PRINTS, POTATOES & LAST YEAR’S FEAST

cover

“You are having two babies this year”, a lot of people kept telling me this spring. They meant, of course, the one living in my bump and my cookbook which was by then on its way to the printers. As many of you know by now the first one arrived, if not altogether surprisingly, at least surprisingly quickly at the end of May. The second baby is still on its way but at least in this case the delivery date is firmly fixed, the 28th of October, not a day later or before. The element of surprise is how many of you have already pre-ordered the book. It warms my heart that you should have such faith in my cooking that you are prepared to buy it unseen. Merci mille fois. I had a discussion about this with the good people at Clarkson Potter/Random House and we all thought it was a good idea to reward this faith in some way, our little way of saying thank you. After some deliberation we felt that offering all you pre-orderers a little print from Manger might be appreciated, and to be totally honest (for this is an honest blog) we certainly won’t mind if this encourages even more people to pre-order the book.

It works like this. Those of you who have preordered the book or will order the book before the official publication date can click on http://app.snapapp.com/AKitchenInFrance and fill in your details. If you have any problems with this procedure or questions please feel free to contact [email protected] The person on the other end of this email is a fine fellow called Kevin Sweeting. I had the pleasure to spend some time with him at Random House in NY in March and I think we are all in good hands with him. We chose three prints that we feel represent well what we are doing and hope you will agree with our selection. Those who fill in their details will receive one of the prints, which one will be a surprise. I hope you are happy with this arrangement and our selection of prints, that is all that matters.
Available for presale on
AmazonB&NIndiebound

The three prints

meringueprint

treeprint

pearsprint

A feast in October

Last year in October we had one of the best outdoor feasts we’ve ever had. We had already passed our deadline for the book but some recipes had not yet been photographed. The team from Canal+ were arriving the following Monday and we knew from experience that shooting for TV leaves little room for anything else. So we had this idea to throw one final glorious feast the Sunday before, cook everything that was missing from the book and have a blast of a time. And we did. We invited some of our favorite people and I started at the stove. It was a beautiful day, a beautiful feast. Of course it wasn’t seamless, we had a few mini-crisis. There were no cèpes to be found, the weather was fickle at best, Oddur forgot to buy gambas. In the end it all worked out, our friends unexpectedly brought the gambas, our other friends, the snail farmers sorted out the cèpes. Even the weather showed a kind side. If there was ever a “Manger event”, this was it. Oddur jumping on tables to photograph, dogs stealing food, more wine than perhaps was necessary and so much food that everyone left happy and heavy.
A standout dish from that day was funnily enough not the quails, gambas or even the foie gras. Not even the cèpes tartlets or harvest soup or apple tart with orange flower water. That day the dish that we all wished we had more of was the simplest, humblest of all. The potatoes, Lyonnaise style. We’ve had this dish countless times this year and speaking of babies, when I was in the clinic with Audrey May, Oddur made it practically every night with his steak, quails and other extravaganzas. This summer he’s been cooking it with both our boys and some of the girls, I’ve been cooking it, it seems, every other night. If there ever was a dish for every season and every occasion this is it … and here it is, in all its simple glory. Anyone can do it, and that’s what I love about it – you see for me cookbooks are there to inspire and encourage, to give recipes but also ideas.

Potatoes and Onions, now that’s an idea.

feastview

feastprep

feastapples

feastquail

feastfab

feastdav

louisefeast

feastpumpkin

lyonnaisepotatoes

Potatoes à la Lyonnaise

Serves 4

2 pounds/ 900 g new potatoes, peeled
About 11 tablespoons/ 150 g unsalted butter
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 onions, thinly sliced
A bunch of fresh parsley, leaves removed and finely chopped

Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C.

Put the potatoes in a large pot, add enough salted cold water to cover, bring to a boil, and cook until parboiled, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cool running water. Let cool for a few minutes, then slice the potatoes into 1/8-inch/3- to 4-mm-thick slices.

