Friday, June 19, 2015

French Fridays with Dorie - Celebration Week #4 - "The Grand Finale”


After having cooked our way through Dorie Greenspan´s cookbook "Around my French Table" for the last four years, seven months, and twenty-one days, our fourth and final celebratory post for French Fridays with Dorie is so amptly entitled ”The Grand Finale“ – meaning that we were asked to „share an original recipe that was inspired by an AMFT recipe or do a recipe that we would like to make-up or just make again“ – giving us a chance to wrap up our French Fridays experience in a very personal way.




Actually, I would like to start out by sending many hugs and huge „thank yous“ to Mary and Betsy for all the hard work they have done for the past three years, keeping the AMFT group interested and dedicated – could not have done it without you lovely ladies! We really do have to meet some day - maybe the European soil will lure you...




Then a big „thank you“ to all you members of the AMFT! You have become my friends over the years and made me feel welcome in this lovely group of bloggers – despite the fact that I am living kind of far away from all of you and despite the fact that I am a bit on the, let´s call it „shy side“ when it comes to sharing personal pictures and information about yours truly – thank you for letting me be me and for never asking me the question that I have been waiting for for almost three years now…there are actually pictures of me on my blog, I just kind of omitted to mention where...




It seems impossible for me to say all the things that I would love to say but there are a few more things that are very dear to my heart and that I would like to write about today.




Never would I have learned all the things that I did learn, never virtually met all you friends that I did meet while visiting your blogs, never cooked so many French recipes or looked up so many culinary terms in the dictionary, had it not been for this amazing AMFT group.




And had it not been for AMFT, our children would not know all of your first names or ask me on a regular basis whether I had already visited your blogs – all of them were on a first name basis with all of you during the last couple of years – they not only know the names of all your blogs but they also know the names of your children, grand-children and your spouses and, yes, your pets.




Our kids patiently tested all of the recipes that I cooked from Dorie´s book – always curious and (almost always) with an open mind – they ate cold dinners and lukewarm soups because they had to wait for that “one last picture“ that was being taken for my post. They have come to realize that the food I put in front of them might be for picture taking, not devouring, and by now they are so used to asking whether this is „for eating or do you need a picture first“ that I almost feel guilty. Poor blogger children, I keep calling them.




And then there is my darling husband who patiently waited in line for hours on end to get the „perfect bread“, or the most „beautiful fruits“, who attended more agricultural fairs with me that he cares to count, just in case there was this "one extraordinary veg" that I "had to photograph" and who drove home faster because the weather was about to turn and I still "absolutely needed" that sunny picture for a post, who taste tested (almost) each and every dish I placed in front of him – so, more heartfelt „thank yous“ are in order here – French Fridays with Dorie was an integral part of all of their lives as well.




And, of course, let´s not forget about the wonderful food – oh, that food – glorious food, delicious food with more known than unknown flavors. We are Europeans after all and although we love all types of different cuisines, we do have a soft spot for French food.




We loved many of the recipes and I have made so many of them on a regular basis that it is not possible to imagine my very small German kitchen without dishes from Dorie happily bubbling away on the stove and filling our house with beloved aromas that we look forward to enjoying, every single time. So, of course, I have Dorie to thank for that!




Although I have not had the fortune to meet anyone in person (yet!) – I still feel as if I have become friends with all of you. I have marveled at pictures of your food, your families, your vacation spots and your props. I made sure to visit your blogs on a regular basis and read through your posts, comment on your creative processes, look at graduation pictures and pictures of your cute babies, beautiful children and lovely grand-children. I have visited your dinner and lunch tables, been part of your parties and invitations and graduations - how could I not feel like being part of your lives in a very special way...Thank you all for allowing me to be part of your lives, I feel honored...




So, dear Doristas, I prefer to look at this Grand Finale not in terms of "Good Bye!" but more in the terms of „Au revoir!“ or as we say around here „Auf Wiedersehen!“ – which pretty much means the same thing really, because I will „see“ a number of you again, I am sure!




