked with raspberry liqueur and simple syrup, layered with raspberry jam and covered with chocolate chantilly cream. Decoration is completely up to your artistic eyes. This time I used the crumbs of the cake to cover the sides of the cake and same some chocolate garnish for the top Fresh fruit always makes a beautiful display.</div>
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Give it a go?</div>
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Chocolate genoise cake</div>
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200g eggs</div>
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125g sugar</div>
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100g flour</div>
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25g cocoa powder</div>
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15g butter, melted and cooled</div>
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Butter and flour your cake pans (yields 2 - 18cm cakes)</div>
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Combine eggs and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixter and beat with a whisk for 20 minutes. It will be light and form a ribbon when falling off the whisk.</div>
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Sift flour and cocoa powder. Using a spatula, *lightly and delicately* fold the dry ingredients into the eggs and sugar. Try to maintain as much of the air in the eggs as possible. Fold in the cooled, melted butter. </div>
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Pour into your cake pans and bake at 350 until set. Remove from pans immediately and let cool on rack. (you can freeze and save this cake for up to 3 months)</div>
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Raspberry soaking liquid</div>
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100g water</div>
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100g sugar</div>
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150g raspberry liqueur (or juice)</div>
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Bring water and sugar to a boil until sugar has dissolved, add liqueur. Soak cake using a paint brush.</div>
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Raspberry jam</div>
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Spread over the first layer of cake (after soaking) then place other cake on top.</div>
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Chocolate chantilly cream</div>
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600g chocolate couverture</div>
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1000g whipping cream</div>
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Melt chocolate over a water bath. Whip cream to soft peaks. Stir a little of the whipped cream into the warm (not hot!) chocolate. Turn the chocolate mixture into the remaining whipped cream, fold in gently with a spatula. Cover the cake and garnish as you wish!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-38706290302367908452013-07-01T08:30:00.000-07:002013-07-01T08:30:28.371-07:00Happy Birthday Momma!Today is a special day that requires a special post. Happy birthday to my beautiful mom! I am so lucky to have her. She is the most open hearted, generous, caring and fun person. My siblings and I are blessed to have her as a friend and role model. We made some awesome memories last year traveling through Europe together (wish we were still doing that!) and I can't wait for the next adventure.<br />
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Happy birthday mom! I love and miss you!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-38235727396553841292013-06-27T11:50:00.003-07:002013-06-27T11:50:48.360-07:00Our New Home: Boulder, ColoradoAs some of you know, when I moved to Paris, Mike and Taylor moved to Fort Collins, Colorado. Mike loves Colorado and all the outdoor activities it offers. So, after a few weeks at home I packed my bags (again!) and flew out to Denver.<br />
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We decided to move to Boulder. It is a completely different setting than California but as the months have passed, and the snow finally melted it has grown on me.<br />
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Moving here in the middle of a long, cold winter was tough. I swear, if it snowed one more time I was going to lose it! Snow in the middle of May is just RUDE! Yes, its beautiful and all but this girl needs to be warm!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQp9hBzuA1iIE3YWoCivPte3KZz6PzqcfY8aXqLVo958s4hinBGMjF7B5YKiVicZIzi-_Z2GM-r27l4lF_pkacnpmuhV7Ss2aZ2oC5BrVU6kdi8ModltLu4HkIlXH4btsx1tuTsXSlFD-e/s612/945012_10101513096160063_1628050170_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQp9hBzuA1iIE3YWoCivPte3KZz6PzqcfY8aXqLVo958s4hinBGMjF7B5YKiVicZIzi-_Z2GM-r27l4lF_pkacnpmuhV7Ss2aZ2oC5BrVU6kdi8ModltLu4HkIlXH4btsx1tuTsXSlFD-e/s400/945012_10101513096160063_1628050170_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Spring lasted about 24 hours and then we jumped straight into 90 degree days (YAY!). Now that things are blooming, turning green and warm - Boulder is an outdoor paradise. The mountains are beautiful and huge, the creek makes a great running path, bikes are welcome and the lightning storms are crazy.<br />
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Mike is out mountain biking most days and I do my best to try to run in this crazy altitude (makes me wonder how I ever ran a half marathon). Little tay is a champion hiker. She puts both of us to shame on the mountain.<br />