In a large sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add about one-quarter of the potatoes and fry, seasoning them with salt and pepper, until golden, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Continue frying the potatoes, adding more butter each time (you should use about 8 tablespoons / 120 g in total), until all of them are cooked.

Meanwhile, in another sauté pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons / 30 g butter over medium heat. Cook the onions until golden, about 5 minutes.

Return all of the potatoes to the pan, add the onions, and mix gently. Cook for 5 more minutes for the flavors to combine.

Transfer the potatoes and onions to a large baking dish. Bake until gently sizzling, about 10 minutes.

Sprinkle the parsley over the potatoes and serve.

feastgeorge

177 thoughts on “PRINTS, POTATOES & LAST YEAR’S FEAST

  1. Potatoes à la Lyonnaise, Love Love Love it, I’m gonna makes these sOOn! 😉
    been dropping by, haven’t commented in a bit, so wonderful !! xo

  2. Ah ha! Mimi, is print #2 Mimi collecting flowers from a Black Lotus Tree? It’s only 5 days until the southern hemisphere’s calendar says it’s Spring, and although I see real merit in the ‘after solstice’ pattern adopted in France – here (Jervis Bay Australia) the real bud burst usually occurs late September/early October. I’ll be searching then for a Robina tree (the closest my research has unearthed) from which to gather flowers for your Black Locust Flower Cake.

    1. Hi Mimi, am back home from your fairytale life. Thanks for sharing all. Been told by ma belle mere that instead of butter, it’s preferred by French to use duck fat. Last time, I used the excess duck fat from foie gras!! It gave alot more flavour. But I guess butter is easier to get. Will pre order your book for sure!
      Much love, T. Xxxx

    2. Hello Jude! So happy to hear spring is just around the corner in your southern hemisphere. So full of promise 🙂 Enjoy the black locust cake – its perfumed honey taste is unbeatable. Mimi x

  3. Hello Mimi,
    I have been reading your blog for several months now and always wondered how you manage it all: kids, book, blog, cooking, etc. etc. :)) But you do! Your posts are so delicious in all meanings: recipes and life. Thank you for such a wonderful blog and for an inspiring attitude! Good luck with the book!

    1. Hello Katherine! Of course there are moments when I wonder how I will manage it all, but somehow it all works out one way or the other – you just have to believe that everything is possible! My life is certainly very challenged, but as long as the kids are well, the food is good on the table, then anything goes. ps: my house could definitely be more tidy! 🙂

  4. Hi Mimi, I’ve just preordered the book and am very much looking forward to exploring your recipes! The prints are a beautiful thank you gift.

  5. Two books will be ordered. I had a giveaway on my blog for your cookbook and the winner will be so pleased with the print in addition to the book. As will I. Hope all is going well with the renovations and it is my intent to visit your wonderful place when it is finished. We have been to France; Loire Valley, Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Provence, but not your corner of the world. You have made it so inviting, how could I resist? As you know, dear Mimi, you are an inspiration.

    1. Merci chère Penny! I am so touched you are having a giveaway on your blog 🙂 And please come for a visit soon – Médoc is waiting for you. We are doing everything we can to accelerate the works in the new house so we can open the table d’hôtes and the ateliers as soon as possible. Best, Mimi x

  6. What a treat! I was excited just to pre-order your cookbook. I actually made your chocolate meringues today too so I am excited to see that is one of the possible prints. Good luck with your cookbook release!

    1. Thank you so much emily! I do love those chocolate meringues – they always make someone happy at the dinner table – it’s a very rewarding dessert. I hope you will get that print! Mimi x

  7. Jervis Bay Jude again Mimi. I realised I used ‘after solstice’ as a marker for the change to spring. Should have said ‘solstice’, I await bud burst! Cheers, Jude

  8. A DREAM………YOU inspire me and I cannot wait for the book!I have pre-ordered and will go double check its still there on AMAZON………..the prints that first one is delicious…….the family well I have to have that and the last such an ODDUR pic!I must go read again…..we only get one right?You are so charming………I just know it will be a best seller………..how could it NOT BE?!!!xoox

  9. Those are lovely photos!
    I did signed up for the poster, but I am a bit worried that I am a bit too far away..Hope to get it..