Until then, my friends & thanks for all the good times! - Bis bald, meine Freunde, es war einfach unschlagbar!




42 comments:

  1. I love Doris's recipes and always all look wonderful, this is a beautiful post!!
    xo

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    1. Gloria, you are such a kind person - thank you very much! You should tell me some day which recipes from Dorie are your favorite - I would love to know!
      Andrea

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  2. Well now I must scour for those pictures! It has always been such a joy to scurry here each week to see your beautiful presentations and vibrant pictures of each week's recipe. I had to laugh though because haven't we all put our families through so much by being in this group! I didn't send someone out just for veggies but I had to describe exactly what I wanted them to look like! lol.

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    1. Trevor, indeed it seems like we all have put our families through quite a French Fridays ordeal - but they loved it in the end, didn´t they?! Just think of all that glorious food that they enjoyed because of this adventure!

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  3. Beautiful post Andrea and such beautiful photos!

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  4. Andrea, it has been a joy following your FFWD journey. Your photos are wonderful and you always have a good story to tell. I look forward to continuing to follow you through FB and Cottage Cooking Club.

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    1. Gaye, same here, dear friend - I will make sure to follow your cooking and your beloved baking adventures in the future! And who knows what the future holds for all of us Doristas...

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  5. A beautiful wrap-up and tribute to Dorie, the wonderful participants, and your lovely family, Andrea. Your photos are always a source of inspiration and most certainly a point of pride to the group. Thanks for putting so much hard work and beauty into your work so that all of us reading might really enjoy the experience too. What an accomplishment, Congratulations!

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    1. Peggy, you have been such a wonderful and faithful reader of my French Fridays posts and I so appreciate all your kindness and thoughtfulness in all your comments - looking forward to continue our cooking adventures together in the CCC!
      Andrea

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  6. LOL- I had the same reaction as Trevor !! Now I have to go back and search your posts :) I have so, so enjoyed getting to "know" you through this adventure. You are generous in sharing your amazing talents (you should seriously be a pro Andrea - I am not kidding), your family and your time in commenting generously for all of our members. I have been inspired not only by your cooking, your writing and your lovely family - but your photos blow me away with each post. Thank you for the enjoyment you have provided and rest assured, if I make it to Germany you will be hearing about it !!! (fingers crossed !) All the best ~

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    1. Tricia, it has been an utter pleasure to meet you and your lovely mum through AMFT - I have nothing but respect for the both of you for being so tenacious and so consistent and so very talented and posting ALL those recipes - congratulations to the both of you and I do hope we will get a chance to meet someday soon!
      Andrea

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  7. Searching your blog now for those photos! Ce n'est qu'un au revoir - we'll all be seeing each other online and I hope to meet you in person someday XO

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    1. Mardi, absolutely - we will see each other again soon - this is certainly not a good-bye and since you are a part-time resident of lovely Paris, chances are pretty good that we will see each other in person some day soon!
      Andrea

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  8. Your photos are stunning and show great talent and all the work that was put into it. I'm sure that the food is just as good. It is a pleasure to visit your blog.
    Liebe Grüße
    Gerlinde

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    1. Gerlinde, now you are making me blush - what a delightful and kind comment! Thank you very much & vielen Dank!
      Liebe Grüße nach Santa Cruz!
      Andrea

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  9. Andrea, you and your family are a delight! Of course I love to hear about your darlings, but I also love your description of your husband's forays into markets and such on your behalf! What a wonderful family you have. I am all in for meeting you one day. My dad always loved (loved!) Germany as he had been there a lot of times for work, and then took my mom on a wonderful trip later on in life.

