The Sunflower Thief

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Cast & Characters
If you ever find yourself living in the country you will soon discover how hard it is to avoid your neighbors. Not that you’d necessarily want to avoid them but all the convenient excuses that city life provides are removed by the slow motion of “la vie de campagne”. It’s the difference of driving down a street or walking down it. A car takes you further, faster, but on foot you will see more, learn more. In Paris I lived in the same building for 6 years and though I was little by little on friendly terms with most of the occupants I never really befriended more than a handful. Some I never spoke to. A few, of course, only spoke to us because of the dogs or the kids and they didn’t all have smiles on their faces. The point is, the countryside is a good place to make friends. The local policeman, the one who watches your TV show and calls you “the ambassadrice of Médoc” when you go to the town hall to apply for a passport for your daughter, will also be at the market on Saturdays “stealing” shrimps from the fish stall where his wife works, calling it “inspection”. The polite journalist who interviewed you for the local newspaper will be there buying vegetables and so will your children’s teacher, your doctor and even the electrician who is so nervous that he must have had a shock or two in his time. Let’s just call it a “village thing”. Everybody knows you are moving house, and where to. They’ve either played in the new house as children, dated the previous owner’s daughter or at least had a fight on the corner.

Country life is somehow more old-fashioned than city life, the characters (for they are characters) are painted in more vivid colors, the stage is set for … something. And it isn’t just any old stage, Médoc has it all, the finest wines in the world, glamorous châteaux, deep dark forests, rough hunters that roam them looking for wild boar, oystermen, surfers, adventurers.

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Murder in Médoc, read all about it (one day)
All this rustic complexity gets the imagination going and makes for an interesting plot. The backdrop, the fascinating quirky stereotypes, I could see myself writing a little roman in this setting, or a play even. We already have the characters, an intriguing mix of old families, real Médocains and newcomers. There would have to be a crime of some sort – murder most foul à la Agatha Christie. Once when I was visiting the chais at a friend’s château, climbing up the old wooden ladder right up to the top of the enormous barrel, looking down into a sea of red wine it occurred to me what a great hiding place for a corpse it could be. I have always loved a good mystery and could never resist a bit of plot. Over time the body would dissolve in the barrel and in true “noir” style the wine would win many awards and accolades. Too add a bit of humor the villain would find a way to add the victims name on the bottle. Somewhat in the style of “The Perfume” perhaps but with a different twist. Maybe you’ll read all about it one day.
But it wouldn’t have to be an epic family feud or even murder, maybe just a nice little mystery, stolen antiques, counterfeit wine, a piano player … wait I am getting ahead of myself.

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Recipes in the attic
Close to St Yzans, where we are moving, is a most beautiful and quiet village called St. Christoly. It’s right on the banks of the Gironde estuary and has a special place in my heart because it has my favorite antiques & brocantes store in the world. I’ve talked about this store before and over time Anne, the owner, has become a dear friend. She’s kept us in props and plates, given me great advice and generous terms and I simply couldn’t think of anything lovelier to do on a lazy Sunday than pop over to Anne’s, for a chat and to see if she has unearthed some gems for me.
Recently Anne was elected to the town council and she has big plans for the future. Coming up first is a fête du village on the 26th of July and in true neighborly fashion I have volunteered to do some catering. I’ll draft all the kids and we’ll be making delicious duck burgers and meringue desserts in the town square. Of course I’ll make a post of it but it would be a thrill if some of you could come – a good excuse to visit Médoc.

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An event like this needs some planning so last Saturday we met up at the pretty house Anne shares with her companion Michelle and their German Schnauzer, Ella, just up the street from her antiques store. We did some planning, some cooking, had a few laughs, drank a bit of rosé. All the objects in their house have such stories to tell and I felt compelled to cook something to match, something with a bit of history. From time to time I’ve been inspired by Anne’s collection of old cookbooks and for this occasion I cooked a few things in the “esprit” of those books – sometimes the food just has to match the plates and the mood. A classic tomato tart tatin, a red wine chicken dish you might have had at a country inn 200 years ago, an “exotic” dessert that Parisian society might have been swooning over in the days of Balzac. The children enjoyed playing in the garden and Hudson, smitten by Anne’s house even bought a few items at her store. As he had nothing to pay with Anne just put it on his tab. He says he’ll pay with the 20 euros he has in his bank account, the same 20 euros he’s used so many times in the past year. It was a gift for me so I’m not complaining.

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It turned out to be a very late lunch or an early dinner, Michelle and Anne had to leave us early, they were invited elsewhere (they are sought after) to watch France’s game with Germany. We took the rest of the chicken with us and headed home too, to watch what we hoped would be a French victory (it wasn’t but let’s not talk about that now). On our way home we were ambushed by the most irresistible sunflower field, so beautifully lit in the late afternoon sun, like a painting so inviting and bright that all you can do is jump in, even if you are late for the big game. For a while we were completly lost in time, wandering around the flowers as if on another planet. Some moments cannot be planned, they just happen. And when they do it’s good to have a camera.

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Back in the car I noticed that Gaïa was holding a little sunflower, beaming with pride. She had nicked it as we were about to leave, somehow managed to tear it up with her little hands. The boys might be thinking about the game, but she was not about to leave this field of treasures empty-handed.
It brought a smile to my face. I might not have caught a killer but I had found my villain, a determined little sunflower thief.

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Tomato tarte tatin

1 & 1/3 pounds/ 600 g cherry tomatoes (or enough to fill your tart pan)
1 pack 8 ounces/230g puff pastry
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons oregano
A few sprigs of fresh thyme

Preheat the oven to 200°C/ 400°F

In a large pan, melt the butter and sugar together. When it starts to caramelize, add the tomatoes and cook for 5 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle the oregano leaves and one tablespoon of sugar all over. Season with salt & pepper. Add the balsamic vinegar and reduce for 2 minutes. Place the tomatoes in a tart pan. Place the pastry on top of the tomatoes and tuck the sides in. Place the tart in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.
Leave the tart to rest for 5 minutes, then flip over on a plate. Pour as much excess liquid as possible. Garnish the tart with fresh thyme leaves.

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Red wine & vinegar chicken

Serves 4

For the chicken
1 chicken 1.3 kg/ 2.8 pounds approx. cut into 6 pieces – keep the chicken carcass or any unwanted pieces and save for the sauce.
3 tablespoons/45 ml Armagnac
3 tablespoons/ 45 g unsalted butter
2 shallots, finely sliced
6 garlic cloves, unpeeled

For the sauce
1 & ¼ cup / 300 ml good-quality red wine
2 tablespoons/30 ml red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons/ 45 g unsalted butter
2 tablespoons mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoon tomato concentrate
A few sprigs of thyme & rosemary
Coarse sea-salt & freshly ground black pepper

To garnish:

Finely chopped chives and diced tomatoes ( 1 medium-sized tomato per person).

