Local is lovely, seasonal is swell

filetmignon

A few weeks ago we had a big storm here in Médoc. After days of glorious sunshine the weather hit us around midnight with torrential rain and ferocious winds. Soon after the electricity left us. We stumbled around the house, with iPhones and candles, frantically searching for the raincoats and hats that had previously been made redundant by the sun. The kids enjoyed the adventure of skulking around the garden in oversized rainboots, getting in the dogs, securing a few plants. Afterwards we had hot drinks together and observed the forces of nature. The next morning we looked at the damage in the garden, not too bad, a few broken branches, the pool covered in leaves, some unhappy tomato plants. There was still no electricity and my husband thought it was quite charming until he realized that it meant no coffee, he’s not that fond of tea. Slowly we settled into our morning habits and braced ourselves for days of “old fashioned living”. It wasn’t to be though, the electricity came back hours later – for once we could have done with some French inefficiency.
In the course of the next few days we found out that many others had less charming experiences that particular night. Our good friend Fabien had devastating damage to his pretty windmill (he was stoic about it though “I guess we’ll just have to rebuild it”, he said with a bittersweet smile). The place worst hit by the weather was Pauillac, somehow caught in the eye of the storm. Many of the amazing weeping willow trees of Chateau Lafite, that grace the road we usually take to Pauillac were broken and torn – it’s was a sad sight.   And most curiously, the bell of the church in Pauillac fell off and landed on the roof of a little house that stands next to the tower.

aubergines

chasselas

vegshopping

The chasselas grapes from Moissac
The chasselas grapes from Moissac

We have a habit of going to markets on Saturday mornings and this weekend we chose Pauillac, perhaps because we felt the town needed a little lift after all it had endured and nothing says I’m back better than a bustling market filled with people. It’s a very good market I might add. When we arrived I realized that I had absolutely no idea of what to get and not even a starting point – no particular cravings, which in my case just doesn’t happen. I guess I’ve been cooking so much for my book that I’ve managed to satisfy, briefly, every part of my palate. This food calmness, however, didn’t last. As soon as I saw the chasselas grapes of Moissac, perhaps the food I most associate with my childhood and summers spent at my grandmother’s house, I knew they would take the lead. Now who would they dance with? A tasty piece of foie gras, no not this time – I chose to pair them with the all too inviting filets mignons of pork.  I love cooking pork on a slightly sweet and sour note, besides a piece of meat that’s called mignon (it means cute in French) deserves to be only paired with sweetness.

beans2

canneles

Strolling through the vineyards.
Strolling through the vineyards.

Reine Claude plums are hard to ignore this time of year, filling every stall in every market. They got my attention even if I had no idea of what to make of them (it’s the Moissac effect again, apparently the first Reine Claude plums/greengages were cultivated there). Lots of other vegetables found their way into my basket, all kinds of beans, garlics and onions. I found the rest of my family wishfully looking at a pizza truck. “I’m thirsty” said Hudson, “Maybe we should share one” said my husband “just to sample it”. I’m not too big on pizzas but this time I was outvoted. We shared a big one with duck breast – a local favorite that makes for an interesting mix. “It’s the magret des Landes” said the merchant reassuringly. It’s good to know where food comes from, isn’t it.

We bumped into the lovely Ponsar family from Château Tour Marcillanet.
We bumped into the lovely Ponsar family from Château Tour Marcillanet.

market

mulets

pizza

pizza2

On the way home we drove through the vineyards of Pauillac and even if we were in a bit of hurry I couldn’t resist the urge to jump out of the car and take a little walk. The landscape is just so beautiful and at the risk of sounding childish, walking amongst the vines is like jumping into a painting, just like they did in Mary Poppins, into a fantastical world with castles and forests and picturesque vineyards. We probably stayed there for an hour, the kids were thrilled to find a little tower open and accessible.
Later that afternoon I started preparing dinner. It’s such a pleasure to arrange all the fruits and vegetables on my kitchen table. So much goodness, some of them linked with places in my heart or parts of the year. The green plums of summer found themselves in a tart made with a speculoos biscuit crust (which I may add only needs 8 minutes baking time).  The grapes of my childhood found happy partners in the filet mignons, shallots and white wine. The haricots beans were only too happy to be introduced to the pearly and translucent spring onion, dressed with a sienna colored vinaigrette.