  10. Hello Mimi…
    I LOVE everything about your blog!
    I just ordered your book, and the print offer is definitely the cherry on top of the traditional sundae:)
    Merci!

    1. Oh merci Francine! I am so touched by your kind words! I am feeling so emotional & excited about all this. It’s all coming to life! I am crossing my fingers to get an advance copy this week as I assume they are or just have been printed – everytime I hear a car I think it is Monsieur le DHL with our book 🙂 Best, Mimi x

  11. So very thrilled to hear about your cookbook coming into fruition ! I have pre-ordered your book . I have never pre-ordered anything in the past. But I just know you will beautifully overwhelm the pages just like you do on your blog . One can never get too much of your fabulous photos and inspiring foods .
    Excited to try the recipes and to make them for my family . I am sure I will be sharing about your cookbook on my King Maker blog . It’s too good to keep you all to myself 🙂

  12. Mimi, I am so happy to have found you through Amazon. I had an email yesterday offering several new French cookbooks and yours was one of them. And that led me to your blog and I’m just so thrilled. How beautiful it all is. A beautiful family, stories, photography, recipes and so much more. I love it all. After reading some of your posts I pre-ordered your book today and this evening when I read your newest post I was thrilled to see the pre-order reward of a print. Such beautiful photography your husband does. I think these photos would make nice note cards on very good card stock. I would buy them. I’m looking forward to reading all of your entries, receiving the cookbook and the print! Thanks for all your inspiration. I feel like I’ve found a kindred spirit.

    1. Thank you Linda for such kind and inspiring words. This is a dream come true – to finally see and hold our “lives” in a book. My husband and I are so excited to receive our advance copy 🙂 and I am so grateful for Amazon to send you my book as a suggestion! Merci! Mimi x

  13. Just preordered.
    I was only waiting to see if details of getting an autographed copy would emerge. No matter. I’ll order another if I have to.

    I’m thinking that you should patent the potato/onion combination.

    Hmm, I’ve never considered wine in terms of necessity. Upon contemplation, though, I NEVER drink more than necessary.

    Regards,
    Joachim

    Great pictures and the

    1. (Wish there were a way to edit comments…)
      Every thing past, and including, “Great pictures” should be stricken from the record.

      Not that pictures weren’t great! Never mind, this could become an endlessly rising canon.

      J.

  14. I hate to see summer end, but this lovely post made me feel ok about fall coming soon (nice boots and coats at least!).

    So looking forward to the book Mimi! I pre-ordered so long ago! Hurry up lady!

    xo

    1. Summer ain’t over just yet! I was just telling Oddur last night that I hope this won’t make everyone feel that summer is over. It was last year’s feast 🙂 I am hanging on to summer, not letting go just yet! Big hugs, Mimi x

  15. I will be heading to the book store to pre-order your book. I hope there are some vegetarian recipes in it. I so enjoy your blog and eagerly await each post.

    Linda

  16. Congrats, Mimi! Let me say you are just amazing! Your blog makes me seriously consider my chance to move to a farmhouse, he he 🙂

  17. Félicitations à nouveau pour ton “deuxième” bébé ! J’attends avec impatiente la version française, je veux me l’offrir comme cadeau de Noël. Les photos sont tellement belles ! Et tes recettes toujours justes sans mauvaises surprises !! J’adore des picnics comme ça improvisé mais chic, avec les tables et les chaises 😉
    J’aime beaucoup les pommes de terre à la lyonnaise, quand on fait des grillades on fait souvent ce types des pommes de terre et mois j’ai les préfère à la viande !
    Félicitations aussi pour le Vogue American ! xo

    1. Merci Eva! J’espère que tu as assé de bonnes vacances en Espagne! Nous ne sommes pas du tout prêt pour la rentrée – on s’accroche au mois d’août! 🙂 Mimi x