In a large dutch oven/ cocotte, melt the butter & sauté the chicken until golden. Add the unpeeled garlic cloves and sliced shallots. Season with salt & pepper.
Flambé the chicken with the Armagnac. Off the heat, pour the Armagnac, light a match, and carefully ignite the liquid to flambé.
For the sauce
In a large saucepan, heat the butter and sauté the chicken carcass. Add the minced garlic, season with salt & pepper, add a few sprigs of thyme & rosemary. Pour the vinegar in the pan, along with the red wine, and mustard. Leave to reduce until the sauce has thickened. Sift through a sieve before serving.
Serve the chicken with the sauce, sprinkle with the chives and garnish with diced tomatoes on the side.

pastilla

Orange blossom flower cream pastilla

8 sheets of filo pastry
2 cups/ 475 ml full cream milk
1 cinnamon stick
3 egg yolks
8 tablespoons/ 100 g granulated sugar
2 tablespoons corn starch (Maïzana)
1/3 cup/ 80 ml orange blossom water
2 tablespoons butter
Extra butter for the filo pastry
A large handful of mixed nuts: pistachios, pine nuts and blanched almonds
Confectionner’s sugar, for dusting

In a saucepan, heat the milk, cinnamon stick, and half of the sugar on a medium heat– bring to a soft simmer. Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk 3 egg yolk with the rest of the sugar. Add the corn starch & orange blossom water – whisk for 3 minutes.
Off the heat, add the egg yolk mixture to the saucepan, stir continuously until blended, then return to the heat on low and stir until the cream has thickened to a custard-like cream. Take off the heat. Add the butter and stir until melted. Pour into a bowl and cover with baking paper directly on top of mixture. Leave to cool completely and place into the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Cut the filo sheets into circles 23cm/ 9inch wide circles.
Heat ½ teaspoon of unsalted butter in a frying pan, fry the filo sheets until crispy and golden on both sides. Repeat with each sheets.

For the sauce
1 orange
1 lemon
1 ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
6 tablespoons/ 80 g granulated sugar

Heat the juice of 1 lemon & 1 orange with the sugar in a saucepan until dissolved. When the mixture starts to thicken, take off the heat and whisk the buuter. Leave to cool.

To assemble, place two sheets of pastry on a serving plate, then spread the cream all over. Repeat with the remaining sheets & cream. Sprinkle with icing sugar on the last top sheet and scatter the nut mixture all over.

girls

217 thoughts on “The Sunflower Thief

  1. Wonderful posting, Mimi. It is late – thank you for the bedtime lecture… I admire the photograph of this ourageing tomato tarte tatin. And your girls – they seem to be moving in the photographs – in a dreamy mood with swinging dresses… Love it! Sending you best wishes – as always – from Germany to France. Yushka.

    1. Bonjour Yushka! So lovely to hear from you. I hope you are well and spending a lovely summer with your family. We are enjoying having a complete household with all 7 kids as well as my in-laws – the house is filled with life 🙂 The tart tatin is perfect for summer lunches al fresco, I make 2 of them with a huge salad – a perfect lunch (and easy!). Warm regards and happy summer, Mimix

    1. Bonjour Christine! Thank you for your kind comment 🙂 To receive email updates, please click on the “follow” button on the bottom right of your screen. Merci! Mimix

  2. Ah this made me smile Mimi. I’m not sure how the local vignerons of Medoc would appreciate a corpse in the vat scenario but it’s rich with possibilities. Love it. Welcome too to your newest cast member, little Audrey – I am playing catchup as you can see. Really enjoyed this piece. Have a beautiful summer.

    1. Bonjour Margaret,
      I have always had an overflowing imagination – I just couldn’t help imagining a murder mystery in Médoc! Little Audrey is growing fast. She’s a little sweetheart and I am enjoying every single second 🙂 Have a lovely & cozy winter! Hugs, Mimix

  3. Aargh…this post is killing me (speaking of murder). We’re planning just a week away this summer, in July, and we keep coming back to France as our main option. You really are an ambassadrice of Medoc, an area I knew nothing of before reading your blog but am now longing to visit. I did a quick search a while back for rental properties but didn’t find much (that we could afford, at least) and so I decided to save this treat up for when your workshops are up and running and then..this post!…with your invitation to join in on the fun of a village fete on the 26th..the day that we will arrive (to a destination in France, as yet unknown). I SO want to come and join in the fun.
    How wonderful it all sounds.
    Susie

    1. Hello Susie! Loved your instagram with the ‘Mimi’ menu – thank you for sharing 🙂 If you ever need recommendations on B&B around Médoc, let me know, I have my little book of good addresses, and I often discover a few new ones on our road adventures. Have a lovely summer holiday 🙂 Mimi x

      1. Hello Mimi,

        Generous as ever! Thank you – I will keep that in mind.

        I realise that I’m like somone else who commented, I literally devour your posts (too greedily) and I have to go back over them to get their true richness. In other words, I often don’t even look at the recipes (though clearly I love them), I just read first on an emotional level. I come back to look at recipes and spend ages going through your blog to see what you’ve had to say about a particular ingredient. And I don’t notice half the photos first time round (apparently), as I scrolled down the post to reply to you I was like..oh, that’s a delightful picture (times quite a few photos), how come I never noticed that!?

        Anyway, ha…yes, thanks. The menu went down a treat, even the cheese ‘goujons’ (I blame the wine). It was quite embarrassing actually….I tell everybody about your blog, whatever the subject (what to cook for supper, how to write a blog, families, love, France etc) but, when I told one of the diners that the chocolate mousse was from you I realised that I’d done myself a disservice because I’m actually a very good cook but, this meal was almost entirely you with just a little tweak here and there. Kind of like dressing head to toe in Chanel, albeit with pieces from different seasons. Ah well, I AM thinking of doing a Julie and Julia with all your recipes!..they’re just so, good!

        A lovely summer to you and yours too.

        Susie
        xx

  4. Your wonderfully sunny descriptions and seasonal recipes are a clear reminder it’s winter here in Jervis Bay Australia! The Tomato tarte tatin will have to wait, but thank you for the red wine and vinegar chicken and orange blossom flower cream pastilla – I have all of the ingredients here waiting to be woven into Mimi’s magic. Tour de France time again, and we have daily telecast – my annual ‘France Fix’ until my next visit!

