Bonjour tout le monde. I’m Yvonne and welcome to Maison Yvonne Marie. Here you’ll find my passion for food, hosting, traveling, and fashion, all with a French twist. Join me as I share my culinary journey, while elevating the everyday.
Hosting
Opening our doors and sharing food with others is my love language and with my husband and two teenagers, we’re always ready to make new memories with our next guests. As conversations fill a room, on the center table lies so much beauty in the food that brings people together. It bridges generations and tells stories, yet doesn’t hold a time stamp. Growing up, it was instilled in me that to welcome people into one’s home and offer something to eat, whether home cooked or not, is a sign of respect and expression of gratitude for one’s time. So, whether it’s the annual Thanksgiving feast, a simple afternoon coffee with cake, college football game, glitzy New Year’s Eve party, or traditions of Christmas and Easter, I love to whip up a spread to share with family and friends.
Foodie
Surrounded by my family as I stir up a risotto and sip on a glass of wine, with French music humming in the background, are what light my blue flame. I grew up watching my Polish grandmother and mom perfecting recipes, where they passed down their respect for cooking from scratch, but knowing when shortcuts are okay. The inception of my real love for cooking emerged with influences from well-known chefs, like Julia Child, Ina Garten, and Giada de Laurentiis. I love researching the benefits of food and their impact to our health, but also value a balance of everything in moderation. Seeking out cooking classes is my ultimate entertainment, especially when traveling, as I believe one of the best ways of appreciating a culture is gaining insight through their food. I’ve taken cooking classes in France, Italy, Australia, Poland and many here in the States. My collection of cookbooks continues to grow and after years of following recipes, I eventually attempted to create my own. Food that nourishes the body and all the senses are the ambition behind every recipe and meal.
Travel and Fashion
When not in the kitchen experimenting with flavors, I tap into my love for all things French. I’m a Francophile, former high school French teacher after studying abroad in Lyon, travel enthusiast and fashion connoisseur – usually with a nod to the French. I’m happiest when there is a vacation on the horizon, especially if it’s to France. There I indulge in all the croissants and jambon beurre sandwiches as I meander the streets of Paris. Or romanticize strolling through a market near Provence with a straw basket brimming with lavender, fromage, and fresh produce. While Europe is my favorite destination, the other side of the globe holds a dear place in my heart; with my husband and at the time, two toddlers, we were American expats in Brisbane, Australia. So, I equally cherish warm beaches and hanging out with kangaroos. I currently reside just outside of Oregon wine country with my family and Australian labradoodle. Join me as I share my passion for cooking and approachably elevating the everyday.
maison.yvonnemarie@gmail.com 