  18. I totally agree with what you say about cookbooks. Inspiration is everything. Great images inspire. So Thankyou for yours.
    Just a quick Q.
    What type of pumpkin is featured on the chair in one of your photos. I’ve fallen in love.
    Best Wishes
    Nicky. Xx

    1. Bonjour Nicky! Thank you for all your kind words! That pumpkin is magical looking… it’s called “courge musquée” – (to be translated “musky pumpkin’). Best, Mimi x

  19. I pre-ordered your book a couple of weeks ago. I can’t wait for it to arrive!
    I am also looking forward to reading blog posts about your new home 🙂

    1. Bonjour Michelle! Thanks for the preorder! I am so touched. And yes, we are so excited about the new house – we’re just starting… with the kitchen of course! Will share very soon! Mimi x

  20. Bonjour Mimi!
    Quelle générosité de votre part 🙂
    J’ai hâte de recevoir le mien!

    Il pleut beaucoup en ce moment à Paris… un ciel beau mais lourd. Le temps idéal pour faire tes pommes de terres lyonnaises!

    Bonne journée!
    Jasmine

    1. Coucou Jasmine! Oui, mes amis parisiens se plaignent beaucoup du mauvais temps! Qui sait, peut-être que vous aurez un été indien? Je croise les doigts! Et merci pour la précommande – j’espère que l’on se verra à Paris au American Library! Mimi x

  21. What a lovely surprise Mimi ! Thank you very much !!

    I was considering buying your book in Mollat in October, but I badly want one of these prints 🙂 Now, which one to choose …

    The feast in the woods is such a good idea !!! I’ll try the pommes de terre à la lyonnaise very soon. Such a comforting dish that’ll go very well with the weather 🙂

    It’s funny how your second baby of the year will show up exactly 5 months after Audrey May 🙂

    I guess 28 is your lucky number 🙂

    Alice

    1. Hello Alice! So Hawaii? Fun? I will let you decide for the book – I also know it is coming out in French in January 2015 – so to answer to your question on IG, I hope to do a book-signing there – Mollat is my favorite bookstore in Bordeaux 🙂 And yes, the book is coming out 5 months after Audrey – should I also say that 5 is my lucky number? I am a big believer in signs! Hope to meet you soon! Mimi x

  22. Dear Mimi,

    Thank you for your blog! I spent the summer reading it, nearly came to your beginnings and realized we shared the same classics! I also found a lot of inspiration, new recipes and great ideas! I made you tomato tatin tart 6 times and we were happily surprised by your chicken creme fraiche which will become one of our classics!
    And you are true, recipes are far better with a little story!
    Waiting for your book! Will have it in English and french for my 2 kitchens and won’t need wifi to cook! Bravo bravo! et merci pour tout! bisous Cécile xx

  23. Dearest Mimi,
    So excited and I can’t wait to receive your beautiful book, I preordered it back in Feb 26th. Best of luck and success.
    I missed your previous post, I love it and I love love Audrey May’s photo, she is so adorable xx
    PS Try the potato dish with coriander and Chile flakes, you will love it.
    Best wishes and much love
    Rowaida xx

    1. Merci dear Rowaida! I hope you had a wonderful summer – enjoyed all your holiday crops! Audrey May is 3 months today – so much sweetness 🙂 I will take your tip and try woth coriander & chile flakes. Merci. Mimi x

  24. The cookbook must be a dream come true for you, and it is really a wonderful & very smart idea to reward confident readers. It´s truly tempting to preorder now ;-), since I adore your blog!

  25. Your blog is so addicting, and the photographs are like something out of dream, or the novel “Chocolat.”

    Every post is precious, so please never stop writing!

    1. Thank you so much Maya! I am lucky to have a husband as a team mate – we share the same visions and passions for everything. Chocolat is one of my favorite novels, so beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for such beautiful and encouraging words! Mimi x

    1. Merci Alison! We are also counting the days here 🙂 I have such fond memories from that autumn feast – seeing everyone hold the chairs, table, food – magical and fun. We were is such a magical surrounding, beautiful light… just 2 minutes away from our house. I’ll have to repeat that, this time in the vineyards! Can’t wait for harvest season. Mimi x

  26. I pre-ordered your book from Amazon several weeks
    Can’t wait to hold it on October 28th!
    Oh to be a winner!
    Bonne chance à tous!
    Thank you, Mimi!
    ~Lynne
    withLove!