Local is lovely, seasonal is swell.

ps: I borrowed part of the title of this post from a blog called ‘Local is lovely‘ – it’s a super blog, isn’t it nice to see what’s cooking on the other side of the world?

dinner

Pork filet mignon with chasselas grapes
(serves 4)
500-600 g/ 1.5 pounds approx pork tenderloin (filet mignon), sliced approx 1.5 cm thick
1-2 small bunches of chasselas grapes
150 ml/ 2/3 cup white wine + 2 tbsp for the end
2-3 shallots, sliced finely
30 ml / 1/8 cup veal stock
Salt and pepper, for seasoning.
Unsalted butter and 1 tbsp olive oil, for frying
Slice shallots finely and fry in 1 tbsp butter for 5 minutes on a medium heat. Add wine and lower heat – reduce until nearly totally absorbed.
Slice the grapes and deseed (I only deseed half of the grapes as they are so small and they look so pretty). Add to the pan, along with a little knob of butter and cook for 2 minutes, until glossy. Set aside.
In another pan, heat olive oil and the rest of the butter, fry the pork filet mignons for 3-4 minutes on each side. Season with salt & back pepper. Remove the filets from the pan, scrape off residue from the pan, add the veal stock, 2 tbsp wine (for those you like the extra sweet note, why don’t you try this step using port instead?  It’s really good!) and 1/2 tbsp butter. Reduce for 2 minutes on a high heat. Return meat to the pan, lower the heat and add the shallots/chasselas grape mixture for a few seconds. Season if necessary. Serve immediately.

beans

Yellow flat bean salad with spring onion (serves 4, as a side dish)
450-500 g yellow flat beans (or any fresh flat beans variety)
2-3 spring onions, sliced finely
Vinaigrette:
5 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp mustard
1 garlic cloves, minced
1 & 1/2 tsp wine vinegar
Salt & pepper – for seasoning
Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until the vinaigrette is smooth.
Rinse the beans. Cut the tips. Using kitchen scissors or a knife, cut the beans in half. Cook them in a large pot of salted boiling water for approximately 25 minutes, until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside and leave to cool.
Slice spring onions finely. Scatter the onions and drizzle the vinaigrette over the beans.

rcplumtart2

Reine claude tart with salted butter caramel and speculoos crust (serves 6)

This tart was a winner with my family.  The mixture of the salted butter in the speculoos crust, combined withe the slight acidity of the fruit compote and the sweetness of the plums is too delicious, and when you add that drizzle of the salted-butter caramel…  it’s heavenly.

250 g/ ½ pound speculoos biscuits
90 g/ salted butter, melted
700-800 g reine claude plums, sliced
For the compote/ fruit purée
2 small apples
1 pear
½ tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp muscovado sugar
Salted-butter caramel
150 g / ¾ cup granulated sugar
45g/ 3 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature
60 ml/1/4 cup heavy cream, slighty warm
1 pinch fleur de sel (fleur de sel salt, or alternatively kosher salt)
Preheat oven 180° C/ 350 F
Crumble the speculoos biscuits in a food processor. Add the melted butter, mix until you get a dough-like mixture. Spread/line this mixture on a 26 cm / 10 inches tart pan. Blind bake the tart for 8-10 minutes. Leave to cool and place in the freezer for 1&1/2 to 2 hours before garnishing so the crust sets.
Peel apples and pear. Slice coarsely and place in a saucepan. Cover and cook on a low heat until the fruits are softened, about 20 minutes. (you can use a fork to mash them of necessary) add the cinnamon and sugar and continue to cook. Set aside and leave to cool.
For the caramel:
In a saucepan, melt the sugar until it forms an amber-colored caramel (do not stir until it melt completely), on a medium to low heat. As soon as the color turns amber, take off the heat and add salted butter. Stir quickly with a wooden spoon, return to heat for a few second . Take off the heat again and add the slightly warm cream. Stir quickly and return to heat for 10 seconds, stirring continuously until smooth. Set aside.
Slice the plums into slim slices. Spread the fruit purée in the base of the tart, then garnish with the plums (see photos). Drizzle caramel on tart, or serve it as a sauce on the side. Keep leftover caramel in a glass jar in the refrigerator. Re-heat gently before serving.