    1. Bonjour Jude! Enjoy the “Tour de France” – luckily the chicken & pastilla are perfect for any occasion. I hope you will enjoy the recipes – we did 🙂 The orange blossom flower cream is heavenly. I also enjoy serving the cream as a custard (I find it even better when it is warm), with a sprinkle of pistachios, almonds and pine nuts. Now that’s a good idea for a cozy winter dessert, no? Cheers, Mimi x

  5. I can certainly relate to the ease of meeting people when living in the country, although for me it happens while living smack dab in the middle of a city. I live on Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province. Here everyone knows everyone, most are even related in one way or another. Whenever I leave my home I see at least a few friends without meaning to, it seems it can’t be avoided! One of the best things about living on a small Island I suppose!

    The recipes, as always look terribly delicious and I look forward to making them. Have a lovely week Mimi and family and thank you for yet another peek into your beautiful life!

    1. Bonjour Kimberly! How lovely to hear you live on Prince Edward Island – it must be so beautiful. One of the most exciting things about blogging is “meeting” people from all over the world – my to-do city bucket list is far too long now. There’s a certain comfort in knowing everyone in a small town. One thing that surprised me most when moving to the country was everyone’s generosity & kindness. Enjoy the recipes 🙂 Mimi x

  6. Hello Mimi,
    A wonderful story as always. Sitting at my kitchen table on a well, slightly sunny winters day, your story has me wishing summer to be here now. The bright red tomato tarte tatin is my daughters idea of a perfect meal and I look forward to making it with her in the summer time warmth.
    Thank you for the wonderful stories, enticing recipes and Oddur’s beautiful photos.

    1. Love love your blog! When you get that cooking school going I will be there. Your recipes, photos and family are beautiful!

  7. The tart looks amazing and so do you! What a beautiful family and sunflowers are the epitome of summer. Happy Summer Days…

    1. Merci beaucoup Keri! The sunflower fields are so beautiful and magical – there’s something very human about these golden flowers. I told Gaïa they could hear her words, so she started chatting and whispering sweet messages to them 🙂 An adorable moment. It’s like jumping into a fantasy world. Happy summer, Mimix

  8. Oh Mimi,
    Your post was exactly what I needed today. How did you know that the sunflower was my favorite! I enjoyed reading your post and the pictures gave me peace! Take care!

  9. Greetings from Disneyland hotel California. Beautiful story, post and delicious recipes and as always amazing photos. Your looking gorgeous Mimi.
    Best wishes and much love xx
    Rowaida

  10. Mimi- beautiful images as always along with an easy and timely recipe for summer tomatoes – but the best was the mention of one of my favorite books Das Parfum ! Fantastic!

    1. Bonjour Kim! Enjoy the tomato tatin recipe, an easy and delicious summer lunch – it’s my current favorite dish so far. Make sure to drain the tart 5 minutes after taking it out, tomatoes can be very watery! Happy summer, Mimi x

  11. Oh Mimi! Your posts are always a treat to read. I try to read them slowly savoring the words and pictures. Your writing style is so elegant, the photo, so gorgeous! It’s like a mini vacation reading your blog! I can’t wait for your book to come out!

    A question about the tomatoes in the tart tatin. When cooking them in a pan do you move them around a lot? I’m afraid my tomatoes will breakdown and won’t look as plump as they do in the picture once I transfer them to the tart pan.

    Merci!

    1. Bonjour Alyssa! Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂 Oddur and I enjoy working together – adding all the recipes, photos & text is like accomplishing a family puzzle 🙂 Regarding the tomaties, I don’t move them around so much, just a few shakes with the pan. One important trick is to make sure to drain the tart 5 minutes after taking it out – tomatoes can be very watery, depending on its variety and ripeness (don’t go for ripe tomatoes). Enjoy the recipe, Mimi x

  12. Wonderful – I loved reading every word, I’m sure I’ll read it all again later tonight. Of course, your caramelized tomatoes in a tart crust are terribly inviting, seductive, and I think, looking at your photo, a beautiful plate and an old wooden table complete the recipe. You referenced Balzac ! I’m just now reading a little book, Balzac’s Omelette, a study on his approach to gastronomy in his novels. I was thinking of Manger and how you weave your recipes into stories from your daily life in Medoc. Manger is more of a lifestyle blog than a food blog I think. I’m always reminded here that a really tasty, good looking dinner rounds out a full life.

    1. Bonjour Linny,
      What a coincidence about Balzac! I have always been an admirer of Balzac’s writing, especially his decadent description of meals. He was the king of abundance, famous for his quote “Garçon, un cent d’huîtres!” – he downed 100 oysters along with 4 bottles of white wine as a starter! A glutton he was! Enjoy the summer reading! Mimi x

  13. So nice to see you and your little crew enjoying the summer and each other! I hope the rest of the season is just as lovely.

  14. What a delightful “fairytale” about your darling sunflower thief. Reminds me of the story my Mom always tells about when she was very small, about the age of your sweet thief, that a farmer neighbor came to the house and asked if there was a 5 year old little redheaded girl at that home. He had spied her right in the middle of his tomato patch, eating as much as she could!
    The tomato tart looks scrumptious, as do all your images of the gorgeous countryside. I like that your new daughter comes along on these adventures too.

    1. Bonjour Sarah! What a lovely anecdote, I can imagine a ‘Gimliesque’ (my favorite Japanese animated films) scene of a little red-haired girl in a tomato patch! Enjoy th erecipes 🙂 Mimi x

  15. How fortunate the festival attendees will be to find your fabulous duck burgers and dessert meringues. I made the meringues last winter and they were simply SUPERB. My guests, many of whom seldom eat dessert, just raved. With pomegranates not in season in the summer, what will you sauce them with?
    p.s. making the tomato tart tomorrow. we are fortunate in California to have an excellent frozen puff pastry by a company called Dufour. SO much better than the P. Farm.

    1. Bonjour Casey! I am really looking fowrad to teh event in St Christoly – there will be great food, music & dancing. Anne and her team are planning to revive the little village with some old-school entertainment – local producers selling seasonal food, sarments (vine branch) stalls, accordion music… I’ll be serving the meringues with whipped cream and apricots and peaches. I hope some Manger readers will be able to drop by 🙂 Happy summer, Mimi x

  16. Incredible in my last post I talked about the village where I live , not in a such splendid way as you though. Being English not my first language I have to keep things simple. I have got so much to learn on writing and you are always such an inspiration. I enjoyed the post while feeding the baby this morning… still in bed! The tomato tart is an old favourite of mine in this season, simple and so delicious. Great photo Mimi and you look so beautiful. Can’t wait to read about the festive event 🙂

    1. Thank you Daniela! It’s always such a joy to share our lives here in Médoc – village life is like a play, with all its vivid and amusing characters! Enjoy the tomato tart – I am so looking forward to the event in St Christoly – will share all the news 🙂 Mimi x

  17. Your recipes are wonderful, the photography is spectacular and your girls are so beautiful!
    Love your blogs so please keep it up.

