Enchanted KitchenOrganic Farming, Baking & Catering from Fire Fly Farm

I am home now, ready to hit the ground running.  I cannot believe there is NO SNOW.  Record winter cold and snow everywhere I have traveled to arrive home to bare ground.  Amazing.  I am now trying to switch into Spring mode and am very excited to be able to do so this early in Maine.

The last couple weeks of my holiday were perfect.  Puerto Rico and Culebra Island.  Cave exploring and snorkeling were the highlights.  The best snorkeling in the Caribbean they say and it blew me away.  I cannot even try to describe the colors and fish I saw, it was magical, I was so excited and snorkeling was all I wanted to do.  The days flew by floating in clear blue water, swimming with the fish of every color of the rainbow, through waving vegetation and coral of equal stunning colors, it was breathtaking and blissful.  As I sit here, I still feel as if I am floating upon the waves, a smooth rocking my inner body still is doing~

Camuy cave was incredible.  There is something about a cave…..This one is the third largest in the world.  There is a group of spelunkers that I want to hook up with next time to do deeper exploring.  It had been closed several years ago when we tried to go due to a fatal accident so I was happy to go in at all.

The juicy ripe fruit was my favorite food eaten on this leg of the trip.  Papaya large as foot balls, pineapple, mango…..with all the fruit, beans and rice and occasional fish, swimming and riding the bicycles we rented to get around, I feel as if I lost weight on this vacation!  Especially when trying to out ride the barking dogs chasing us…..

I have never realized how many different types of rum there are either…..

The best ending to the amazing travels and time with family I have had the great fortune to enjoy this winter is coming home to Fire Fly Farm.  It is a brilliant sunny morning here and I am just beaming with joy with all that I am filled with.  I could not be more grateful.

I found out today, I don’t have my “mountain lungs” quite yet.  I remember how wonderful I felt last year at the end of my spectacular Switzerland holiday with Jen and family.  I felt like I had been in marathon training hiking every day and felt fabulous when I returned to the low lands, so much energy.  It was very obvious that my lungs were NOT in that shape today.  Pack mule lungs I called it then.  I didn’t float up the trail, I more like flailed.  Well, maybe not that bad but it took much longer to go the distance than I remember.  Yesterday I did better but took an easier route.  Today was another perfect day, sunny and warm, typical Switzerland winter day.

Jen, Maks and Vladimir are on winter break so that is why we are now in Switzerland.  Since they had lived here for several years before moving to Germany, we all drove back for them to visit and Maks is old enough now to take ski lessons.  Vladimir is a skier also, so the guys are going to hit the mountain on skis.  I have lost my need for speed long ago and I hyper ventilate just crossing these insanely steep trails on my snow shoes!  Skiers must wear helmets it is so dangerous.   Not for me.  If I injure myself or worse, I want it to be doing something I LOVE, so at least when my self employed self is healing I won’t be cursing myself, I will be fondly remembering the what ever of a lifetime.   That is my adventure rule of thumb,  be bold but LIKE it!

Maks was adorable on skis today.   I can hear him purring in the distance, fast asleep.  Sounds like a great plan~

We arrived in Switzerland and all breathed a huge sigh of relief.  We were all very happy to be back.  Jen, Maks and Vladimir had lived in Leysin for two years, I had been visiting in the winters and it was a warm welcome for all and a brilliantly sunny day.  To me, this alone seemed a huge, glorious change from the constant gray of Hamburg.

Leysin is a small village at the top of a stunning Alp.  Where we are staying (just above where they had previously lived), the only way to get higher are the hiking and ski trails.  The air and water are clear and fresh.  Just being here makes you feel like you are doing something incredibly healthy.  We unpacked the car and scattered for various missions, mine was to hike up Profandaz.  I want to hike and feel like an olympic trainer for the last wonderful week of my fabulous European holiday.  The perfect ending….and great balance to indulging in all the fabulous Swiss chocolate, cheese and baked goodies.  Funny, it can be expensive here but the cheese, chocolate, wine and bread are inexpensive…..what else is there??  I dream of being here longer and growing the vegetables and fruit to round out my diet…..I have only yet enjoyed the winter wonderland here, I am afraid if I visit during the growing season, I would be a goner…..just seeing all the freshly pruned grape fields makes my heart ache.  I fantasize about what if when I see these darling tiny chalet’s tucked into the remote mountain side with nothing more than a foot path to access it.  But….I am truly and completely in Love with Fire Fly Farm…..that is why I return.  It is hard to be torn between great Loves.  My darling family here in Europe and my Farm.

