Recipe: J'adore Paris

J'adore Paris

Circa: 2015

 

      Tomorrow is a special day to show someone how much they mean to you and what better way to toast to a great love or friendship then with a cocktail! This delicious drink is perfect for Valentine's Day in Paris whether you are in France or Texas!

 

       To complete my Paris inspired week I wanted to add my own special touch to one of my favorite cocktails, the French 75. I was introduced to this cocktail classic on an anniversary trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. Chris and I wandered into Arnaud's French 75 Bar and several of the locals insisted that we have the bar's namesake drink. We'll as they say, when in Rome! It was delicious and has become a staple in our household. While the original is perfect I wanted to add a special touch to it in honor of Valentine's Day. 



 

For my take on the French 75 I wanted to add a little romance through the use of the Rose Brut Champagne, St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur and a flower petal garnish. I love using St. Germaine because it adds a beautiful floral sweetness to any cocktail which absolutely perfect for this romantic holiday! While these beautiful flowers are courtesy of my husband and his garden, if you don't have a green thumb (I can sympathize) you can find edible flower petals in many grocery stores today in the produce section.

 

 

I hope that you enjoy this beautiful and simple cocktail inspired by one of my favorites! Also, be sure to visit the blog next week to check out a few more of my favorite places in "I Love Paris" Part Two!

 

 Happy Valentine's Day!

 

Personal Post: I Love Paris...Texas (Part1)

I Love Paris...Texas

 Circa: 2015

I spent last weekend in Paris....well, Paris, Texas that is! At the last minute, I had the opportunity to head home before the big rush at work this Spring and I took it. While I love our new home and the life we have built in one of the sweetest towns in Texas, it is always nice to get back to my roots and where my heart is... Paris!

My weekend started at my favorite place, Paris Bakery! It has all the charm and beauty of a hundred year old bakery tucked away on one of the many streets of France but or version includes a cowboys on the wall, paying tribute to our rough and tumble past! 

Everything they make is delicious, but I was lucky enough be there for my FAVORITE lunch, the oven-fried green tomatoes with monterey jack on cheddar scallion bread with a cup of chili! Words can't properly express how much I love this sandwich..and really fried green tomatoes in general. I even devoted a blog post to the subject that you can find here. Once again they did not disappoint! And if once wasn't enough I stopped in the next morning for breakfast. If you are ever in the Paris area Paris Bakery is a MUST! 

After a delicious lunch and shopping at some of my favorite stores in beautiful downtown Paris (coming in Part 2) I had to stop and take a few shots of these amazing murals right off the square. It is such a clever and beautiful way to offer a glimpse into the city's past while bringing life to some of the town's older buildings. It makes my heart happy to see how local artists are helping to revitalize and preserve our downtown. 

I personally adore this lovely lady with her bike! 

My next stop was to visit my sister and her husband on their gorgeous farm just outside of Paris. I can't wait for them to finish their guest bedroom so I can spend the night and wake up with the sunrise and have coffee with the cows. While I enjoy the conveniences of the city I love getting away to the country every now and then!   


Ever since I heard that they had a new, four-legged, addition to their family I was dying to meet her. This sweet girl was abandoned by her mother after her birth and my sister and her husband have been caring for her ever since. After a few close calls and long nights I am very happy to report that she seems to be on her way to a happy and healthy life. Who knew my sister's nursing skills would come in so handy on the farm? 

While I was there I took it upon myself to name her Little Miss Elly May Dejoux. I am not sure if the name stuck after I left but that is what she will always be to me. Since she is still a baby and nursing she tends to think anything and everything is a bottle ...including fingers. Someone please get that sweet girl a pacifier stat! Just Kidding! I am still debating on bringing her back to Houston with me sometime while she is still small enough to ride in my car. I think our backyard is big enough! Not kidding! 

After playtime and snuggles with Elly I couldn't wait to see my sister's home and her newly remodeled bathroom. It looked amazing and of course I forgot to take pictures! I am going to just have to talk her into coming on the blog occasionally as a guest writer because she has amazing decorating skills of her own, just with a rustic touch. When I reach for a silver tray or tea cup she grabs a piece of antique barn wood and a mason jar! 

We'll this is where the first part of "I Love Paris" ends and look for part two next week when I can't wait to share some of my favorite shopping spots with you! I hope that everyone has a a wonderful week!