  18. I’m so excited! In part because of the beautiful descriptions and photos on your wonderful blog we are spending 5 days in the Medoc on our visit to France at the end of the month. We will be in Margaux on the 26th, just a stone’s throw from St. Christoly, so of course we must attend the festival. What would be the best time of the day to be there so we don’t miss out on your duck burgers and meringues, it’s a long way to return next year (we live in Perth, Western Australia)?

    1. Wonderful! The fête will be held in St Christoly, in the main square, between 10 am and 4pm. I imagine it is best to come around lunchtime to be sure to get some duckburgers. There will be some local producers cooking and selling their products too, and you can discover Anne’s brocantes 🙂 Mimi x

  19. I spent sometime in the French Countryside and I miss it. I can recall how I spent every hour of my time there and the wonderful characters I met. The charm and beauty of the countryside allows life to be lived deeply. Thank you for so much for sharing and the pictures are beautiful.

  20. J’ai bien aimée ton histoire Mimi. J’aurais aimée beaucoup aller à la fête du village en juillet. Mais à cette date la, on serai déjà en vacances à la campagne en Espagne. Dans un petit village plein des personnages comme le tiens! Mais à la rentrée j’aimerais visité le Médoc et bien sûr aller au magasin de Brocante, J’adore trouver des trésors!
    Ta tarte Tatin pareil délicieuse !
    Bon vacances, xo

    1. Quelle joie de partir dans votre village en Espagne – je rêve d’une petite escapade, un petit séjour dans votre pays! Peut-être ferai-je un petit saut en fin d’été? Et quelle bonne cuisine 🙂 Ne vous inquietez-pas si vous ne pouvez pas venir en Juillet, nous organiserons d’autres évènements plus tart – ce n’est qu’un début! Bonnes vacances! Mimi x

  21. Dear Mimi, what a pleasure to read you this morning! So right about country Life! I’ve spent my childhood in the country and now live in Paris… I experienced what you describe!
    Thanks so much for sharing your recipes, love the Way you write and enjoy Life. And the photos are beautiful! Would love to meet you once… Beeing in Arcachon for the month.
    Bravo!

    1. Bonjour Cécile! Have fun in Arcachon – the weather seems to have taken a good turn towards the sun! If ever you have the chance to drop by in St Christoly – I will post more info on my facebook page as as soon as Anne gives me the planning. It will be a small affair, but so authentic! And a good excuse to see Anne’s brocantes – it’s my treasure den in Médoc!

        1. Thank you so much for these informations! Will try to come with my large family.
          Thank you for answering personnally to everyone, really touched!
          If you want to come visit in Arcachon, you are all welcome…
          Even if it Is not as sunny as we would like, we managed to get ☀️vient yesterday…
          Bisous Cécile

        2. And I forgot, you should read ” enquête sur la disparition d’Emilie Brunet” d’Antoine Bellot, une variation sur les différents livres d’Agatha
          Christie, for your next détective story!

  22. Oh that tomato tarte tatin, I shall try it very soon !

    Thanks for all these lovely recipes / stories / pictures.

    The dissolved corpse in Médoc wine story is both fascinating and disgusting. Just like The Perfume !

    I would have loved to come to the Saint Christoly fête de village and give you a hand but I’m flying to Hawaii on that very same day … Next year maybe ? 🙂

    Bon été Mimi !

    alice

    1. Bonjour Alice! So, off to Hawaii – LUCKY you! We will be doing lots of little fête de village, so you can come and help another time 🙂 Out goal is to bring a bit of life in Médoc – some old-school entertainment and charm! I hope you managed to whip up some good pear desserts, did you try the After 8 one? 🙂
      Have an amazing holiday! Mimi x

      1. Dear Mimi,

        Please let me know which fête de village you’re gonna be attending / organizing, I’d really love to come and help ! 🙂 I’ll be back on August 10th ! You have my e-mail address !

        I tried the pears flognarde and the pear crumble : un délice 🙂

        Have a great summer !

        alice

  23. Mimi,
    j’adore ton blog et tes recettes ont l’air si délicieuses .. malheureusement je ne suis pas très bonne en anglais et je trouve dommage, vivant en France, qu’il n’y est pas la possibilité de traduire ton blog en français. Je continuerai à te suivre quand même rien que pour les clichés ! Biz

    1. Bonjour Tess,
      Merci pour votre visite 🙂 J’aimerais tant pouvoir écrire mon blog en Français, mais hélas, j’ai un grand obstacle – le manque de temps! A la rentrée, je vais essayer de trouver une bonne solution et écrire mon blog dans les 2 langues. En attendant, vous pouvez toujours cliquer sur ‘google translate’, un outil qui permet de traduire la page dans votre langue souhaitée. Ce n’est pas la meilleure des traductions, mais l’essentiel est là. Je vous souhaite de bonnes vacances d’été! Mimi x

  24. Dear Mimi,

    You are a true inspiration. Your blog is an aesthetic explosion which makes my heart jump.

  25. Je passe toujours un très agréable moment à vous lire et à gouter vos recettes. La tatin de tomates est au menu de midi. Merci. Amitiés de Fine.

  26. Congratulations on your new baby. We are enjoying our shorter than usual time in the Medoc this summer as we have to return home for the birth of a new granddaughter . I will make the tomato tart. Hopefully we can visit your new place next summer.

  27. Loved this post! I was a city girl who now lives in a small alpine vilage in switzerland and your description of village life made me smile. I just posted about the subject yesterday…congratulations on the birth of your daughter, too!

  28. Dear Mimi,
    it is a pleasure to look at all the beautiful photos (big compliment to the photographer) as well as the great recipes.Congratulation on the birth of your daughter!!