Until I depart, I will enjoy my beautiful family and this indescribably amazing country completely~

My last week in Hamburg was perfection.    On Valentine’s, my sister had a beautiful bouquet of tulips (my favorite) and lovely local truffles (another favorite) for me.  She threw an amazing dinner party, everything was fantastic.  I went to the St Pauli Fischmarkt for the last time that morning and it was PACKED.  If only our winter markets were that bustling, the only way through was to shuffle along with the throngs of customers.  It snowed, but now that seems to be what happens each day.

I decided my favorite is herring.  I enjoy pickled herring in the states but the herring in Hamburg is so amazingly fresh and the texture like sushi which makes it my favorite all the more.  The ways to have herring are endless.  I did not manage to try them all but if I could eat more I would have.

I bid farewell to Hamburg as we all packed up the car, Jen, Vladimir, Maks and I headed towards Switzerland~

The first day on the road we traveled to Stuttgart  where I had a “typical German meal”  and what I will refer to as a meat feast.   The local red wine was fabulous.

After a nights rest….destination:  Switzerland!!

Having it snow here in Hamburg for almost two months is extreme for here but with all the record breaking snow fall everywhere in the states, it probably doesn’t sound as big a deal.

I am having a great time playing with Maks, the days are flying by with me laughing through them~   Today Maks lined up three gummy treats saying “I am three”  after asking me how old I am and me replying, he looked at me with shock and said “how do you get that many?”  as I laughed I was thinking, how did I get that old or how do we ever get that many gummy treats?

Yesterday I ventured to Hamburg to purchase a pair of red shoes.  This has been something I have wanted for YEARS.  Not being a big shopper it has easily slid for this long.  The other day when I was in Hamburg, I noticed in the shop windows several nice pair….then doing some research online to see what these brands were……   If I am going to purchase a pair of shoes in Germany, I would want them to be German made.  I don’t have a nice pair of shoes outside my hiking boots, boots and Birkenstock work shoes….I am now a very excited owner of the most beautiful German made brilliantly red shoes!  I LOVE THEM.

I also noticed a long line in front of this fish restaurant that also had an outdoor section of cold fish sandwiches being made and these amazing newspaper cones filled with fish and chips cooked right outdoors on this very snowy day.  I stood in line and purchased a generous cone of fabulously fresh, succulent, crispy on the outside fish and chips.  Aggressive seagulls were noticing who had a new cone and after being beaten over the head by the wing of a few over zealous ones,   I carefully took a picture of this overflowing delight….being mindful not to hold it too far away so the gulls wouldn’t snatch it.  There I stood in the snow with many others enjoying our cones full of fried piping hot lunch, listening to the accordion musician playing for us (have I mentioned my weakness for accordion music?) and my new red shoes in my bag…..the perfect day in Hamburg….

How do I describe a trip of a lifetime?  I could talk about it for days and wish I had endless hours and computer access at the end of each day to describe it instead of recalling it in one large chunk now as I bask in the glow of it all.  Writing in my journal while traveling on the train was all I had time for.

I do have to share that I believe France to be a fun and generous place.  I have heard how rude the French can be and I do not believe it.  I am struck by the kindness I experience there.  As I traveled alone, people not only went out of their way to help me when asked, folks would approach me when it just looked like I needed something.

The food was absolutely amazing.  With a pastry shop and bakery on every corner, how do you choose?  The lines out the door definitely help.  One day I  decided to try a pain au chocolat at every boulangerie I came to from the front door of my hostel on my way to the Seine.  After three blocks and three pain au chocolat, I decided that was enough….the top pick was the one fresh out of the ovens, still warm, so buttery it actually felt like it melted in my mouth, a texture of puff pastry that I haven’t ever experienced before….

I couldn’t have possibly eaten any more cheese and bread, I would stop for a baguette for later but if it was warm, fresh out of the ovens…..half would disappear because it would never taste quite the same later…..There are open air markets to be found everyday (but Monday) to discover local artisan cheeses, fruits, meats, boulangers, seafood of ALL kinds….I went on a honey spree….I actually only sat down to a restaurant meal twice.  The self catering options from the open air markets were such a daily adventure.   I tried to try everything.