  27. Will the potato/onion recipe be included? I guess I could wait until my pre-order arrives, but not sure I could wait. Guess a copy and paste has won out.

  28. Querida Mimi, me siento feliz con cada nueva entrada tuya, siempre tan inspiradoras y llenas de arte . Hubiera pre ordenado tu libro en el mismo momento en que diste la noticia, pero no lo hice porque espero la edicion en castellano o frances. Siento una gran admiracion por ti, y por tu cocina. La semana pasada hice las tartaletas tian, verdaderamente extraordinarias. Un abrazo Mimi. Rosa.

  29. Oh how exciting! I’ll be buying 2. One for me and one for my lovely sister in law who dreams of living in France and cooking beautiful food. It will be a great inspiration to her! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful life. Can’t wait to try the potatoes!

    1. Ah the potatoes, they are just so good, so simple. Thanks for getting the two copies, I hope they won’t disappoint, just got my first one on Monday so we are very excited this week. Mimi x

  30. Hi Mimi. I’m really looking forward to getting a copy of your book, and the prints are lovely! The Lyonnaise potatoes look so delicious, perfect comfort food. I’ve been making my own version all summer to accompany seafood that the fishermen in our family have been bringing back: sliced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled, depending on how lazy I’m feeling), sliced red peppers, halved echalions (skin and all), cloves of garlic, unpeeled, roasted for an hour or so in a hot oven with some olive oil, salt flakes, dried herbes de Provence, and a sprinkle of piment d’Espelette.

    1. Hi Zelda, yes we got the book on Monday, feels very special to hold it in my hands. It’s bigger than I thought, quite impressive actually. Hope you get the print you like! I love Basque cooking, all those peppers and piments – your potatoes sound delicious. Mimi x

  31. What an exciting feast in the forest! I am running to my garden to see if any potatoes are ready to harvest to try this dish! Congratulations on your second baby of the year!

  32. So glad I came across your blog.
    I love the photography!
    In my opinion nothing is better than the humble potatoe.
    Will try these soon.

    Thank you

  33. Thank you so much for your generosity! It is so unexpected and so amazing. Can hardly wait for the book…baby #2. Thanks for sharing your gift with us!

  34. I had your beautiful book in my Wish List folder on Amazon now for 2 months… I just pre-ordered it today, and can not wait for it to arrive. Your blog and photos are stunning! Thank you for given us a piece of Médoc Living by graciously giving us a gift just for ordering early! All the best to you and your family, Rié

    1. Hie Rie, I hope you will like the book, I hope all of you will. It’s difficult to judge your own work, you piece it slowly together so you never get that full experience of seeing it for the first time … but I am happy with it and I would buy it! In fact I did, just couldn’t resist. So in addition from the copies I’ll get from Clarkson Potter I’ll get one from Amazon. Silly me. Mimi x

  35. Mimi,
    I have been touched in some way by the beauty and wonder that is Manger. I am blessed to call the Great Southern Land… Australia, home, but long to visit France in the future. In the meantime, however, I look forward to your musings on France and french life with great pleasure.
    Donna x

    1. Hi Donna, I share your love for Australia, I have been there many times, met many special people. I am so happy to share my love of France through Manger but I do hope you’ll get the chance to visit soon. Mimi x

  36. Hello Mimi!,
    Thank you for your generosity! I would like to consult you if the book was also released in French (yesterday I asked Kevin if he would be in Spanish and told me not to, but I forgot to ask if there was French edition). Like I had mentioned a while will be a Christmas present for my mother and not understand English (anyway, if no other option my sister will translate it).
    A hug for the whole family.

