THINKING AHEAD....TO THE HOLIDAYS

Well, it's surely "my" time to start thinking about the holidays, as it pertains to creating, baking and detailing cookies. I continue to offer the "favorites" in addition to newly inspired ideas. I am constantly looking at not only baked items, but enjoy wandering through boutiques and shops for new ideas on flavors, colors and textures.

The photo gives you some insight into "what's new" in my kitchen. I will be offering "Spiced Chai" French Macarons dusted with cinnamon for fall and a great Eggnog buttercream to be tucked neatly inside of any macaron of your choice - albeit the "snowflake" design you see or the "swirly" red/white design. I know some of you like "all things French" as I do, and can also request dried edible lavender for the tops of the macaron shells. Any buttercream will complement them nicely:) How about edging the macaron with sweetened coconut? I think it looks like "snow".  Or large-crystal sugar on the tops to look like an icy-wintery scene? The possibilities are endless...truly.

And of course the Buttercream Coins can take on many other forms - like the holly leaf shape.  See it hiding in there?

So it will soon be "your time" to start thinking about the holidays.....it's never too early. I get booked quickly, so please think ahead about your holiday events coming up or giving a gift of "sweetness" to your special friends or family.

I look forward to making your gatherings special this season!

A bientot!


Inspiring quote: "When you become a good cook, you become a good craftsman, first.  You repeat and repeat and repeat until your hands know how to move without thinking about it." Jacques Pepin, French chef

VILLEFRANCHE FRANCE....THE FRENCH RIVIERA

The French Riviera is like no other place we've ever been. We've made two stops to Villefranche, along the Cote d'Azur in the past few years and love it more each time.You will find small, quaint shops and great dining. The village of Eze and the city of Nice are nearby, as is the principality of Monaco. You can't beat the pastries of France either....or the perfect espresso or cafe creme! It is heaven in a cup:)

This photo was taken in Villefranche, after walking up and down the hilly landscape, moving in and out of narrow cobblestoned streets, peering into lovely cafes and shops....C'est si bon!

France was the beginning of my inspiration for baking. Our visit this fall will be mostly leisure, but we will surely be sampling and tasting our new "finds" - pastries that are either hard to find or nonexistent in our area. I'll be sure to share what we discover!

A bientot!

ARTSY DIVA BOUTIQUE - HAND CRAFTED & LOCAL

Hi Everyone! The summer is proving to be a little too hot these days! Want to cool off? Plan a day to visit downtown Bethlehem, PA, grab an iced coffee and visit the many downtown shops that this historic town has to offer. Make sure to step into Artsy Diva - a great shop offering handcrafted items by local artists. Carmen is the owner and a good friend of mine. You will be amazed by her offerings the minute you enter her front door - not to mention a warm and inviting smile!

It is "the" place to shop for gifts for your friends when you just don't know what to buy. The options are endless here and you will be sure to find something in your price range. So stop in when you are in town or just plan an afternoon out with your girlfriends!

Artsy Diva is located at 458 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 and the phone # is 610.442.9335. Carmen's website is: http://www.artsydivaboutique.com/.

LORETTA TRYON DESIGN JEWELRY

For those of you who missed Loretta Tryon Design's Jewelry Open House on April 29th, you surely missed a great event. This event was held in her lovely home in Coopersburg. Her jewelry designs are absolutely unique, modern and there truly is something for "everyone". Loretta takes the time to talk with her clients and she gives special attention to detail and what "you" as a customer are looking for in a tastefully crafted piece of jewelry.

Please visit her website: www.lorettatryon.com for more information and a profile on the artist. Her email account is listed, if you would like to inquire about becoming a part of her customer list to receive emails about upcoming events.  Stephen and I recently visited "Artfully Elegant" on Main Street in downtown Bethlehem to view additonal pieces of her designs. It is quite difficult to walk away without purchasing one of her beautiful designs!

Thanks, Loretta, for having us into your home and sharing your talent and passion with us! You are not only my dear friend, but you are as beautiful as your skillfully crafted designs - one of a kind!

Many Thanks to Stephanie Pryor

This is my first blog post and I want to thank Stephanie Pryor of Stephanie Pryor Designs for the incredible job she has done in creating my website.  She has a special talent for understanding her client's vision, paying great attention to detail and offering helpful advice for the moments when you are not sure of the next step.  In today's world of excessive technology and impersonal customer service, Stephanie clearly understands the need to retain personal relationships.  She is prompt and courteous, always maintaining a high level of professionalism.

Stephanie's work and wealth of information can be seen on her website, StephaniePryor.com.  You will be able to easily navigate to view her many offerings - from event invitations to her graphic design studio, name branding and so much more. Thank you so much, Stephanie!

Welcome to Delices Europeennes Blog!

We have just launched and will be updating this section with lots of great posts and photos detailing what's new at Delices Europeennes. In the meantime visit our website for more information: www.ChristineAGold.com.

Please check back soon for updates!

-Christine