Hermance Village

Back in October, I went on a little trip to Hermance, a cute, charming and peaceful village!

On that Autumn day, the weather was really warm and sunny. I had a coffee on a terrace facing the beautiful floral garden at L’Auberge d’Hermance (a well known boutique hotel and restaurant) and I took a leisurely stroll through the quaint village.

I am so happy to show you what this lovely place looks like (some houses were built in the 13th century).. Hermance is just a forty minute ride from Geneva; you can catch the bus E at Rive (centre Geneva). It’s just a fantastic short getaway from the city.

I hope you’ll enjoy this tour!

Tour d'Hermance

Eglise catholique d'Hermance

Picturesque water fountain

Cute houses, some houses were built in the 13th century...

Centre Hermance

Walk along the lakeside at Hermance

It was such a beautiful day that the locals were enjoying outdoor activities...

L’Auberge d’Hermance (12, rue du Midi). What lovely service! They offer you a mini cake with your coffee.... While there, I sent a few snap shots to Sweetheart to make him envious...hahaha...

Italian Ricotta and Apple Torte

Back in October, while sitting on my couch with the flu, I was surfing the internet when I stumbled upon this torte recipe. I knew I needed to try it and I did so a couple of weeks later... We devoured this easy to make cake. The grated Golden Delicious apples give the torte a lovely moist texture. This cake is delicious served on its own or with a small dollop of vanilla ice cream. A perfect autumn treat!

Ingredients:

140g salted butter

200g golden caster sugar

3 large eggs

160g plain flour

1 grated zest of lemon

250g ricotta (I used the Galbani brand)

1 tablespoon baking powder

2 small grated Golden Delicious apples (200g)

Dusting of icing sugar to serve

Preparation:

Heat oven to 190ºC.

Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Whisk eggs lightly and gradually add to the butter/sugar, mixing on a light speed. Do this gradually so you don’t curdle the mix.

Add the grated lemon zest, grated apples, ricotta and baking powder, mix lightly together followed by the sifted flour, don’t over beat.

Pour into tin prepared tin, smooth the top and bake for about 35-45 mins until golden.

Leave to cool in tin for 15 minutes, turn out onto wire rack to continue cooling. Once cold, dust with icing sugar.

October Monthly Round Up

LIFE LATELY: It is the beginning of autumn! Hourrah, my favourite season!!! Whenever possible I go for long walks at Parc des Evaux and Forêt Onésienne.

Autumn bench in the Parc des Evaux

Children picnicking in the Parc des Evaux

Forêt Onésienne

From the Forêt Onésienne one has gorgeous views over the River Rhône.

CAKE LOVERS: It is impossible to resist these A. Pougnier mini cakes called “Pavés Tony”. The cakes are perfect. They are a delicious génoise sponge soaked in kirsch and covered in dark chocolate. (A. Pougnier - 34, Rue St-Victor, Carouge)

WHAT I HAVE BEEN READING: As I mentioned in many of my diary posts, I have so many books on my bookshelf waiting to be read. But, as I am a passionate soul, whenever a book captures my attention, I take it home. Thus, I borrowed “Coeur Silencieux” by Anne Brecart from my local library. This Swiss author is a wonderful discovery. I finished this book in two days and can’t stop thinking about it. This will be one of those books that stay with me forever. It is a reminder of what love life is like; there are no bad decisions, just appropriate ones, made at that particular stage in our life.

Another book that will stay with me forever is “A woman in Berlin” by an anonymous author. This is probably the best book I have read this year (I will review it next month).

Another fabulous read, a very entertaining and exciting memoir of an American outlaw. I loved it enormously! “You can’t win?” by Jack Black.  I offered it to Sweetheart as a birthday gift. Jack Black has a storytelling talent that keeps us going all the way through the 470 pages. (I will review it next month).