    1. Hi Yasmina, Yes there will be a French version, published by Hachette. I believe it will be released in January – so too late for Christmas, sorry about that. I hope you’ll like your print, Mimi x

      1. I look forward to receiving the book, I have already commissioned, it sure is wonderful because you do it all with great charm. Thanks Mimi 😉

  37. Gosh, I can’t wait for your book to come out, Mimi, so I can make myself comfortable on the couch and get lost in your stories and recipes as well as Oddur’s gorgeous photography. If it’s anything like your beautiful space here, it has the potential of becoming one of my all-time favorite cookbooks. Not just to cook from it but also to have on my bedside table.

    1. Hi Sini, I hope the book lives up to your great expectations. I too love to surround myself with cookboks, in bed, on the sofa, in the garden. But reading cookbooks always makes me hungry so I make sure to have something to nibble on. Some cheese, a glass of port. Books are just so great. Mimi x

  38. Bonjour,
    je vous lis depuis quelques mois déjà, j’habite Bordeaux et j’ai un jack russel !!
    Votre univers est fascinant et il interroge ma fille Margaux qui a 13 ans et qui se demande toujours si votre vie est réelle :
    – On dirait un conte, tu ne trouves pas maman ?
    Voilà je voulais vous faire partager cette
    impression.
    Bien-sûr, comme beaucoup j’attends la sortie de votre livre en France.
    Bien à vous et votre famille
    Isabelle

    1. Bonjour! J’aime la vision de votre fille Margaux – c’est vrai, notre vie dans le Médoc, c’est un peu comme dans un conte 🙂 Comme le dit ma belle-mère, nous ne passons jamais une journée sans une aventure!
      A bientôt j’espère, Mimi x

  39. Mimi you are such an incredible inspiration! I am so looking forward to your book – it will make a great Christmas gift! Also, I love how you talk about having everyone over for the Sunday feast. It was perfectly imperfect. So dreamy. xo Yelle

  40. I just bought your book, I am anxiously awaiting its arrival. Everytime I read your posts I am swept away. You, your family & your life are just magical, thank you so much for sharing.

    XO – Stacey

  41. Thank you for the reminder to pre-order your book, Mimi! I have been reading your blog for at least a couple years now, and was delighted when you shared that you would be creating a cookbook. Your posts, photos and recipes have been a continuous source of comfort and inspiration for me. Food, dogs, and the French countryside? It’s like you took all my daydreams and made them real.

    The last year in particular has been a bit of a roller coaster ride – a move across the country, my dad passing away, getting engaged – but throughout everything, I have always enjoyed reading Manger with my morning cup of coffee. Now I look forward to receiving your cookbook, as well!

    1. Merci Kate for such a moving comment – I am sorry to hear about your rollercoaster ride, but an engagement and a move to the country is fantastic news – may all your daydreams come true Kate! Wishing you all the best. Mimi x

  42. Bonsoir Mimi,

    J’ai fait découvrir il y a quelques temps votre blog à ma mère qui l’adore autant que moi.
    J’adorerais lui offrir votre livre mais elle ne parle malheureusement pas anglais.
    Les recettes seront-elles traduites en français ?

    Bonne continuation.
    Cordialement

    Justine G

  43. I am waiting for le book so much! Your pommes lyonnaisse, i love it. In Germany it is called Bratkartoffeln and I cooked it yesterday, wonderfull! Thanks!

    1. Thank you Heidi! I am so touched. I hope you will enjoy the other recipes – I sat in the garden yesterday, and decided to read the book all over again. I felt very happy about the recipes, because they are what we eat – very personal, lots of family favorites… 🙂 Counting the days! Mimi x

  44. Good luck with your book, your sneak previews are very promising! Made the potato à la Lyonnaise with fresh char from Fru Lauga yesterday…perfect match!
    All the best from Iceland

  45. That feast is what dreams are made of! It makes me so excited to get my hands on your book as well as for autumn’s imminent arrival. October, I’m ready for you! Beautiful post, as always.

  46. I’ve just ordered 5 copies! One for me, and one for each of my sisters. Such a fun Christmas present. I’m so excited!

