Tag Archives: Writers

Where Chocolate Goes To Live

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I am forever amazed at the respect and lovely presentation given to food in random street shops in Europe. Here is another example of my chocolate being treated in a manner pleasing to any chocoholic. Pastries at a Paris sidewalk cafe…

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My Birthday Dinner Rocked!

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It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Le Grand Colbert for dinner, but WOW! The food was delicious and absolutely beautiful and the service was great although we had a very late reservation.

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One Of The Best Birthdays Ever

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Well, today has exceeded all my expectations for a fabulous birthday in the city of lights, Paris, France. Enjoy the photos from today. Now we are off to dinner at Le Grand Colbert!

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The Day Before Bday

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We spent the day before my birthday leisurely enjoying the sites of Paris. As always, the food was great and so was sharing my favorite city with a dear family friend and a mentor throughout my life. Here’s a sample of Alice’s first day ever in Paris!

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Fashion Mecca

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It’s been great seeing some of the fashion that I blog about up close and in person in several of the local shops in Paris. Here is eyewear designer Karen Walker’s collection. She used indigenous artisans in Africa to make the eyewear, and they became her models as well.

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Nice Digs in Paris

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I have almost recovered from our premature wine tasting turn. One of the reasons is the really nice hotel our travel agent found for the Paris leg of our trip. Shout out to Jessica at McGehee Cruise & Vacation. Loving our home away from home.

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Wine and Cheese Tasting Gone Wrong

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OK, so we checked into our hotel this morning around 10:30 AM and immediately went to a great wine tasting session. The information was excellent, but I wouldn’t advise wine after a 9 hour flight. #accidentalcomedians!

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…And They’re Off!

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My friend Alice and I took off for my birthday trip to Europe. Thanks to some very inconsiderate terrorists, I prefer to spend my day away from the solemn refections.

Paris is the first stop! Great flight on Air France including tips on Paris Fashion Week from a very handsome flight attendant. Lovely view of super moon from the plane! Stay tuned…

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Sunday Reflections

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Have an amazing Sunday! Random acts of kindness go a long way. #payitforward

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White Chocolate Cake with Orange Marmalade Filling

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The filling for this cake calls for orange marmalade, but you can also use seedless raspberry or apricot jam. These would work well with the candied orange peel garnish. Edible flowers would also make a lovely decoration.

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Active: 25 mins
Total Time: 3 hrs
Servings: 12

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups milk
8 ounces white chocolate, melted
2 tablespoons orange marmalade, very finely chopped if chunky
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
White Chocolate Buttercream
1/2 cup Candied Orange Peels, dipped in white chocolate, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Sift the flour with the baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter at low speed until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until fluffy. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla. At low speed, alternately beat in the dry ingredients and the milk in 2 additions. Add the melted white chocolate and beat just until incorporated. Scrape the batter into the prepared cake pans and smooth the surfaces.

3. Bake the cakes in the center of the oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert them onto a wire rack and let cool completely.

4. In a small bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the orange marmalade and the confectioners’ sugar into 1 cup of the White Chocolate Buttercream. Set 1 cake layer on a cake plate, right side up, and spread the filling on top. Cover with the second cake layer. Frost the sides and top of the cake with the remaining White Chocolate Buttercream. Garnish with the white chocolate–dipped Candied Orange Peels and serve.