Author: maisonyvonnemarie
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The Tables Have Turned
They separated us moments after we arrived. Just prior, with a name tag and timid smile, standing in the foyer of a Spanish mission-styled building in the center of one of the top-rated most beautiful campuses in the States, neither of us knew a soul in the elbow-to-elbow standing space. My daughter always had a…
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As Tight as Pinched Pierogi
It’s an art that’s been passed down in my family from generation to generation. The ingredients and technique remain more or less the same. The dough is made from memory and touch; just a few notes scratched on an old post-it, rather than an overly calculated recipe. To achieve that perfect elasticity and consistency, it…
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Whipped Goat Cheese & Fig Spread
Perfect in every way; it’s a little sweet, a little tangy and most importantly these days, quick to whip together. This combination served with crackers has been a go-to for our family for years and after initially buying it prepackaged, in an attempt to explore a little more depth in flavor and texture, I’ve discovered…
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It’s Worth the Mess
I cringed every time I would start pulling ingredients out of the pantry or fridge and subsequently, my kids would rush in questioning what I was cooking or baking. While I didn’t mind that specific question, it was the follow-up one that ensued dread. What went from a pleasant personal pastime in the kitchen, quickly…
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Fall Focaccia
It doesn’t get much better than the aroma of freshly baked bread coasting through the house. While it’s generally sourdough that lures my family in, the rich scent of savory olive oil and rosemary prompt the question of how soon they can dive in. The subtly crisp outside and fluffy middle, always keeps them coming…
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Summer Tomato Tart
Over the years I’ve come to realize summer is truly my favorite season in which to cook and bake. The abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables provides so much inspiration, there’s never a moment for the palate to get bored. While I’m someone who is drawn to savory over sweet, the ultimate is when they…
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An Elevated Cheeseboard
While admittedly my family would be perfectly content opening a bag of chips or a ready-made dip with crackers, the most important element of our happy hours are the conversations and connections that take place around the kitchen island or outdoor patio. However, there’s something to be said for elevating those appetizers to encourage a…
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Zucchini Bread
This chameleon of summer vegetables offers a versatility in both savory and sweet dishes. That’s why zucchini, otherwise known as courgette, is one of my seasonal favorites. The options are endless from grilled and served with a drizzle of honey and crumble of goat cheese, roasted with a mélange of squash and sweet potatoes, beautifully…
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Provence Tapenade
The perfect appetizer is when the beauty of food shines from its seasonality, flavors, people with whom you share it, but especially if it’s been inspired from travels and can transport you back. From swimming in the Mediterranean’s vibrant blue waters, absorbing the calming rows of lavender fields, savoring fresh and vibrant Provençal dishes and…
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Our First of Lasts
I never know when the tears will be triggered. Tissues are always at my ready and sunglasses are a key accessory to hide those red eyes in case I can’t gulp my emotions down fast enough. Unexpectedly, this summer ensued a sense of denial that settled in like a midnight intruder as I attempt to…
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