Where to stay in the Swiss Alps? Etoiles de Montagne - Part II

When we were there, over a month ago, it was obviously too early to have snow (sweetheart is a keen skier). I am more of a hiker, thus our break was spent hiking the simple trails and breathing the pure mountain air, alternating with cocooning and listening to sweetheart playing guitar. He plays beautifully and has an amazing voice, but he is not aware of it...

For those who just want to curl up and chill, the chalet even provides entertainment: a cinema room with more than 600 movies available and a super-sized TV screen complete with 3D viewing options and surround-sound speakers.

For the two marvellous days in "Etoiles de Montagne", I packed comfortable basics, plus a white/black outfit along with these gorgeous shoes from China, that my friend E. bought me. Both of us are totally in love with these shoes, E. has them in pink, I have them in black.

I also packed a long silk nightgown that “can be worn as a dress on hot summer nights” - those are the words of the saleswoman. Well, I can’t see myself wearing this on the streets!

Reader's Look

Tunic: Tara Jarmon (very old)

Trousers: Massimo Dutti

Shoes: CoLaic

Earrings: Y. Yendi

Silk nightgown: Intimissimi

Do you want to learn more about "Etoiles de Montagne"? Have a look at their site.

www.etoilesdemontagne.com

info@etoilesdemontagne.com

Where to stay in the Swiss Alps? Etoiles de Montagne - Part I

November is here, winter is fast approaching and the ski season is nearly upon us, so I thought I would share an address with you…No, sorry not just an address but the place to be! From the outset, I must warn you that this is not a flashy place.

Nendaz is a family-friendly resort, frequented by lovers of nature, tranquillity, authenticity, skiing and hiking. Situated at that the heart of the Four Valleys region, its highest point is the Mont Fort glacier (3,300 meters).  Winter snow conditions are excellent and there is a wide choice of on and off piste skiing. 

Over a month ago, we spent two marvellous days (a romantic break) at "Etoiles de Montagne", a brand new architect-designed boutique chalet in Nendaz. The chalet is just a 5-minute walk from the centre of the resort. We were lucky enough to be the only guests in this scandalously exquisite chalet. We also appreciated the privacy it offered: a perfect retreat for quiet relaxation, away from the m'as-tu-vu of other mountain resorts. Imagine sleeping with the sound of a running stream in the background…Imagine delicious homemade dishes (I am still dreaming of the gorgeous Bailey’s ice cream, the whisky and pepper cream sauce, the warm pain paysan)…Imagine being in a place where you feel totally at ease,  just like being at home… Well, that is how we both felt. Everything was done to make our stay special!!! That is why I want to introduce you to this Alpine gem. I promise to make it short, or at least I will try!

The chalet has 6 spacious bedrooms, it is light and airy with luxurious living and dining areas furnished for the ultimate in comfort, equipped with plasma televisions, a free online movie selection and Wi-Fi.

We chose one of the two top floor bedrooms under the eaves: super cosy, a very comfy king size bed, impeccable linen sheets and bedding.  I loved the stylish and modern bathroom equipped with a first class shower. I had a crush on their Pascal Morabito toiletries: such wonderful fragrances! Then, there was the absolute MUST: our own balcony terrace from where we saw the sunset and which was flooded with the beautiful light of the sunrise when woke up in the morning!!! Sounds romantic doesn't it??? I can confirm that it was!

The meals were a pure moment of joy. For breakfast we were offered croissants, bread, fruit, freshly squeezed orange juice, three kinds of homemade jam, regional cheeses, ham, tea, cappuccino, yogurts, cereals, etc.… The evening menu was composed of champagne with canapés, followed by a three course meal. Their gifted gourmet chef surprised us with a variety of delicious dishes with specially selected wines. Although I am not a wine lover (I`m more of a beer girl) I made an effort to taste them....

Even though I don't really review food, I couldn't help but take photos of these two days’ dinner menus. I am a fan of home cooking with simple, locally produced products and a little touch of modernity.

