My Petite Maison: ROMANTIC PRAIRIE COOKBOOK at My Petite Maison

March 19, 2012

ROMANTIC PRAIRIE COOKBOOK at My Petite Maison

Happy brand new week from me and My Petite Maison.

I'm sharing my research project (my trying out something new here... a new dish, a new cookbook). I'm making a dish from my friend, Fifi O'Neill's cookbook called The Romantic Prairie Cookbook.

Here it is, on my kitchen counter... ready to go. It's a darling cookbook with nice stories and mouth-watering recipes.

To me, my kitchen needs to be in order and eye pleasing to me BEFORE the cooking begins, you too?

Since it's been raining and cold here, during the last week, I've decided to make one of the soups in the book. The one I've made is Pumpkin Soup with Cilantro Oil (it's on page 28 of the cookbook).

The soup I made was fantastique! It contained pumpkin, coconut milk, curry powder, ginger and an onion. I was happy to see that the soup called for water and not chicken broth since my husband's a vegetarian... Works perfect and delicious too!

I also made a platter of freshly cut cantaloupe and prosciutto (Prosciutto de Parma is the brand I used here). Fifi's cookbook has a page devoted to prosciutto with fresh figues. Since figues aren't in season, I chose to use melon instead and pair it with fresh limes and a little arugula for the taste of its peppery goodness to enjoy.

I have to admit, I cheated on the cilanto (coriander) oil, as we have our favorite brand, in our favorite tin brought back from Eze. There's really nothing like it that's already prepared that I've tried EVER. I'm sure the fresh in the cookbook is superb made from scratch.

I served a light, fruity sauvignon blanc wine from a local vineyard with our meal. I love using different shapes and sizes of wine glasses to make it rustic and "picnic-y" for us.

We have a very small, Paris sized kitchen (I call it ;), so our door is usually open to let the beautiful, fresh air in and allow us to view our garden we've worked so hard on throughout the year. I truly love the feel of outdoors inside always... even when it's raining.

Most of you have probably seen my little garden shack that's right outside our kitchen by now. I am loving the vintage olive colanders from Italy. I've placed an olive tree in one and fleurs in the other that drape over and cascade. Love the look!

I can't wait to try more dishes from this book and to read the entire contents. I will make the soup again, it's delicious and the subtle taste of coconut is always a favorite for me.

Vintage escargot dish from my grandmother

Our daughter is always throwing big, vintage Euro pillows on the floor and eating her meals that way. Started as a little girl and continues on whenever she visits now that she has her own apartment. Thought it was only fitting to throw down a pillow of my own and eat a delicious bowl of soup along with prosciutto and fresh melon and just kick back and relax with the gentle rain sounds outdoors and on our roof.

You can find Fifi's cookbook at Amazon.com

You can find a selection of fine, French vintage plates and bowls at my boutique and more items too.

Hope your week is special and you find something new to enjoy. Maybe a new recipe for yourself and your family.