    Your food, your photos. Always so inspiring! And I love to read about what things resonate for you - and what else you're cooking as well (I really need to look back for that fried sage recipe!!). Thank you for being my (and our) friend over the years, and inspiring us with your amazing photography and perfect lighting and arrangements. I'm looking forward to continuing to cook with you on your wonderful Cottage Cooking Club, and whatever adventures come next! Hugs! Candy

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    1. Candy, what a fabulous comment my dear friend - now if we could only meet some day. I think we should all congregate upon the wonderful city of Paris and meet there!!! Or we will meet in my hometown Cologne, there is a lovely hotel right next to the Chocolate Museum (!)...oh, the possibilities...
      I am so looking forward to all our cooking adventures in the near future - CCC is wonderful and a lot of fun - thank you also for being part of that group of lovely cooking enthusiasts!
      See you very soon,
      Andrea

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  10. First of all Andrea, it is a blessing to see that your recovery has sustained. Your irradiate so much positivity and generosity and have become such an important part of the group for that. Thank you for sharing your pictures and your beautiful spirit with the rest of us. Although I am not a participant, the CCC always inspires me to eat better and do more with our tropical fruit and vegetables.

    Until next time, my friend.

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    1. Adriana, goodness, I do not know what to say but thank you from the bottom of my heart! Cooking along with the lovely group of bloggers from AMFT has helped me more than I could ever express in words - all of this has kept me busy and happy and healthy and I am eternally grateful for that!
      See you soon, my friend, I am sure,
      Andrea

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  11. Dear, dear, Andrea, what a lovely post. This endeavor has been a real family affair, hasn't it? And I like thinking that our families have grown to include the entire FFWD crew. I am so happy that we met through this group and have become friends. I admire your fabulous photos each week and love to see what you are cooking in between FFWD and CCC. Your creativity and enthusiasm for what each season has to offer inspire me. Thank you for encouraging me to join in your Veg group. I'm not much of a traveler, but I do hope we get a chance to meet some time. I won't say even say "Auf Wiedersehen" because I will "see" you next week for CCC. Many hugs to you and your family.

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    1. Dear Betsy, a real family affair indeed and I would not have been able to hang in there had it not been for my "real family" at home as well as my "virtual family" of all the AMFT members - so much needed and kind and thoughtful support, come to think of it, it was just just overwhelming.
      Looking forward to continuing our friendship as well as our blogging/cooking adventures in The Cottage Cooking Club!
      "See" you there,
      Andrea

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  12. Pictures perfect and warm words. I can see your wonderful kids with big eyes looking at the delicious food. I can imagine how much time it needs to prepare food, to take the most perfect pictures and to add always best explanations. Thank you so much, Andrea. I looooove your blog!!!! My best!

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    1. Liebe Wally, ganz, ganz herzlichen Dank für dein tolles Lob! Es macht mich unglaublich glücklich, solch ein nettes Kompliment zu lesen und ich frue mich immer über jeden liebenwerten und warmherzigen Kommentar vo dir!
      Liebe Grüße und nochmals herzlichen Dank für deine Treue!
      You know I truly appreciate your support!
      Andrea

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  13. A lovely post Andrea, and as you said, this is not goodbye. I have enjoyed reading all your posts, seeing your lovely children grow, and
    all the wonderful informative stories. I will be following you on FB, and wait to see what the future brings for all of us.

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    1. Dear Rosemary, such a pleasure to have met you and your darling daughter through AMFT - I have so much respect for you and Tricia for having persevered and cooked/baked each and every single recipe from this book - kudos to both of you and hopefully to more cooking adventures!
      Andrea

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  14. Andrea - it has been such a pleasure to cook along with you over the past few years. I will continue to stalk your lovely photography and look forward to hearing more about your beautiful children and see all of your adventures - in the kitchen and out and about town :-)

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    1. Cher, thank you my friend - I certainly appreciate your kindness and your wonderful friendship throughout this adventure!
      Hope to "see" you again soon,
      Andrea

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  15. Beautifully written, Andrea - such a loving tribute! I always enjoyed your posts - and photos - especially. Always a treat for my senses. Vielen Dank! Und, ich hoffe, bis bald! David