  29. Always love your blog and adore your accurate depiction of French rural life – I was recently stopped by a “wave only” neighbour who gave me a tractor part that I’d been searching for – obviously common knowledge around town!
    Will have lots of Australian visitors for your Chambre d’hotes and Atelier when you’re ready
    Best wishes

  30. Dear Mimi,
    What a gift you have to inspire so many people not only by your cooking but by your writing as well. It is truly wonderful to find your own “voice” as you have done. Tomato tart to be tried and chicken as well!
    Your faithful Ukrainian “sorrel” fan from Brittany:-)

  31. I would love to visit you on july 26th. But our plans for this year have changed. Marco started to work as a Chef in a restaurant in Porto, where we live, and I’m left to enjoy my holidays alone. So, hopefully we might be able to have holidays together in 2015 and I hope we can manage to have our car-trip around France, as it was planned for this year!
    I’m amazed with such bounty of everything, your photos just inspired to go back to cooking (it’s really hard to cook just for myself and sometimes I end up eating a bowl of granola and greek yogurt – need to snap out of this lazy mood!)

    1. Bonjour! Well, congrats on Marco’s new position. 2015 is not so far away! Besides, I am sure you will have a lovely and relaxing holiday 🙂 Enjoy the peaceful time! Mimi x

  32. I love this post again, dear Mimi. Great captures, lovely scenes, wonderful recipes …. All things to find my Heart!

    May I re-Blog your recipe On my private Blog?

    Many greetings by Heidi

  33. Hello Mimi,
    That mysterious funny story … This August I will be in a village in Galicia and what accounts relationships with my neighbors I remember much. That beautiful relationship with all your children among them. Thank you very much for this delicious menu and a big hug for everyone.

  34. Hello Mimi,
    Your blog has always been one of the first I check on my blogroll.(It even helped inspire me to start my own blog!) I really enjoyed your writing on this post. 🙂

    1. Bonjour Lillian! So happy to hear from you! Thank you for your kind and encouraging words – I am thriled to hear you are starting your own blog 🙂 Happy summer! Mimi x

  35. Bonjour Mimi! I love reading your stories so much and will definitely try making the Tomato tarte! It looks absolutely delicious! My favorite flower is the sunflower… what a beautiful garden you all happened upon. I wish I could visit Medoc on 26th July 2014 for the event, but being so far away, I’d need to plan far in advance! 🙂 I can’t wait until your workshop this fall or next spring… or whenever you all are able to start!!! 🙂 xoxo, dana

    1. Bonjour Dana! I hope you will enjoy the tomato tart 🙂 It’s a perfect summer dish, and I love its deep red color. The event in St Christoly will be fun, my friend Anne is getting a group of local producers, farmers etc together – lots of fresh products, music and good local food. Sounds like this will be the first of many! I can’t wait to start the workshop too! Counting the days! Mimi x

  36. The tartin looks easy and delicious ~ looking forward to trying it. Missed your post about the new one and was wondering ~ great to see all went well and little Audrey is here!

  37. I’ve been rather silently marveling over your blog for a few months now, but I must comment on this beautiful post! I just love all the stories and photos that you have to share. I’m currently living in Beijing, but here’s hoping I’ll have a slice of country life sometime soon! : )

  38. Bonjour Mimi,

    I adore your black tank dress. My daughter wants red ballet flats like your girls had in previous month’s posts. You truly are a lifestyle-inspiration. PS – I think the Tarte will be on our menu tonight. Tomatoes are abundant in Western Pennsylvania right now.

    Looking forward to all things Mimi,
    Andrea

    1. Bonjour Andris! Thank you for your kind words. I hope you will find red ballerinas for your girls 🙂 Enjoy the tomato tatin – we are also in full tomato season. Happy summer, Mimi x

  39. You are a delight to read! Hope the fete is a huge success and tomato tarte..mmm think I have to indulge! Looking foward to the next blog and can’t wait for October for your book to come out. It’s on my list of “must get” xo

    1. Thank you so much Mel! I am very excited about the village fête – I am wondering how many duck burgers & meringues I should make ? 🙂 And the book! Vive October 28th – we are sooooo excited! Mimi x

  40. I especially love Manger posts that are so beautifully woven together between the lush photography and the sail along prose that I don’t even read the recipes…for now…I will come back to them but am content just to bow out with a smile on my face for the moment.
    Merci à vous deux…and all of the cast of characters!

    1. Merci Heather! Life is sometimes like one big play – there are all sorts of character building up to a fantastic story 🙂 Wishing you a lovely summer! Mimi x

  41. Bonjour Mimi,
    Votre blog est vraiment magnifique!
    J’ai passee dix-huit annees en Bourgogne et ca fait maintenent sept en que je suis de retour dans mon pays natal, la Norvege.
    La France me manque et je retrouve tout a fait l’ambiance de mon village bourgignon dans votre description du Medoc.
    Merci de me faire rever:)

    1. Bonsoir Cecilie, Je suis si touchée que notre petite histoire vous rappelle l’ambiance de votre ancien village en Bourgogne. J’espère que vous aurez l’occasion d’y retourner! Ou alors une petite visite dans le Médoc? 🙂 Mimi x

  42. That antique store looks like a dream, prop heaven:) It would also be just amazing to wander around in the sunflower fields, a site almost too beautiful for the eyes.

    1. Oh, I love Anne’s brocantes store. It’s always filled with such history, with a touch of mystery. I have gotten so much inspiration from her beautiful objects 🙂 You will have to visit someday! Mimi x

  43. Mimi,

    Love your post as always…I am always trying your recipes. One day I will come to Medoc with my husband for a visit. So beautiful!

  44. Great story and pictures as usual. Food looks so good! Hope to visit your part of France as I have only been to Paris. Thanks for sharing.

  45. I just absolutly adore you:) and I wish to read your posts more often… but in a meantime I’m going through all older posts again and again…and I never got enough ;)Vive La France! Many Kisses xxx from Poland and at the same time Lake District in UK where I currently live:)

  46. … Mimi, it was a pleasure to read this post. We have been travelled to the countryside of northern Germany (in April) I´m feeling you will be the only one that understands me: month without internet, working in the garden until darkness, painting rooms every single seond ,but with endless hapiness! … – i can understand more than 1000 words:) Here too, our neighbours are clother than our underwear, but it´s feeling quiet good!
    So happy to have internet, after month, as always i will cook every single receipe. i would love to plan a trip to you- as iam remembering we need to dance together in the kitchen:) The best to you from us! For sure

  47. Dear Mimi,

    I wish more places had such warmth of disposition. The easy going atmosphere leads to hearts growing in size. Beautiful big country hearts to experience are within the dreams of many a person. I love the bright invigorating light and freedom of summer and I commend Gaia for stealing a sunflower( I must say I still manage to pinch a fair few when noone is looking!). For it is almost symbolic of the fleeting beauty of the season and of childhood. What a precious memory filled with sunshine and paired perfectly with ripe juicy tomatoes. Thank you for sharing the sunshine with us!