After arriving in Paris, I took the train the following day to Rouen, on my pilgrimage to enjoy the delights that changed Julia Child’s life forever.  I LOVED Rouen, what a charming city.  I had the meal and experience of a lifetime at La Couronne.  The oldest restaurant in France, starting in 1345.  I was in gastronomic bliss for just under three hours, not only was my meal spectacular, I was able to see everything else on the menu prepared for the other diners around me.  Very intimate, eight tables, an enormous fireplace and table set up near the fireplace with bottles to mix beverages.

From Rouen I caught the train to Nice.  I stayed in the hostel Villa Saint Exupery which is rated the nicest hostel in Europe.  This hostel is amazing, the services they provide are above what hotels would offer.   I took the bus to Grasse to discover the capitol of fragrance….aromatherapy being a passion of mine, I was drawn to this place.  I had an amazing crepe salees that redefined crepes for me.  Not only are the fillings endless in either savory (salé) or sweet (sucré), you can find them light and crispy or chewy, soft and made from buckwheat.

The Côte d‘Azur is filled with kind folks and sunshine.  Nice is beautiful, as a friend has shared with me, the light is so unique there….she is right, it truly is….

Then a train back to PARIS!!!!  I LOVE PARIS!!  I walked all the daylight hours of almost each day.  When my aching feet felt as if they could take no more and I found a metro….the sights beckoned me on, I just couldn’t miss a corner or the next block.  The architecture and history is astounding.  I walked around in awe with a huge grin on my face the whole time, a tear in my eye while I walked around the last morning bidding adieu to this grand city.

Everything happened in a handful of days….visiting the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Rodin’s museum, Notre Dame, evening boat trip down La Seine, Moulin Rouge (all I can say about this is **WOW**  A must see!!), finding my temporarily lost wallet with EVERYTHING intact (yes, I do realize this is a miracle), being interviewed by two adorable French college students, being conned by a gypsy (who was blessing me in the start but I am sure was cursing me by the end….), meeting amazing folks, finding treasures every moment in every possible way, navigating the on strike train station back to the airport with two other folks who if you saw us would be the most unlikely trio, yet it was the most amazing and funniest encounter as we stuck together…..Paris is my absolute favorite city and I don’t even like cities.  Yes, the holiday of holidays.  I could do it all over again each year and it never seem dull.

That being said, being back here in Hamburg has me filled with joy playing again with Maks and quality time with my sister.  I am truly blessed to have this opportunity~

I am very excited to have the chance to visit France again. Tuesday I will arrive Paris, skip up to Rouen for dinner at La Couronne, the oldest restaurant in France and the restaurant where Julia Child fell in love with French food. Yes, it is a pilgrimage. From there I will train down to Nice and Grasse, then back to Paris for several days. I am THRILLED. I have booked my hostels, have my train schedules, bag packed and doing some futile last minute cramming of French….
Aaaaah, yes, I am in Love with France….

Time here in Hamburg is flying by, all the fun with family is the reason I am certain.  Maks and I have been playing loads of games and crafts, pictures to follow.  Playing with Maks is an adventure always, he encourages creativity for all involved in the fun and he completely cracks me up.

Taste bud adventures:

Jen’s amazing cooking, as mentioned before, she creates beautiful and delicious vegetarian meals.

Seafood~I have tried a few things  åla carte.  Smoked salmon and fish cakes, crayfish, and a herring sandwich with pickled cucumbers, the fish so fresh it was almost creamy.

Bier~ I haven’t ever been a big fan of pilsner but here they are hoppy, full flavored and refreshing.  The Czech Budvar, the original budweiser is amazing!   I have tried a few microbrew pub pilsners and am looking forward to more.

I went to the St. Pauli’s Fischmarkt again this morning and what a riot!!  I will have to go every Sunday I am here.  It is an adventure making my way around without knowing any German but everyone is as helpful as possible.  One of the wonderful market vendors took me in and showered me with fruit, sticking more in my pockets and bags as I paid.  The baker was generous as well.  It was packed this week with loads of vendors and customers.  I will have to do some shopping there for everyone, nice craft items.

