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Celebrating is about sharing, telling stories, talking. It's about eating a piece of cake that a friend made for you, having a glass of wine or savoring a cup of coffee. It's that unknown sensation that doesn't let you get up from the table after eating. It's much more than just placing silverware and plates on a table, it's creating an ambience, a style, a sensation, an unforgettable memory.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Jewely for napkin rings & chestnut soup





Looking for  napkin rings that I could use for my Christmas table, I found these giant stone rings. I thought it was perfect for what I wanted, so I tied them to a metal string and within seconds I had my napkin rings. The dishes I used, which I had bought at a flea market, had various black and white patterns. Perfect to use under my Royal Worcester golden soup plate.
The idea is to mix the old with the new using different textures and patterns, keeping it timeless & chic.


The chestnut soup with chocolate curls

I made it it last year on Christmas Eve as part of a nine-course tasting. The recipe is from Mireille Guiliano, author of the book French Women Do not Get Fat.
INGREDIENTS
  • 1 pound of chestnuts or a jar
  • 2 or 3 cups of vegetable or beef broth
  • 1 / 2 cup of heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of crème fraîche
  • Dark chocolate, 60% to 70% cacao, for garnish
I prepared it using a jar of chestnuts which helped the whole process take less time. If they are natural cook them for about 50 minutes with two cups of broth, add more if necessary. When they are soft, blend them while adding the broth and the cream. Heat again for a few minutes until it simmers. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve individually with a touch of crème fraîche and chocolate curls.
A dish that does not go unnoticed, and gives an exciting opening to what is yet to come...


The Côté Bastide linen tablecloth, mini trees, candles votives and chocolate are sold at my online store: http://shop.lolalobato.com

16 comments:

Catherine said...

Dear Lola, The soup sounds wonderful. I never have had soup with chocolate. The napkin holders are just so rich and glamorous looking. Blessings, Catherine xo

lisa is cooking said...

Your tabletop is beautiful. Love the napkin rings and little trees! The soup sounds lovely too with the chocolate curl garnish.

Recetario Spanglish para mis hijos said...

I´m also surprised at this recipe, great soup!
Saludos,
Myriam

Sandra said...

Oh what a wonderful recipe, and table setting is just perfect! Have a great day, Lola!

TinaRBK said...

Your table looks amazing, very inviting and elegant. Your chestnut soup is something I would love to try-it looks delicious. I definitely will need to keep an eye out for chestnuts at the specialty store!

janet@fromcupcakestocaviar said...

The table set up is beautiful Lola! And I love the sounds of that soup.

Veronica Cervera said...

Que lujazo de mesa, y la sopa me encanta.
Un abrazo,
Vero

Anonymous said...

The soup sounds delicious and you are SO clever! Your table is - once again - stunning!

Shoutforfood said...

wonderful decoration.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Your table is stunning...love the sparkly napkin rings! And your soup sounds so festive and delicious (how could it not be with that lovely cream....mmmmmm).

Simply Life said...

oh those table settings are so gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Hi Lola! What a beautiful table top setting.. Love how everybody is in their Chrismas mood. I have not had Chestnut Soup before.. sounds lovely especially with the chocolate curls.. Have a Joyous Christmas and Happy New Year!! Hugs, Jo

Ruth said...

This looks delicious - chestnuts are one of my favourite autumn and winter foods. Thanks for sharing!

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Whatz a beautiful table and delicious soup! Dreamlike.

Cheers,

Rosa

Nami | Just One Cookbook said...

Beautiful napkin rings and table setting. I'd love to try chestnut soup one day since I enjoy eating chestnut in fall.

saudi said...

really Your tabletop more beautiful