Sunday, August 31, 2014

Labor Day Relaxation

With a three day weekend starting and nothing
on our agenda, I decided sleeping in was a waste
of time so after hubby finished his morning run, 
with coffee cups ready for the road 
we headed out to our old neighborhood to visit
the Saturday morning Farmer's Market.

view above CFM
Farmer's Market, Texas

Because life has been running at a hectic pace 
we had not been out in the recent past so we spent the 
first few moments marveling at the facility 
improvements since the market first opened.  
Where as before we trooped through the elements be it
too much sunshine or muddy fields, always 
praying for a place to park, today
the market has a pretty shed, playground 
for the kids and best of all, 
wonderful produce and products.
After we walked past all of the vendors
scouting our options I remembered my menu 
for the evening was a Tomato Ricotta Tart so in
addition to some beautiful large tomatoes I decided
to go all out and create a holiday meal as if I were
back in Avignon France. 
Farmer's Market, Avignon France
 That meant a loaf of European Bread
 with Rosemary and Lemon,
a fresh smoked Goat cheese, that's sample 
was beyond description and a bag of
beautiful peaches for a 
Peach Croustade.



I had never heard of a Croustade
until I bought my latest favorite cookbook, 
 Cowgirl Chef
but how can you go wrong with a French Pastry!




This fabulous book combines two of my favorite places,
Texas and France
and is my "go to" source when I am feeling the urge
to "get away" from daily stress by cooking.  
The previously mentioned Tomato-Ricotta Tart 
also comes from these pages.
I even admit to finding a Breton shirt to look 
the part of a chic French traveler on my last trip!
So here is our start, the pastry is ready to pop in the
refrigerator and in a few hours I will 
be ready to slice the peaches.


Until then, maybe it's time to 
bring out the smoked Goat cheese 
and reminiscence.


Looking forward to your return and sharing our results!

~ Maggie





Friday, August 15, 2014

Summer Sendoff

August 15th, halfway through
the month and I am all ready
dreaming of Autumn wardrobes
Crock~pot meals and hot cocoa!
Although August is traditionally a hot
month here in Texas, we have had
an unusually mild one this year
with many mornings actually 
suitable for outdoor dining.
So this week, 
we begin our fond farewell to summer,
celebrating life out doors
as it is meant to be!

One last lemonade anyone?

Outdoor fireplace
Photograph courtesy of Houzz

Nothing says summer in the South like
a porch surrounded by Hydrangea's.

'Endless Summer' Hydrangeas
Photograph courtesy of Southern Living
Possibly the cutest "to go" salad I have ever run across!

Chopped Salad in a Cup. Great for summer picnics! I would def. reverse the fork so that the handle is sticking out!
Photograph courtesy of 24/7 Low Carb Diner

Need to clean your garden before the first frost,
make it a festive outing.

Time to garden!
Jute Baskets available on www.maggieandreese.com

Perfect summer sundown setting.

yum
Photograph courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Celebrate summer's end with a few new items
for your table like our vintage juice glasses, 
woven placemats, studded napkin rings and
colorful napkins, all available at

Table setting courtesy of  www.maggieandreese.com

Pinterest for more outdoor ideas.
 ~ Maggie