    1. Oh my, I am overwhelmed, thank you so much Angela! I too love, well, ‘receiving’ cookbooks for Christmas – my kids enjoy picking the books, as well as useful pots & pans 🙂 I hope you will enjoy the book! Mimi x

  47. How exciting Mimi, I have just pre-ordered your book and I cannot wait! Your October feast is inspiring me to host my own October feast – what a wonderful way to celebrate the harvest! If only I had such a beautiful location as near to my house. 🙂

  48. As a college student, I’m very nervous at the prospect of spending more than $10, but I’ve been lusting after your book for some time and after reading about your print offer I rushed to pre-order it. I’m certain my money has been well spent and I can’t wait to receive it and use it (hopefully) throughout the years! October’s too far away…

    1. Oh Pearl thank you! I hope you won’t be disappointed. I have always loved buying cookbooks since my younger days, and I always thought it was money well spent because I knew I would cook exciting meals. And exciting meals equals good times, right? 🙂 Mimi x

  49. Mimi, I can’t wait till my book arrives! 😉 Goodluck, cheers and God’s love surround you and yours. 🙂 I first discovered your blog while I was fighting cancer. I have since been cancer free. 2 years, 6 months and counting! 🙂 … Late stage, but I have an awesome prayer team, my beautiful sisters, my son and Hubby. Enough about me, Your blog made me dream, made me smile during chemo and made me think of happy times, happy moments and looking forward to things I would love to do myself. Thank you for that! And more power to you, Mimi. 🙂

    1. Bonjour! Count me in your prayer team too – I am sending you love and light. So happy (I am getting goosebumps) to hear you are cancer free. You are a true fighter, a hero! Enjoy the book, may you have a fantastic (and delicious!) autumn! Mimi x

  50. Mimi,

    I have been following your blog for about a year now, and absolutely love it! I live in New York City and I am wondering – is there a way to watch your TV show from here in the states?

    Thank you!
    Jaime

    1. Thank you Jaime! To answer your questtion, my TV shows are on Canalsat so it does not cover the US. However, there are exciting TV projects in the making 🙂 Will update you soon! Mimi x

  51. Hi Mimi,

    Wonderful picnic and photographs.

    Also, to an Australian, I see the fire in the middle of the forest and think eek, bushfire!

    And onions and potatoes are the best. Looks delicious.

    1. Hi Lis, it was wonderful, posting these pictures now brings back memories of a great day. We are of course very careful with fire and would not have lit one if it hadn’t rained for several days before so everything was moist and not too flammable. Mimi x

  52. Congratulations for your book. I found your site and it´s nice to share moments with “manger”. I love your recipes, the storytelling photos, the relaxed atmosphere, the design. do you know already when you will start your cookworkshops? All the best from Germany – Iris

    1. Hi, Thanks for you comment, we are hoping to start the workshop later this year, in late November or December but thing will be clearer in the next two weeks. I will certainly keep the readers of the blog informed and make an announcement when it’s appropriate. Mimi x

  53. I am so thrilled by your success Mimi, because it is so utterly and totally deserved! Visiting your blog is always a joy; Oddur’s photos of course but also your beautiful and friendly style of writing.
    I am sure that this second book is just the tip of the iceberg and that you have a lot more fun and success to look forward to.
    best wishes
    Sharon

    1. Thank you Sharon, it’s true these are exciting times and so much to look forward to. Next on our list of course is the new house and getting it in shape for the workshops and ultimately the restaurant. Fun but also a lot of work 🙂 Mimi x

  54. Hi Mimi ,
    What a nice idea–love them all, is there a way to order other prints from your blog? Does your husband have an online photo catalog? We visited Medoc last month and loved it! We went looking for the antique store and ended up near your new home. The church was amazing and the nicest old man was preparing for a concert and cleaning the church, we talked to him for quite some time. What a lovely little town you are moving to!