rcplumtart

108 thoughts on “Local is lovely, seasonal is swell

  1. Mimi, I love flat bean so much!! And I lack inventive recipes with flat beans.
    Thank you for this recipe! Will give it a try tonight; I just returned from market with fesh local produce: -)

    All the best!
    PS. Love the pictures!

  2. What a gorgeous view into your day at the market and the amazing creations with all the fresh fruits and vegetables. I was especially happy to see the Reine Claude plums as I saw them once ( green gage plums) at our market and made jam with them.
    Last year I planted a tree so hopefully one day I will have my own to make a tart with. Thanks for the inspiration and beautiful images.

    1. Bonjour Sarah! Thank you! It’s a gift to have all these markets so close by, I get inspired for new recipes just by going there. Wishing lots of beautiful reine Claude plums – they are the sweetest in my opinion 🙂 Bonne journée, Mimi x

  3. Mimi, I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, what I wouldn’t give to spend one day in your world. It is beautiful. Everything about it is just lovely and very inviting. Blessings.

  4. Glad you did not have much damage. My 9 year old daughter is reading the Little House on the Prairie series and would have thought this great fun! We had a blizzard this past winter that left us without heat for 4 days. I have never been so miserable. The house temp was in the high 30’s. The roads were unpassable.

    I love that you frequent the markets, as we are all about organic and sustainable here at our little place.

    Your tart is so perfect! I am working on a good gluten free crust so my daughter can enjoy!

    Have a lovely day! As always , thanks for sharing your piece of this world!

    1. Hello there! Storms, blizzards – I am reminded of the force of nature each time. It was so sad to see so the damage around Pauillac. It must have been very tough for you and your family to be out of electricity for 4 days! I hope you’ll have a smoother winter this year. Thanks for saying hi, always a pleasure to hear from you 🙂 Mimi x

  5. Hi Mimi,

    What a story!

    We were there as well, that week and particularely that night. We were staying at La Maison du Meunier in Mortagne-sur-Gironde (An absolute must, if you are in the area), just on ‘the other side’ of the Gironde. The storm hit hard as well in Mortagne, but as we had visited Bordeaux that day we were so tired we slept through it! The next morning we woke up and heard everyone was apparentely awake for hours, trying to close the windows while the fierce wind kept blowing them open, some were looking for shelter against falling trees and the owners were running up and down the old wooden staircase of the house with flashlights in their hands to see if everybody was ok (yes, there was also no power for a couple of hours)…

    I’ll try your Reine claude tart (plums ripen a little later here in Belgium), it looks absolutely delicious. And I’d like to pre-order your book…

    Franvis

    1. Hello! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed La maison du Meunier – I remember you email some time ago and it looked so charming! Did you go to La Tupina? Lucky you slept through the whole storm 🙂 Pauillac was hit hardest, apparently there were mini tornadoes in some places. Thank you for everything! Mimi x

      1. Hi Mimi, thank you for your reply!

        Yes, it’s unbelievable we slept through it, after the devastation we saw around us the next day. Luckily for us, we didn’t park our camionette under the trees that night!

        In Bordeaux, I insisted we should at least go and see La Tupina, however, with two kids (2,5y and 2months) ‘A la Cantine’ was a better idea. We told each other we’ll keep La Tupina for a city trip, some day… The atmosphere and vibe in Bordeaux was great! A lot of people (especially kids) were cooling off on that hot summer day in the amazing fountain Le miroir d’eau and enjoying the sprays of mist.