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    1. David, thank you for the compliment - I greatly appreciate it and, yes, we will meet next month in lovely Cologne that is! I shall contact you with details tomorrow on fb! Looking very much forward to showing you around (and visiting the Cologne Cathedral - a must see, of course)...
      Thank you for your support of my French Fridays with Dorie and for all the comments!
      Liebe Grüße,
      Andrea

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  16. I'm not one of the Doristas but I have enjoyed being a part of your group from afar. It has been fun seeing how the same recipe looks and I'm sure tastes just a little different by each member of the group. I smiled a lot as I read this post. I think we can all relate to how our family and even friends have grown accustomed to the ends and outs of us being food bloggers. No bite of food eaten until that last photo is taken even if it happens to be in a restaurant. It may be the "grand finale" but thankfully all of you will continue what you do best and that is to share your wonderful cooking with us. Thank you!

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    1. Karen, so very nice to hear from you - I know that this is an especially busy time for you, selling your lovely home and moving South - I wish you and your dear husband the very best with your move and the least stress reasonably possible.
      I am so glad that we had a chance to "meet virtually" and look forward to following your lovely blog in the future - thank you for all your support!
      Andrea

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  17. A fantastic post, Andrea, and it really captures a lot of the sentiments that I think everyone feels. I'm also happy that you and I will meet again for CCC!

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    1. Katie, same here - very happ yto have "met" you through the French Fridays group and much looking forward to our CCC cooking adventures in the months to come - and let´s see where the AMFT will be headed in fall.
      Andrea

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  18. What a lovely post, Andrea! I always look forward to seeing your food styling and photography, but especially the way you make the recipes fit into your philosophy of eating locally and seasonally. I've also loved seeing what your family is up to here and on Facebook. I love the friendships we've formed and the caring that's developed in the group

    I'm so glad we have CCC to continue with and I'm curious to see what our Dorista group becomes in the fall. And for the record, I think many of us would fall into the "shy" camp in this group, which might be one of the undercurrents that have brought us together.

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    1. Teresa, thank you for your kind words - it has been a pleasure "meeting" you through the French Fridays with Dorie group and happily cook and bake along with you all those years - I truly treasure our virtual friendship and hope to see a lot of you in the near future, dear friend!
      Andrea

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  19. After reading your post I certainly wish I was one of the Doristas! Sounds like you have had a wonderful time. Your photos are beautiful (admittedly, I am quite envious of your photography skills)! Hopefully you will find another cookbook to work though for your next project as I have certainly enjoyed following you.

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  20. Andrea, es war wundervoll Dich auf dieser kulinarischen Reise zu begleiten und ich wollte Dir auch noch sagen daß es immer eine Freude war Deine Posts über AMFT zu lesen. Die Fotos waren unglaublich schön , mit dem perfekten Licht und Farben. Ich hoffe natürlich daß wir trotzdem weiter Deine Posts mit neuen Rezepten lesen werden. Danke, daß wir Dich auf dieser Reise begleiten dürften. Liebe Grüße aus Wien.

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  21. Look at all these beautiful dishes!
    Andrea, you are just so talented. You really should have your own culinary business, maybe teaching others to cook when you're beautiful kids are older?
    I will have to fly out to Bonn just to take your class. xoox

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  22. ***they not only know the names of all your blogs but they also know the names of your children, grand-children and your spouses and, yes, your pets***

    Beautiful. Glorious. Breathtaking.

    You are an artist, Andrea.

    Where are you going, darling?

    I feel as if I'm losing a friend. xxxxooo

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    1. Dear Kim, I am not going anywhere soon - this is just the end of our "French Fridays with Dorie" adventure - that´s all - I am continuing my life as a blogger - but thank you so much for your concern, dear friend!
      "See" you soon,
      Andrea

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  23. Beautiful post, as always. Your photos make me want to go home and make those recipes again. There are so many winners. I have loved reading your FFWD posts, and am looking forward to keeping up with your blog through CCC. I especially love reading what your children and other taste testers think of each recipe. I hope that my kids will become as adventurous as yours are. I am always quite impressed.

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