TO BE CONTINUED (just like a TV series…ha ha ha)

Living with Ghosts: Eleven Extraordinary Tales by Prince Michael of Greece (1995)

For Halloween this year (31 October 2015), I thought I would suggest a book to make your hair stand on end. Sensitive souls beware!

"You the living, you understand us so little, we ghosts. Of course, you regret the death of loved ones, you cry, but only because you are missing them. We need you, your thoughts, your prayers, your intentions, the energy that you possess without knowing it. You can improve the condition of ghosts, these souls in waiting, who often are not at peace. Humble beings, devoid of knowledge, wisdom, wandering in the darkness of this world, you can help those who are on the other side of the crystal wall. Whenever you think of us, every time you pray for us, a rocket shoots into the sky and this light will come back to you, will assist and enlighten you."

From the gothic elegance of Powderham Castle in Devon to the ruins of the Chateau de Lagnes in Provence to the moated austerity of Schloss Schwarzenraben in Westphalia, Prince Michael of Greece has sought out eleven of the most celebrated haunted palaces and castles in Europe and describes them on the basis of his personal research and contact with their ghostly inhabitants. Who are the ghosts of these places? A serving woman, an Incan princess, a baroness whose lover was killed by her husband in a duel....

Author: Michael of Greece and Denmark was born on 7 January, 1939 in Rome, Italy. He is a member of the Greek royal family and a descendant of the Romanov and Orléans families. He is also a paternal first cousin of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He is the author of several historical novels and biographies, as well as a contributing writer to the Architectural Digest.

My thoughts: I love this book which I read in 2001. I still remember the feeling of fear I had while reading it. I had goose bumps, not something that normally happens to me when reading dark books. This is a book based on true events, which cannot be explained by normal reasoning. Now, do I believe these ghost stories? Do I believe that Prince Michael communicates with ghosts? I really don't know. Usually, I believe in what I see and in my instinct. But if these stories are not true, then their author is a genius, with an incredible imagination.  Anyway, this book is divinely well written and scary. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the various haunted castles, manors and palaces, enriched with details of their history.

Pumpkin fritters for Halloween

Even if Halloween is not an important festival in our European culture, it is being celebrated more and more here. Thus, in honour of Halloween, I give you an original recipe using pumpkin. These fritters are generally cooked for Christmas in Portugal (Filhoses de Abóbora). I have tasted them many times, but a couple of weeks ago was the first time that I made them myself.  They were a TREMENDOUS success with all those who tasted them! They have an incomparable taste, not too sweet and not too greasy, quite airy…so yummy!

In addition to the ingredients, you will need patience and meticulousness to make this recipe, as it takes around three hours. If you follow these steps, your fritters will be a hit with adults and kids alike.

Ingredients for 30 fritters

750g pumpkin

1 egg and 1 egg yolk

The zest of 1 ½ oranges

40g sugar

5g baker's yeast

300g flour

1 dl orange juice

25 ml Aguardente (Portuguese eau-de-vie - I used Kirsch as a substitute)

Pinch of salt

Cinnamon powder (for dusting)

Sugar (for dusting)

Frying oil (I used sunflower oil)

1. Cut the pumpkin into medium cubes and place it in a saucepan of salted water. Cook for 30 minutes until it is tender. Place the pumpkin in a colander with a cloth and leave it to drain overnight.

2. The next day, dissolve the yeast in the orange juice. Place the pumpkin in a bowl and mix with an electric mixer with spiral wands. As you mix, add the orange zest, orange juice with baker's yeast, aguardente (kirsch), a pinch of salt, sugar, egg and egg yolk and flour. Mix well.

3. Cover the bowl with a cloth and leave it to stand in a warm place for 2 hours. If the dough is too soft, add more flour and mix well. The dough should be supple – neither too runny nor too thick.

4. Fry spoonfuls of dough into hot oil. Place the fritters on a plate with absorbent paper.

5. Mix the sugar with the cinnamon in a bowl. Sprinkle the fritters with the mixture and place on a serving plate (or a colander decorated with a paper doily, just as I did).