        Of course, we also bought a lot of cannelés and shared them with our friends when we got back at Mortagne. How we love cannelés! That specific texture and the rich aroma…

        Enjoy your day, Franvis

  6. Mimi. I’m so glad I found your blog and now it pops up in my email.

    Love your recipes but I’m a photographer so I pour over each and every delightful image!
    V

  7. … fantastic receipes as always!

    But this time i also felt in love with THAT dress Mimi!
    … and of course the colour is perfect in combination with the peaches. I think in this time i´m eating about 5 per day-

    Could you tell me the little secret where i can get this?

    Have the greatest day- AIleen

    1. Hi Aileen! Thank you for your sweet words! As for the dress, it’s from a past collection at A.P.C. (Madras collection) – the dresses in the Madras collection are all in this style, very light and summery, a bit bohemian. You might see something you like 🙂 Best, Mimi x

  8. Mimi,
    Once again you have swept me away in dreams of the beautiful French countryside…..even the storms sound lovely.

    The farmers markets look amazing there. The ones I go to don’t even compare and I try my hardest to buy local. The meal is always more special when I know it comes from the local farmers. I can’t wait to try the bean salad. I don’t eat meat but I would love to try some of your main courses with any substitutions you could offer.

    Beautiful photos as always – thank you for sharing your beautiful part of the world. xo

    1. Thank you Sarah! Storms are always so impressive, romantic, powerful… but still a bit scary especially when you live in the countryside. We loved the movie ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’, especially the storm scene – we can relate to that 🙂 There are many variations for my recipes, instead of meat, one of my favourite substitutes for vegetarian friends are mushrooms, and all sorts of squash. Best, Mimi x

  9. Glad the storm didn’t do too much damage! I’ve never seen flat beans before, they look fantastic. Unfortunately the Danes aren’t much into beans, can’t even find broad beans here.

    1. Thank you! Actually, I enquired if anyone got hurt recently at the local hardware store in Pauillac (it’s right next to the church), and apparently the lady from the house that got hit by the bell is still in hospital, but fortunately she’s recovering. What a tragedy! Mimi x

  10. bonjour,
    recevoir votre ( trop rare, à mon goût ) newsletter est un vrai bonheur, néanmoins y a t il un moyen de le lire en français ( et par là même avoir une traduction des recettes )?
    merci et surtout continuez à nous enchanter, votre blog est magnifique !
    sylvie

    1. Bonsoir Sylvie, quel plaisir de savoir que mon blog vous plaise! Merci! C’est vrai, je devrais vraiment écrire dans mes deux langues, mais hélas je n’ai jamais le temps. Bientôt, un jour, c’est promis! Par contre, si vous êtes intéressée, mon émission de cuisine sortira cet hiver, en Français, sur une chaîne Française! A suivre! Mimi x

      1. Ah, j’ai oublié, une amie m’a dit que vous pouvez aller sur google, taper ‘Mimi Thorisson’, et en voyant les résultats, Google vous propose de traduire le site entier. La traduction n’est pas excactement parfaite, mais l’ensemble est là 🙂

    1. Thank you Marta! This little Pauillac trip was an impromptu outing, not really knowing what to get 🙂 Oddur just shoots away, a little visual improvised diary! Have a lovely week, Mimi x

  11. Mimi,

    Thank you for sharing about your beautiful world and with Local is Lovely blog (which is absolutely lovely!) I adore finding new blogs that share the passion of eating locally, and I stumbled upon it through your blog this morning. What an inspiring world we live in! x

    1. Merci ma chère Amber! Just like you and your lovely blog! I just love how we can all connect all around the world, sharing the same passion. Have a lovely day! Mimi x

  12. Mother Nature is a curious thing. We can’t get the most powerful storm and not much will happen and then she’ll flex her muscles a bit and change course and there is devastation. We’ll never know what her mood is!