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If you ever find yourself out this way, let me know! We will be here enjoying the sunshine before winter brings its wrath again in a few months.<br />
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Next on the outdoor activity to do list: tubing down the Boulder creek!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-83768025388947784092013-06-25T09:56:00.000-07:002013-06-25T09:56:06.997-07:00Where to begin?Sitting here trying to think of what to write about is tough! Where do I start? Do you want to hear about the end of my time in Paris? Coming back to the US? Moving to Colorado? Recipes?<br />
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Eventually, they will all come to this blog but lets just start simple with a recipe for my most beloved pastry. If you were around for my previous blog then you may have seen this before but its such an amazing treat that it needs to be shared here as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHua5WzyBAS2PzheZgCeR3Y34ZPLo6Vye1k_ZZywveBUhJkzdZoIMYZnYwxNasnsBabROXAAHeUHE7iS95QV24YVrmi42j16HkytTngoAmCCdm0C8lXxTGA5zhAeoqtGr14soohvHjw8m/s1600/13+-+67" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHua5WzyBAS2PzheZgCeR3Y34ZPLo6Vye1k_ZZywveBUhJkzdZoIMYZnYwxNasnsBabROXAAHeUHE7iS95QV24YVrmi42j16HkytTngoAmCCdm0C8lXxTGA5zhAeoqtGr14soohvHjw8m/s400/13+-+67" width="400" /></a></div>
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Beautiful, caramelized, flakey puff pastry separating creamy layers of creme moussline. It is a delicate, special dessert and it remains my favorite even after a year in Paris. I love making it as much as I love eating it. It is definitely one of those flavors that transports me straight back to Paris.</div>
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I made it for my family when I got home and I've made it a few times since then. I think it has become Mike's favorite as well.</div>
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Next time you need a perfect dessert, give this a try. You won't be disappointed!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><u>Pate Feuilletage Inverse (Puff Pastry dough)</u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Oven: 450F or 230C</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">400g Butter</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">130g Flour</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">In your mixer, combine butter and flour until smooth and homogenous. Form this into a cube and wrap with plastic. Refrigerate until ready to use. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">270g Flour</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">10g Salt</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">140g Water (approx.)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">In your mixer, combine all ingredients to create a firm detrempe (read:dough). This is a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px;"> French culinary term for the first stage in the process of making puff pastry, which requires only flour and water. After, form into another cube, wrap with plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px;">Onto a floured surface, roll out your butter dough in a rectangle just enough so that you can wrap the detrempe inside of it. Place the detrempe in the bottom half of the butter dough and fold the butter over the detrempe to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px;">enclose it as if it is a giant ravioli. Note: don't be afraid to use flour on the counter and the top of the dough, butter is easily melted and sticky so you will need to use flour to prevent the sticking and if the dough gets too warm and soft stick it in the refrigerator to firm up again. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Press together the ends of the butter to close everything up. Place the dough with the longest seam to your left, as if it is a book (an upside down one). Roll the dough out to about 10 cm x 35 cm long. Now you will give the dough its first "turn". Visually divide the dough into thirds. Fold the top third down and fold the bottom third up.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Repeat this three more times to total four turns keeping the long seam to the left. Remember, if the dough gets too warm and starts sticking to your table wrap it and refrigerate it until firm again (15 mins-30 mins).</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">PHEW! The hard part is over. Now let your dough rest in the refrigerator for an hour or so. When you are ready, roll out the dough to the size of a baking sheet (normally 40cmx60cm). This size will give you enough servings for about 12-13 people. The thickness should be about 1 cm and it should be even in thickness all the way through. After you have rolled it out, let the dough rest in the fridge again for an hour because it is elastic and will retract a little. (This is when you would want to freeze the dough if you want!!). You can let the dough rest in this state overnight if you need. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Bake at about 190C/375F until golden brown and crispy. (Carefully, flip the pastry half way through - probably about 30 minutes and sprinkle with granulated sugar, and continue baking it off with a second baking sheet on top of your pastry. Your dough will be sandwiched between to baking trays to keep it from puffing up too much.)