BOUTIQUE: I discovered the Pop and Chic many years ago and it has since become one of my favourite decor shops. I especially love their top quality objects and fantasy jewels — I came here to buy a gift for Sweetheart. (Pop and Chic - 32, rue Ancienne, Carouge)

MUSEUM VISIT:  I enjoyed the exhibition “Le miroir céramique” which you can visit until 10 December 2017.

This is an exhibition of the ceramic pieces that have been selected for the 16th edition of the Carouge international ceramic competition, The ceramists have worked on an imposed theme. This year’s theme is the ceramic mirror. This subject leaves a great deal of freedom to the artists. Indeed, a mirror can be hand-held, wall-mounted, standing or pocket sized. Above all, it opens up a field of possibilities, for a mirror can be functional, certainly, but also magical, opening on to other worlds, questions, minds or souls. The works of 38 countries are represented. (Musée de Carouge - 2, Place de Sardaigne)

“NOUS et, TOUS LES AUTRES” by Nathalie BENOIT (France)

“FACETTES” by Claudia Von Boch (Switzerland)

“LE TEMPS SOUTERRAIN DE RENCONTRE” by Yun-Jung Song (France)

HAND-CRAFTED BEAUTY: Savon de Marseille Soap. Sweetheart bought me these soap bars when he was in France. I really fell in love with this soap from the brand Belle Nature which is made in France.

This is the result of organic, handcrafted and traditional soap making. It is incredibly gentle and can be used on all skin types, especially sensitive skin and can be used on the face and body. The result is pure luxury - it is gentle on my skin and the smell is amazing. 

APERITIF TIME: Is there a better place to have an end-of-day aperitif than at a friend's place? With a view of the Mont Salève!…On the balcony we sipped a cool rosé, ate homemade “pâté” and enjoyed lots of laughter.

RESTAURANT: Spaghetti D’ORO Pizzeria, a gorgeous place where you feel like an Italian. Giant pizzas made in a wood fired oven, a great atmosphere and the address for great Italian specialties: fresh pasta, lasagne and more. You can also order your pizzas as a takeaway. (Spaghetti d’oro Pizzaria - 56, rue de Carouge)

Diavolo Pizza

You can also order your pizzas as a takeaway

Capricciosa Pizza

St-Pierre Cathedral in the Old Town beautifully illuminated in the evening…

WHAT ELSE HAPPENED: We blew the candles out and drank bubbly for Sweetheart’s birthday. Actually, I made the same cake as the one I did for my birthday, but the topping is different: I used fresh exotic fruits...

Beautiful autumn flowers... Love these warm colours!!

So what’s next? I am planning a long weekend trip…not sure yet if it will come off…let’s keep our fingers crossed.

The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016)

My thoughts: I borrowed this book from my local library in September.

This novel was an excellent surprise. I loved both the very detailed and meticulous description of the jet-set of the 50s and 60s and the exquisite, funny dialogues. This novel is not a true story, even though many of the facts it recounts are real. I think this is a very feminine book, written by a woman for us women.

This is the story of the great fortunes and great families of the 50s and 60s that made New York shine. It is mainly focused on a small circle of women (swans) who became acquainted with Truman Capote. Among these “swans”, ladies of high society, is Babe Paley. She was an editor at Vogue and embodied the elegance of the era. She was the wife of the founder of CBS.

Babe Paley is perfect; always beautiful, always well dressed, always organised. Behind this sequin-studded life, in reality hides an empty existence based on appearances. In this community, people get married for a prestigious name, money and beautiful houses. There are many “new rich” who are ready to do anything to be part of the famous families: Astor, Vanderbilt, Whitney, etc...

So, that small circle of women friends, nicknamed the Swans, befriend Truman Capote. Babe Paley, little by little, enters into a platonic relationship with Truman. Through her contact with Truman she finds a little thrill in her empty, lonely life. We follow the story of platonic love between these two fragile beings, all the way to their sad ends. Babe is serious, Truman is futile, she is married, he is gay, she is reserved, he is exuberant.

Along the way, we learn of dirty tricks, pettiness and deception, gossip, in short, a world where solid values ​​have little place.