    1. I so agree with you Virginia! It’s always a reminder to stay safe, and be prepared for anything! One of my favourite writers is Horacio Quiroga. He wrote about the struggle of men and animals to survive against the forces of nature. Nature will always has the upper hand! Bonne journée, Mimi x

  13. What is with the weather this year? We had a similar storm last week that broke a massive branch from the tree under which I park. Very unusual for Colorado! So glad you only sustained minor damage! A power outage is fun, yes, but I have to agree with your husband, not when it comes time for coffee! Your recipes are lovely as usual! You have such a knack for arranging food so artfully! That tart – Parfait! And merci for introducing me to Local is Lovely! I’m excited to explore another beautiful blog! Have a wonderful week! -Rebecca

    1. Thanks Rebecca! Weather can be so unusual, I agree. Although I am not complaining as we have had (still are having – I am in denial that summer is nearly over) amazing sunshine all summer! Have a great week! Mimi x

  14. Dear Mimi, thank you so much for mentioning my little blog in this post – and for such a stunning collection (as always) of images and words. You are so very clever and make me want to jump on a plane to France! Thanks again, Sophiex

    1. Bonjour Sophie! It’s such a pleasure sharing your beautiful blog – those almond orchards I saw on your latest post is like a dream come true! How I wish I was there! I hope we can meet someday soon – have a lovely week, Mimi x

  15. Stunning family
    Stunning photos
    The flat beans are speaking to me as is the fillet mignon.I just returned from the grocery store with nothing as appetizing as this!Glad none of you were hurt……loved the bit about the husband and his coffee!xoxoxo

  16. Mimi, I have really been enjoying your blog over the last few weeks and have even gone back and read old entries and enjoyed the photos which are just fantastic.

    We frequently lose power and keep a French press coffee pot for just such emergencies–definitely worth it!

  17. Mimi, I love your dress you are wearing in this post. Could you please tell me where you bought it ?

    P.S I love all of the dresses you wear.
    Cheers, Victoria x

    1. Thanks Victoria! The dress in this post is from A.P.C. (Madras collection) – it’s from a past collection, but if you check out the dresses they have, they are all in the same style, summery and bohemian! I am a big fan of APC! Mimi x

  18. I visited Pauillac this July. It’s so sad to read it was hit by storm so badly… Using the chance I want to thank You for the photos of the flowers’ field on the way from Pauillac to St. Estephe. Made me stop and collect the most beautiful nosegay for my B-Day 😉

    1. How lovely to hear this! All those pretty flowers are looking better than ever, they really bloomed lated this year. It’s certainly a visual feast! Bonne journée, Mimi x

  19. Oh Mimi, I searched the net about a recipe for making a tarte tatin aux reineclaudes… And I did not really find one… My tree had given us hundreds of those beautiful little plums and I converted them into everything imagination could tell… Now we are going to the holidays for one week and I fear that coming back all the beautiful fruit will be gone… So next year… Many greetings to you and Oddur and the kids!

  20. What a mouthwatering post! The market produce and the pizzas look amazing. We’ve been in the Pays Basque for a month now, enjoying the local produce (including Reine Claude plums). A family member caught a fresh tuna the other day, and we had sashimi flavoured with piment d’Espelette, and sushi made with Camargue rice, splendid substitutes!

    1. Bonjour Zelda! You are such a jet-setter – all over the place! Where are you in the pays Basque? Oh my, that tuna sashimi sounds so delicious – I have a tendency to sprinkle piment d’espelette partout 🙂 Bonne journée, Mimi x

      1. Hi Mimi, I don’t jet-set at all, unfortunately! Just spend time here, near Saint-Jean de Luz, which is very familial, and the UK. I wish we were near enough to Bordeaux/the Médoc to do a day trip for some food and wine tasting, especially after reading your posts!