    1. Hi Amanda, How nice to hear that you’ve been to Médoc and visited our little town. It’s so quiet and charming isn’t it? My husband is working on a new website for himself and if you’d like to arrange a print it’s probably best to contact him directly: [email protected] Mimi x

  55. Bonjour Mimi,
    j’aimerais tant avoir une traduction en français de votre blog !!! Mon anglais est trop léger pour tout saisir ou peut être suis je un peu fainéante… c est aussi l’occasion de progresser me direz-vous?
    En tout cas ce blog est très joli et je rejoins la petite Margaux (comm un peu plus haut) , il ressemble à un contes de fées…
    J’ai un blog moi aussi qui évolue dans une autre belle ré gion de France : l Anjou. Connaissez-vous cette région?
    A bientôt
    Barbara

  56. I tried the potatoes – I ate half, so it served only 2. 😉 SO good.

    Looking forward to your cookbook. Also, you are looking so beautiful and glowing. Sending you warm tropical love from Singapore. =)

  57. Oh how wonderful! The potatoes are so wonderfully simple and delicious that I do not wonder if you have been preparing them every other day! And your book is a work of art, I’m sure! I will also have to secure a copy for myself. Congratulations on the book!

  58. I have to be honest, I like food, but love your food pictures to the point I could eat them! So deliciously yummy. The feast in the woods is like a fairy tale, the feeling well captured in
    the photos as well.

  59. Amo il tuo stile di vita, il tuo blog,dipendo dalla bellezza naturale delle tue foto, amo il buon cibo, il senso della famiglia. Ho atteso tanto il tuo libro, l’ unico rammarico è non essere in lingua italiana. Acquisterò il libro in anteprima, Anna

  60. Bonjour Mimi,

    J’ai hâte de lire votre livre. Je souhaiterais le commander en avance.
    Est-ce que les recettes seront en cup? Grammes?

    Je vis actuellement aux États-unis, mais serais en France d’ici décembre, allez-vous aussi faire une pre-order? Et pourrons nous bénéficier de la photo cadeau?

    Merci beaucoup,

    Julia

  61. Dear Mimi, Another sumptuous post, which I had to wait until now to read. I hope that you realize what a gift every one of your posts is. Thank you for sharing your artistry, your lovely spirit and your expertise! I feel privileged to have just pre-ordered four copies of your book from Barnes & Noble…one for me and for each of the artists closest to me. I know that each of us will treasure it.

    1. THANK YOU so much Leslie! I get goosbumps everytime I get a sweet, wonderful & kind comment – I can’t tell you how happy and grateful I am. I hope you will enjoy the book (and the print) – it’s coming soon! Mimi x

  62. Hello Mimi! I have discovered your blog a few months ago and I have become a true fan! After having thought about it for over a year I finally started my own blog (focused on simple and healthy recipes) and yours was a real source of inspiration. I can’t wait to get your cook book! I’d like to get in English but I would like to make sure it includes metric measurements. Is this the case? I’m looking forward to your next posts and who knows maybe one day visiting you in Medoc! Stephy

  63. Dear Mimi… at the top of this page, there is a stunning photo of four large meringues (meringuesprint). I would really love to get the recipe as would like to serve them to my family later this week. Where can I find the recipe? Thanks in advance. BTW, I love the photos. M

  64. Everything you make is gorgeous! Something that really caught my eye this time was the tied up .. quails? Do you have a recipe for those cuties?

    Best to you and yours!

  65. Just discovered you via an ad for your new cookbook in the New Yorker magazine. Now I have two new wonderful things to look forward to – your blog and the book! Is it possible to get a signed copy? My husband and I love to collect signed editions of cookbooks!

    1. Hi Susan and thank you for you kind words. It would be a pleasure for me to sign your book, depending where you live of course but there will be a book signing in Paris at WH Smith in December and I will be in New York the week after next and there will be some opportunities there as well. Mimi x

  66. Just received the print in the mail! I love it! I had to give the original cookbook to my daughter-in-law at Christmas, she was reading mine and fell in love with it!
    I already have another on order for myself. Merci.

  67. Would just like to wish you and your loved ones a splendid New Year – and today the postman brought me your lovely photo, which will have pride of place in my kitchen!

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