    Sincerely,

    Tiffany

    P.S.Those Sunflowers! They always tend to make me smile as their faces seem to smile at you in return. Such golden flowers! Nature’s symbol of joy!

    1. Bonjour Tiffany! You would have loved being in the fields – such joy, such freedom. I felt like a character in a Japanese movie, jumping into a surreal field of sunflowers. It’s magical, beyond description! I told Louise and Gaïa that if you listen carefully, the flowers will speak and tell you a story. They apparently did… I enjoyed the sweetest tales of the sunflower families on the way back home. Have a lovely week! Today we are celebrating Bastille day 🙂 Mimi x ps: Loved the sunflower painting!

  48. Just gorgeous, as always. Makes me want to linger over some wine and a good book in the countryside, and make a special trip to France. Wish the hubby and I could come to this celebration! Maybe one day 🙂

    Xx,
    -Leslie

  49. I love it, very Chabrolesque! And who could resist stealing one of those magnificent blooms? Take care. x

  50. Hello mimi, Thank you so much for talking about the most beautiful place on earth, my lovely vilalge of St Christoly. I grew up there, My grandpa was the “receveur” of the post office. It doesn’t exist anymore but the building still stands, it’s a typical big house right by where the mayor’s house was ( les tourelles if I recall correctly). I loved growing up there… unfortunately the villa ge has lost it’s vibrant life over the years. I remember very well the fete du village and playing by the bank of the estuaire… even though I’ve been living abroad for many years, when I need to recharge the batteries, I take a trip down memory lane and go walk around there… I can picture my grandpa going to the café near the church, me and my gramma going grocery shopping to the tiny épicerie chez Nadine, getting a chausson aux pommes fromt he bakery accross the street from Nadine’s, walking on summer evenings to the farm of Madame Gay to get fresh milk… I love that you wrote about St Christoly. Thank you again.

    1. Bonjour Delphine! I was so touched by your comment – it’s wonderful how this post reached you – I can just imagine how you felt when you recognised your village d’enfance! Have you been to the Brocantes, do you know Anne? She a wonderful friend, and has such great plans to bring back some life into St Christoly! It’s one of my favorite village, so timeless and authentic. We can’t wait for the fête du village on the 26th July. Will check out your grandpa’s old house 🙂 Mimi x

      1. Hello Mimi, I don’t know Anne. We left St Christoly after my grandpa’s passing in 1985. My grandma moved to Lesparre, my parents are in Gaillan. But I have a big framed picture of the port in my living-room, that way wherever I move around the world ( so far 10 yrs in the US and 5 yrs in Italy), I bring a piece of St Christoly with me. If you talk to local people, they will probably remember my grandpa, he was in charge of the post office until 1985 and he had only one arm… his name was Mr Bibes.
        Take care, Delphine.

  51. Country life sounds so friendly and rich! I love your mystery book plan, and I’ve just read Mrs Dalloway on your recommendation, it was excellent.
    The sunflowers’ faces are cute how they look like they’re looking at the camera :O)
    Best wishes!!

    1. Bonjour Helen! Happy to hear you enjoyed Mrs Dalloway! I just finished reading a wonderful book, Rosa Candida by an Icelandic writer Audur Ava Olafsdottir. Lovely read! I recommend it. Mimi x

  52. I am so thrilled when I see your latest post! Your children are beautiful. Best wishes on your new addition (a tad belated but heartfelt)!
    Thank you for sharing the wonderful recipes. I am anxious to try all of them however I do have a question about the pastilla. How is the sauce used? Is it an accompaniment or is it layered with the custard cream? I am sorry to be obtuse but I must get it right.
    Happy Summer! Bonnie G.

    1. Hello Bonnie! Thank you for your kind words. 🙂 Regarding the sauce, I serve it on the side, to be poured over the pastilla. It “lifts” the dessert, adding a tangy touch. Mimi x

  53. For ten years I lived in a village near Milan, now I live in Rome. What I prefer? I don’t know, sometimes I miss the easy life of village and somentimes I think that I can’t live without the beatuy of Rome.Yesterday night I did your Tomato tarte tatin:so good, the nex time I will try with pasta briseè.a bientot
    gabriella

    1. Bonjour Gabriella! Oh how lucky you are to live in Rome! Whenever Oddur and I escape on a romantic escapade, we always choose your beautiful city 🙂 So happy to hear you enjoyed the tomato tarte tatin! Mimi x

  54. I am inspired by your wonderful and exciting life! Thank you for sharing it with us. You have a lovely mind and your children are so fortunate to have such a positive, vibrant and adventurous mother. Félicitations for your new baby– I love her name. Audrey was my favorite female character on Twin Peaks, so clever and fiery!

    1. Bonjour Tess! Merci beaucoup for your sweet words 🙂 We are a very adventurous family, always making plans on a whim, always positive – we all make a good team 🙂 Thanks for reminding me of the Audrey character in Twin Peaks – I love the show! Happy summer, Mimi x

  55. Hi,
    Is there any way that you could add Pinterest to your blog? The photographs are so beautiful that I would like to keep them?

  56. Cette brocante…. Un véritable lieu de perdition! Je l’avais vue dans l’émission, vous avez bien de la chance d’avoir une telle fée des antiquités si près de chez vous! Quant à “la vie de campagne”, la description très drôle que vous en faites correspond exactement à ce que je vis ici! La vie de campagne est universelle, je pense…. Je vous souhaite un merveilleux été.

    1. Bonjour Kenza! Oui, cette brocantes est une grande source d’inspiration – Anne est vraiment une ‘fée’ dans ma vie culinaire 🙂 Bonnes vacances! Et vive le 14 Juillet! Mimi x

  57. Every time I read your written words I am overwhelmed with emotion, I feel I am in your life, walking along side as you see the beauty in the simple things of your wonderful life. I gain a much greater appreciation for the simple things I now take the time to enjoy. Thank you so much and NEVER stop writing!