  21. Bonjour Mimi,
    Stormy weather everywhere. Last week the winds were over 100km here and we had trees down on the farm. Luckily…..no one was injured and that’s the most important thing, mind you, you have to worry about the people in the house that the church bell dropped on!!!!. Your tart looks exquisite Mimi. The speculoos biscuits you used……are they like an English digestive, sort of oaty? Always lovely to see the children having a good time and your puppy Jean Genie has grown so much. Good times, good food and loved family. Bonne journee xx anita

    1. Bonjour chère Anita! What a storm! I heard that the woman who’s house was hit by the church bell is still in hospital, but recovering…
      Regarding the speculoos biscuits, they are more crunchy than digestive biscuits, and have a hint of spices like clove & cinnamon. Do they sell Bastogne biscuits from Lu is Australia? That would be the best alternative. Here speculoos biscuits are often served with coffee. I never get to have them as the little hands around me steal them away! Bonne journée! Mimi x

      1. Bonjour chere Mimi. Emailed a French friend this morning and have found that you can buy speculoos biscuits from Aldi supermarkets. This may help if you have any enquires from Aussie readers. Waiting for the stone fruits to return to make your plum tart. Have sooooo many of your recipes to try once everything is back in season. The weather the last couple of days has been around 21C…….springs promise. Take care Mimi. Bisous xx anita

        1. Bonjour! Thanks for sharing this valuable info – I thought speculoos would be easier to find in Australia! Ahh, the promises of spring! Soon I will be looking at your photos with nostalgia – I can feel hints of autumn in the cool morning breeze, reminding me it will be cèpes mushrooms hunting season! The kids start school next week… oh why does time fly when you are having fun? Bisous, Mimi x

  22. Dear Mimi!
    I’ m so glad to know your dreamy blog full of inspiration for cooking …
    It’ s always a little hideaway for me when I can read your new post!
    I love your family and the sweet dogs and your wonderful landscape!
    Thanks and I will try your new recipes this weekend!
    Have a lovely sunny week!
    With love,
    Geli

  23. Mimi, thanks for the recipes and the beautiful pictures. I love that you focus on your region like this with all of its beauty. France is so diverse in its food and yet all so delicious.

  24. I get so excited when I see you have a new post on your blog and save reading it calmly with a cup of tea savouring the moment. How enjoyable it has been to have experience your beautiful summer while we here in Australia are still in the winter months, your recipes will indeed be put to the test when we catch up with the seasons. Your mention of Local is Lovely in your title immediately reminded me of Sophie Hansen’s blog and was delighted to see you recommend people to read her blog too. It was through Sophie that I found your blog and am loving being transported to your part of the world through the different seasons. So glad you are all okay after the storm.

    1. Thank you Bernadette! It’s was a pleasure sharing Sophie’s blog – she is so lovely and so is her cooking! I wish I was transported to her almond orchards 🙂 So glad you said hello! Best, Mimi x

  25. Hi Mimi,
    I just wanted to let you know that your blog just literally brought me to tears! I have been following you for months now…..living out my French countryside fantasy through you! Something about this post hit me, the photos, the way you described the storm…all of it feels so authentic yet too dreamy to be true! I love your blog, please don’t ever stop writing! I eagerly await your cookbook!
    Best,
    Ana

  26. Hola Mimi: Su descripcion de la tormenta , me ha fascinado,es tan poetica. Me siento enamorada de sus palabras, sus fotografiasy de todas sus nuevas recetas. Su estilo me tiene encantada, Su maravilloso blog lo encontre gracias a otro blog tambien extraordinario “Delicious Stories” , no se si lo conoce , si no es asi se lo recmiendo . Hasta muy pronto.Besos.

  27. Good morning Mimi, I am glad everything was fine with you all after the big storm xx.
    Loving your plum recipe, will definitely try it using fresh plums from the garden.
    It has been a very busy summer for us, spending it between the mountains and the city with the family.
    It is so beautiful to read your blog posts and enjoy your adventures.
    Hugs and kisses going your way Mimi!

