French Date Night

Whoa! When did it become Wednesday again? Another busy week has passed, and despite all of the ethnic cooking that I did, I did not get one blog in! What a week in my kitchen though-- I tried out some new original recipes and they turned out AMAZING! They will definitely be blogged about in the next week or so, so be on the lookout!

It is Wednesday night date night again tonight, and I have been way to busy to plan anything exotic (although I've had some great ideas...). It is just my husband, Lukas, and I tonight, so I will keep it simple, yet romantic... a French inspired date!

Growing up in Northern California has spoiled me when it comes to my taste in wines. I LOVE the wineries in the region, and I have to admit that I haven't ventured out too much beyond that. Recently, Lukas and I have talked about trying out wines from other countries. Naturally, French wines seem like a good place to start! French wines have always carried a great reputation, so I am going to grab a few to try out.

I need to go pick up my children now, and fortunately there is a Whole Foods Market between my house and my kids' school. I know they have a nice selection of carefully chosen international wines, as well as artisan cheeses. How simple is that? A romantic evening of tasting French wines, and some artisan French cheeses to eat with some baguette. Entertaining with global flair doesn't have to be complicated to be fabulous!

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I just returned from picking up my kids from school and stopping by the market. I was right-- they had such a huge selection of French wines and cheeses that I didn't know where to start! Recently I had some Rhone and Burgundy wine from France, so this time I thought I'd try a new one: Carignan. Brie, French Morbier, Atlantique French Baby Swiss, and Doux de Montagne cheeses will accompany the wine. I have a fabulous French music CD called "Paris" (by Putumayo World Music-- one of my favorites!) which plays the kind of music that I was listening to at a cafe next to the Arc de Triomphe when I was in Paris. It was magnificent. I loved the markets in France, and I love how great French foods are easily accessible here. Last-minute date night dilemma is solved! It couldn't have been easier, and it is going to be fabuleaux! Bon appetit!

Photo: My sister and I in front of the Eiffel Tower