</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the pastry cream:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">750g milk</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">250g cream</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 vanilla bean, split and scraped</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">200g sugar</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">80g corn starch</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">220g egg yolks (about 6)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">50g butter, unsalted, cut into pieces</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">In a medium saucepan, bring the milk, cream, 1/3 of the sugar and vanilla just to a boil. In another bowl mix the remaining sugar, starch and egg yolks together. When the milk boils, pour half of the milk onto the egg mixture and mix immediately to temper your yolks.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Put the milk back on the heat and add the egg mixture into the pot. Put on medium heat and mix constantly until the cream is thick and reaches a boil for 1 minute. Always mix! You don't want to burn the bottom of the cream :)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Scoop out onto a tray covered in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold. You can also put it in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes to cool it faster and then store in the fridge.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Now, combine the cooled pastry cream with about 25% whipped cream. Fold in the whipped cream very delicately as to keep as much air in the cream as possible!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Assembly:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Cut the puff pastry into three even sections lengthwise. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Option1: Fill a pastry bag with the cream and pipe the cream on top of the first layer of puff pastry. Spread the cream with a spatula so it is evenly distributed and without holes. Place second layer of puff pastry on top. Repeat the layer of cream and top off with another layer of puff pastry. Top with a sprinkle of icing sugar or anything else you would like! In this photo I used the extra bits of puff pastry and crunched them up into small pieces to put all around the outside. Just cover the sides with left over cream and then press the crunchy bits into it.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Option2: Like the first photo (at the top of the page), you can pipe the cream into little balls starting at the edges and filling in to the middle. For this it is important to make sure your cream is thick enough to keep its shape. Pipe it and then gently place the puff on top of the balls and repeat for the next layer.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955909430797966818.post-8852880358439164182013-06-24T11:43:00.001-07:002013-06-25T09:56:58.685-07:00I'm baaack!Coucou mis amis!<br />
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Has it really been 6 whole months since I've returned from Paris (and written a blog post)?!<br />
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Its true, the older you get, the faster time passes you by. So much has happened since that emotional day boarding my flight from CGD to LAX even though it seems like yesterday I was walking the Parisian streets with my friends drinking wine, surviving on bread and being in awe of our lives. While I miss Paris and all the friends I made abroad (and trust me, some days its heartbreaking how much I miss it) I am also excited about what is happening in my life back in America.<br />
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part of my amazing welcoming party at LAX</div>
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Since Paris, I spent the holidays back home in California catching up with friends and family and indulging in all things American (ie: In-n-out, Yogurtland, bagels, mexican food...you get the idea). Even though I was shocked when someone tried to help me in a store and came insanely close to having a panic attack in the mall, I slowly adjusted back to the American lifestyle.<br />
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For New Years my family and I jetted off to our home in Mexico, my skin was reunited with the sun and it was amazing.<br />
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By the end of January, a short month after coming home, I was packed up and on a plane to my new home: Colorado.<br />
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I've been here for about 5 months now and so far so good. It is wonderful being back with Mike and Tay. We have our little corner of the world set up here in Boulder where the sun has finally arrived! We spent the winter wishing for warmth and now its 100 degrees! We are definitely taking advantage of the nice weather. We are running, hiking, biking or doing something outside everyday. Boulder is really showing its beauty these days with everything turning green and blooming (and attacking my allergies) and its an adventure.<br />
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Oh, you want to know what I am doing with that French pastry education I got? ooooh okay.<br />
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I have been working at a local Boulder restaurant called <a href="http://www.frascafoodandwine.com/">Frasca Food and Wine</a>. So far, so good.<br />
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Thanks so much for sticking around. It is nice to be back in the blogging world and I am excited to have a fresh, new start!<br />
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Salut!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920377164023998715noreply@blogger.com1