  28. I love adventures too! As usual your photos portray how much you love yet another adventure and as usual I can’t wait to try another one of your culinary adventures in my little nest. Merci!

  29. MiMi, it is lovely to meet you, and I’m your newest follower. What a simply splendid place you have here, I have so enjoyed reading all about you & your family and especially the dogs. I love dogs! I saw that you follow Vicki Archer, who is very dear to me, so I knew we should meet. Big hug from Texas…Marsha

  30. Chère Mimi,

    I have visited your blog several times, intrigued with not only the beauty of your culinary art and home, but your husband’s PHOTOS!

    I am a blogger and I am asking if I would have permission to use a photo of you at table with your children that I found on Pinterest. I know your husband is the photographer and before I use any photos of belong to anyone I can easily contact, I always ask permission. I would use it on a blog post and link appropriately to you here, or to your husband. Could you please at your convenience, let me know? I certainly understand if you say no. Merci, Anita

    1. Hi Anita! You can of course use my photo for your blog, you can just credit my husband ‘Oddur Thorisson'(linked back to Manger). Thanks for sharing! Wishing you a lovely Sunday 🙂 Mimi x

      1. Oh how kind of you to respond! Mille mercis, Mimi! Tes photos de ta famille, quel délice! Et ton chien….super mignon.

        Alors, je vais mettre le lien ici à manger, et mentionner ton mari. Quel talent! Amicalement, Anita

  31. Those Reine Claude are just beautiful. We have a place in the Allier (just posted a little about it) and making a little tart with greenages was the first thing I learnt to cook as a little girl. I adore reading about your food experiences, it makes me remember just how much I adore my time in France. You get its colours and tastes so well
    xxx

  32. thank you, this is so great to read and inhale the fotos almost smelling the taste of the fruits on your tongue, thanks to a posting of a friend on facebook.
    I don’t liked the news about Pauillac, though, remembering all the lovely gardens of the chateaux during médoc marathon 2007.

  33. Thank you for a wonderful blogg!
    I ony discovered it yesterday and fell in love with it. Your husband takes wonderful photographs that together with your food and text makes for hours of wonderful reading. Looking forward to read all of it and to try out some of your recepies 🙂

  34. Mimi you have a gift, and you don’t waste it, that’s truly inspiring.
    I keep on visiting this lovely place, because give me joy and a smile on my face.
    I know the blog is mostly about food, but forgive me, you must be a truly kind person and a truly heart friend to your people.

    Big Bisous

  35. Even in a single post, your words and pictures tell so many stories. And I certainly agree: local is lovely, seasonal is swell (what a good ring that has).

    I also agree that it is impossible to resist Reine Claude plums. I’ll make this tart the next time I come home from the market with a bunch of those sweet green plums.

    On an entirely nonfood related note, where are your dress and (perfect) ballet flats from? They’re both lovely.

    Happy late summer! (In keeping with your most recent post, I won’t say fall).

  36. Hello, I followed to here by way of Bon Apetit magazine. You have a lovely blog. The china plate that you use here and in the magazine, is beautiful. It has the pink roses on it. Can you tell me the maker and pattern of the plate? Thank You~

    1. Hi Carla! The plates with the roses is part of a ‘service’ (set) which we bought at a local antique/ brocantes store – the lady from the brocantes got the set from a château in Pauillac. They are originally from Czechoslovakia ‘Thun’ porcelaine de bohème.Best, Mimi x

      1. Dear Mimi, They are so beautiful, as is your site here. I love your style so much, especially all of the tables that you have/use, aged and beautiful. I love the old spoons, china, pottery, glass ware, candlesticks, antique wooden items , the outdoor dining, your children and doggies, and your recipes ~all of it !

        Again, your feature in Bon Appetit, for me has been by far, the best that I’ve seen in years.

  37. This salad look so healthy. Here in Balkans ( Adriatic Sea area) people also cooking flat bean with smoked meat. That is also delicious meal worth trying.

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