    1. Oh Tonya! Merci for your kind words – it’s wonderful to be so encouraging! Country life has vertainly changed my perspective on life, in the best possible way – I appreciate everything… more! From the city, to the country, to the little things in life that make us all so happy. I hope you will get a chance to try the recipes 🙂 Happy summer, Mimi x

  58. Hello mimi, que du bonheur en lisant ton post ! Tes contes sont passionnants et tes recettes irrésistibles. On se précipite pour les adopter et s’en régaler. Bien noté la ste Anne le 26 juillet et je passerai participer à la fête. Si tu as besoin d’aide je répondrais présente. Bisoys à l’adorable tribu. A.Marie

    1. Bonjour chère Anne-Marie! Merci pour ton gentil message – viens avec tes amis le 26 Juillet! Je vais servir des burgers au magret, et de jolies meringues d’été! Il y aura beaucoup de producteurs, ainsi qu’une grande variétés de plats et produits sur place! Mettons un peu de vie dans le village 🙂 Je t’embrasse, Mimi x

  59. I am sitting in bed, in the Loire, on holiday it looks really grim outside, but the view is stunning! I have just been reading your blog and feel inspired, the photos are amazing! Yesterday we were in the sunflower fields they are really special and so beautiful, off I go now to embrace French life in the rain, coffee and croissant are needed – your new house looks stunning but the old one didn’t look too bad x

  60. Mimi,

    Je lis ton blog comme un roman, c’est merveilleux! Et les photos…
    Tout est beau, ici!

    J’habite a Lisbonne, une ville que j’adore, mais chaque fois que je viens ici, j’ai envie de partir a la champagne…

    Merci de me faire rever!

    1. Bonjour Deborah! Thanks for reading Manger 🙂 To follow the post, you just have to click the “+Follow” button on the bottom right of your screen. merci, Mimi x

  61. Hello Mimi…I just discovered this blog and it is the best! Is there a way I could read it from the very beginning without having to scroll down forever. I would love to read all the stories and look at all the photos but there is no key that gives me access to the archives. Thank You…I can hardly wait to try a few recipes!

    1. Bonjour Francine! Thanks so much for your kind words! To see the older posts, please scroll all the way to the bottom of the page (after the comments), then you have a choice of clicking older posts or newer posts. Merci! Mimi x

  62. In the middle of our winter it was an absolute delight to see. Artistically presented, all the things I like to see.
    Well done can’t wait for the next.

  63. Hello Mimi
    I have been reading your blog ever since it was mentioned in Deb Perelman’s Smitten Kitchen.Every post has been breathtaking and I love your ability to enjoy all that life has to offer. I feel inspired to be as providing and nurturing as you and your husband are in caring for your family.I don’t cook but as it does not come easily to me.Food is so vital for a family that I know by reading your blog.I hope one day I cook and care for a family as naturally as it comes to you.Next June I will be coming to Medoc to dine with with you in your restaurant.When you wrote how we can imagine entering your home/restaurant with the rose to drink, creme frache to enjoy, I felt already transported to your home.
    My best wished on your glorious new addition to your family.
    Much love
    Reena
    India

    1. Bonjour Reena! Thank you so much for your kind words – it is a pleasure to share our lives here in Medoc. I love “meeting” so many wonderful readers through Manger 🙂 You know, cooking really is quite simple. As long as you have the right ingredients, a good level of enthusiasm and a sense of improvisation, then anything goes 🙂 Looking forward to meeting you! Mimi x

  64. Hello
    My wife and i will be in the area on our holidays when the sumer event is on and we will try to make it

      1. Hello Mimi
        Great to meet you and all the other great people at the fete.We had a fantastic afternoon. I to am from a village with a fishing and agricultural heritage and it great to see both together as one.
        Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to explain about the area to my wife and I.
        The meringue and peaches with cream were so good.
        We followed your great recommendations on our journey back to st Emillion.
        Terry

  65. Hello Mimi,

    Beautiful post. Irresistibly cute villain – the most dangerous kind! 😉

    Very exciting that your move is approaching – I hope it goes well.

    I know you have your hands full at the moment, but I wanted to cheek if my email had reached you? Very excited about being in paris this gal and I would love to pay a visit to Médoc!

    bisous xx

      1. Hello Mimi – I resent it this morning – let me know if it still fails to reach you! Hope you are having a lovely morning xx

  66. Não sei se deveria passar para o inglês, que não falo, então iria ser pelo google tradutor…
    Mimi adorei suas palavras, fotos e o seu modo de vida na aldeia. Eu e meu marido temos pensado em viver num lugar afastado das cidades grandes mas ainda nao nos decidimos.
    Parabéns por tudo, seus filhos, casa e agora tem mais uma seguidora, do Brasil…São José dos Campos. Abraços

  67. Bonjour douce Mimi et Joyeux Quartorze Juillet!!!!!
    You always have a lovely party on the 14th of July and I hope that the celebrations will flow for the Thorrisons’.
    I’ve just been studying that beautiful tomato tart of yours. I love the patience involved in shaping the pastry so perfectly around the tomatoes…….parfait Mimi!!! Working in the garden this morning getting beds ready for Spring plantings……tomatoes will be first in xx Anita

    1. Bonjour Anita! Happy Bastille day! We are having a lovely family day, filled with fun! Wishing you lovely days of gardening – I just finished reading a lovely book called Rosa Candida by an Icelandic write Audur Ava Olafsdottir. Something tells me you will enjoy it too 🙂 Bisous, Mimi x

      1. Bonjour Mimi et je vous remercie beaucoup pour la recommandation de livre. This couldn’t have come at a better time as I’ve just completed an epic Irish novel which I wont recommend……haha. They had a laugh at my local book shop as I tried to pronounce Olafsdottir. In the end I said “I’ll write it down”!! 10 day wait till it comes in. Have read a few reviews now about Rosa Candida and everyone speaks so highly of the writer and this novel. You’re spot on, I will enjoy this. Hope all is going well with the restaurant preparations and most importantly, dear baby Audrey May xx Anita

  68. Querida Mimi, tu relato acompañado de las magnificas fotos me ha parecido encantador. Un domingo de la pasada primavera en un pueblo cercano al mio, hubo un aconteciminto parecido al que pronto vais a celebrar. La plaza empedrada acogio un concurso de cocina, se trataba de hacer un guiso en cazuela…. acompañada de musica en directo ,piano, guitarra, acordeon … pequeños conciertos que niños y adolescentes del pueblo nos ofrecieron. La magia era absoluta. Explico esta historia porque cuando he leido

    1. Esta visto que la tecnologia y yo estamos reñidos… Me encataria asistir a la fiesta que estais preparando , me haria tan feliz conocerte . La tarta de tomate es magnifica. Gracias por tu amabilidad y por toda la alegria de vivir que transmites. Hasta muy pronto.Feliz dia de la Bastilla. Un gran abrazo. Rosa

  69. Esta visto que la tecnologia y yo estamos reñidos… Me encataria asistir a la fiesta que estais preparando , me haria tan feliz conocerte . La tarta de tomate es magnifica. Gracias por tu amabilidad y por toda la alegria de vivir que transmites. Hasta muy pronto.Feliz dia de la Bastilla. Un gran abrazo. Rosa

  70. I love your blog, it is very beautiful! I was wondering if you could tell me the name of your china pattern, it is lovely.