Vladimir has just returned from his brief trip to Russia with gifts for all.  He brought me lovely handmade slippers (Jen has a pair that I adored) and caviar~ YUM my FAVORITE!!!!

So we are all happily together again, feasting on fruit, bakery treats and tea on this chilly Sunday~

I have been having some time to reflect upon the best of 2009. I know, it is usually done just BEFORE the New Year, but such has been my year….and since I feel I am racking up some best of 2010 already being here in Germany, I better write of the greats for 2009.

Favorite new piece of cookware: My Le Creuset enameled cast iron dutch oven. I have always wanted one of these and although I did technically receive it as a gift for the holidays 2008, due to travels and an insane summer, I am just now feeling like I am getting some great, fun use out of it.

Favorite new cookbook: I Know How To Cook by Ginette Mathiot. This amazing book is said to be the Joy Of Cooking and bible of French cooking. It is fabulous, over 1400 French recipes, simple to use and understand. I LOVE Julie Child and where her recipes are gourmet and technical, I Know How To Cook was created by a home economics teacher. It was first published in 1932 and has sold over 6 million copies. The English version has just been released in September. For a hardcover 4 lb cookbook, it is reasonably priced and worth every penny.

Favorite new toy: My Macbook laptop!!!! Why would anyone want a desktop?? I am in LOVE with my computer and use it for everything now, also to justify the investment….I still had my first computer that was over 10 years old and not functioning compared to this *new* one, my friends warned me I would be amazed and I am. It is my research for recipes, food information and sources, my internet radio, my movie viewing device and my yoga class that I can take outside in the sunshine on beautiful days. The reason I finally have a blog is right here….

Favorite self made Tradition: The tradition of hiking Borestone Mountain on my birthday. For the last two years of this tradition’s creation, it has been the picture perfect day, sunny, dry, crystal clear and no black flies in sight. A most uncommon and honored day for Springtime in Maine.

Favorite event: Circus du Soleil in Quebec City. I have always wanted to see Circus du Soleil and Quebec City. I was fortunate enough to have both in one quick trip. It was very abbreviated due to my August schedule, one evening and racing back but worth it and the drive was part of the adventure! Circus du Soleil was so incredible, I had tears of joy and amazement streaming down my face the whole first act.

Favorite trip: Of course my trip to Switzerland to visit my beautiful sister, my sweet nephew and her wonderful husband. I had the time of my life, hiking the Alps, eating the best cheese and chocolates, playing with my (then) two year old nephew and everything about being with family.

Favorite escapist activity: My sanctuary in the bathtub.

Favorite DIY project: My wood fired clay oven!!

Favorite promo: My *new* and improved website that Jess and Matt LeClair created for me!!  www.enchantedkitchen.org

Favorite food adventure: Switzerland and Italy, need I say more?!

Favorite Food event: The Kneading Conference the last weekend in July held in Skowhegan Maine. I cater this amazing event that brings bakers in from all over the country and Canada for a two day baking adventure in wood fired ovens. This conference covers the process of baking from the farmers who grow the grain, to milling to the hand formed, wood fired loaf. Workshops also include making your own clay oven and baking everything from bread to your whole dinner and sweet treats in these beautiful artisan ovens.

Please share YOUR favorites of 2009, the comment section is all yours~

Cheers~

There is something to be said about being a pedestrian in Hamburg….you definitely have the right of way.  It is odd.  Drivers just SEE you on the curb of a cross walk and they stop, even if you are checking traffic from the other direction.  There are two types of pedestrian crossings, a crossing that has a light for pedestrians and another for drivers and a crossing that has lines in the road that is an unlit crossing.  Pedestrians are also very serious.  They DO NOT cross the road when there is a light for walking that is red.  There may not be a car in sight, no matter, they still wait until the little red person turns green.  And if you DARE to cross because there is not a car in sight, the people waiting for the green on the other side give you a most disdainful glare.  I have yet to hear a horn beep at another driver.  Very courteous traffic.  There are cameras mounted on posts at lights that, if you are speeding, takes an accurate photo of your car, plate and YOU and then sends you a ticket in the mail!

I am trying to sample ALL the bread, pastries, beer, wine, local food…..it is all research after all….I LOVE what I do!!

Cheers!!