  71. I’m now dreaming of Medoc- perhaps soon I’ll get to visit.
    I have a quick question about the pastilla- do you pour the sauce over or serve it on the side?

  72. I don’t mean to bombard you–three comments in one day!–but I just made your tomato tart and think I may have made a number of errors! I see in your comments that you said to use tomatoes that are not too ripe. I didn’t see the comment before I made the tart. I used very ripe ones direct from the upstate NY farmer at the market this morning. Very juicy and flavorful! But maybe too juicy for this tart? Also–at what temperature do you cook the tomatoes on the stove? And you say to cook them for 5-8 minutes, but how do you know when they are done, and ready to be removed from the pan? What should I be looking for? And am I right to assume that I should lift them with slotted spoon so as not to catch any excess liquid when I move them from the pan to the tart plate before baking? Lastly, how do I drain the liquid without losing the tart in the sink once its baked?! My husband volunteered to drain my beautiful tart for me, because our copper pans are heavy, and in so doing dropped the whole thing in the sink, breaking it in half….What little we could salvage was delicious! Thank you for sharing the recipe!

    1. Hello! It’s important not to use ripe tomatoes, because it will make the tart even more juicy; on the stove, I cook them on a medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes. The tomatoes should be glazed with the oil and balsamic, but not cooked, then place the tomatoes in the tart pan, discarding the excess liquid. Lastly, when you drain the tart, it’s best to do it over a sink. Just place a plate on top of the tart pan and turn upside down. I hope this helps 🙂 Wishing you a lovely week-end Sara! Mimi x

  73. Hi Mimi,
    you have such a beautiful and inspirational blog! Can I ask where you found your black dress and the flowery one from the previous post?

    thanks so much,
    lc

  74. Hi Mimi,
    your blog is so beautiful..it makes me dream of holidays 🙂
    I made the tomato tarte tatin last weekend…just super!! thank you for posting all those amazing photos and recipes.

    Ciao from Italy,

  75. Dear Mimi,
    Being on holidays makes me want to cook more! Your tomato tart is excellent (already made 4) with everytimea great success!
    Arcachon being close to your place, I would love to meet you in St Christoly…
    I just saw that you read Rosa Candida recently, just finished it 2 weeks ago… Délicat, touchant, ce livre me hante encore, quelle coïncidence!
    Je me remets à la traduction et te propose mes services pour ton blog ou ton livre (déjà réservé!); Je t’embrasse Cécile

  76. Querida Mimi, la tarta de tomate es realmente buena , en casa fue un exito. Que la fiesta del proximo sabado,sea un exito. Feliz dia. Rosa.

  77. In the process of making the whole meal for dinner tonight — one question: where does the tomato concentrate come into the sauce? I’m adding it in with the other liquids, and hope it’s okay!
    Thank you for inspiring my cooking!

  78. Etant végétalienne, il est rare que je trouve ici des recettes qui correspondent à mon choix d’alimentation (mais oooh la petite tarte tatin ça c’est pour moi!), cependant j’apprécie beaucoup venir régulièrement jeter un coup d’oeil à ce magnifique blog où tout est vraiment charmant. J’habite moi même dans un tout petit village des deux sèvres et je me retrouve beaucoup dans ce mode de vie simple et convivial. Merci pour ce joli partage!

  79. Hello Mimi,

    I imagine that you’re up to your eyes in egg white, sugar, dough and duck meat. Bon chance for tomorrow. I hope you do not have the weather that we’ve been having here in London today! Oh boy.

    All the best
    Susie
    xx

  80. Hello Mimi,
    I’ve just made this lovely cherry tomato tarte tatin. I loved it! I saved one bite to have it for lunch tomorrow at the office. One more week and the holidays will be here. We had a plan to go to France this summer and our plan included Médoc (thanks to your posts among others), but unfortunately something came up and our trip has to be postponed. I will continue to enjoy Médoc through your posts.
    I hope the yesterday’s catering was a success. Can’t wait to read about it. Mimi, I wish you and your family all the best!
    Love from Slovenia.
    Natasa

  81. Dear Mimi,
    Served tomato tarte titin to our guests yesterday. Complete hit! It disappeared in seconds. Who’d think something so “simple” could be so delicious. Thanks for your tips! Hope you’re well.
    Your Ukrainian sorrel friend:-)

  82. I have just taken the tomato tarte tatin from the oven and it smells devine. As I didn’t have any cherry tomatoes this evening, I substitured large Roma and cut in quarters and removed the seeds with my fingers which also removed lots of juice. The end result is not as pretty but now just waiting for it too cool to taste. I’m sure it will be delicious. Have just returned from a week in Saint Remy de Provence at Vicki Archer’s Le Petit Bijou which was fabulous and must now put Medoc on the wish list to visit. This cold wet weather here in Southern Western Australia is such a contract to our week in sunny France. Best Wishes

  83. You are allways an inspiration for us… We are trying to live a slow life, enjoying the little things and searching for the beauty every where, and you and all the things around you are really beautiful… Thanks for be as you are!!!

  84. Dear Mimi,

    Since my husband and 2 boys are away on holiday in Sweden, I have finally found some free precious time (almost 3 weeks) to do whatever I feel and take care of myself!

    Most of my evenings have been spent looking at food blogs. I happened to find a link to your blog and then it was magical! The following nights have been very late indeed browsing your blog! Everything in your life is so rich of memorable moments. You have really captured those precious moments for you and your family but also kindly shared it with us.

    Your food is very classical and so down to earth that there is no pressure. I invited some French friends over last night and cooked your tomato tarte tatin and red wine and vinegar chicken. What a feast! They loved it so much!

    I cannot wait but try many more of your mouth watering recipes. It is a good excuse for more family or friends gatherings.

    Merci mille fois Mimi pour ton blog et j’espère qu’un jour je ferai ta connaissance.

    Best wishes from Toulouse

  85. Dear Mimi, my favorite thing about your blog is when you explore chateaux ruins…it makes me sad that those hauntingly lovely buildings are deteriorating…what if your awesome photographer husband made a picture book about them….then in a way they would be preserved! There are a lot of romantics like me who would buy it! Thanks, Sandy

  86. Mimi,

    I’ve just found this through Pinterest and your tomato tarte tatin looks simply amazing. Officially added to my ‘to-make’ list 🙂

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