I received an incredibly thoughtful and generous gift in the mail recently from my old college pal Patti. She had been looking at one of my posts on C&L and remarked on the Monet china I had used. If you are unfamiliar with the pattern, it was apparently designed by Claude Monet for himself. Patti and I had a little online chat about Monet, his gardens, and his (my) china. Before I knew it, two beautiful books were delivered to my door. Thank you, Patti!
Everyday Monet and Monet’s Palate Cookbook (clever play on words with that last title) by Aileen Bordman. It turns out that Aileen’s mother, Helen Rappel Bordman, was instrumental in the renovations of Monet’s garden at Giverny in the 80’s. I imagine it was probably genetic for Aileen to be intrigued with Monet and Giverny, given her mother’s interest and life work.
Everyday Monet is about color, design, lifestyle—not so much a book about Giverny but more about how you can achieve that kind of beauty in your own home, wherever you are. Lots of beautiful photos of Giverny to inspire, and equally beautiful places proving that you can achieve such results. Having toured Monet’s home and garden several times, I assure you there is something incredibly unique about it, and I can easily see why one might aspire to his décor.
Monet’s Palate Cookbook, by Bordman and photographer Derek Fell, however, is more pertinent to Cocoa & Lavender. The recipes in the book are not actually Monet’s recipes, nor are they of his era. There is another book that does that. I have to say, cuisine has changed a lot for the better since Monet’s cook was in the kitchen. The recipes, collected by Aileen Bordman, are inspired by what we now call the “farm to table” movement, and honor Monet’s personal passion for seasonally, locally and personally grown produce. He was a frontrunner in the farm to table movement.
When I visited Giverny for the first time in May 1990 (photos above), there was no access to La Maison Bleue, the property adjoining the main gardens, where Monet had his potager. It is widely known that he grew many of his own fruits and vegetables there.
Monet was host to many artists of the day, including Renoir, Cézanne, and Caillebotte. During that first visit, I learned there was a day per week when only artists were admitted to the garden, and they were allowed to park themselves to paint. I don’t know how I convinced them I was an artist, but I returned a second day and was admitted with my knapsack full of colored pencils and fine-point ink pens. It was heaven to be in that idyllic garden, absent any crowds or chatter. Just birds and bees, with the occasional murmur of praise as one artist looked at another’s work.
My few remaining sketches from my journal are here for your amusement. While I was no Monet, I always found great joy in sitting and sketching in a garden. Maybe it’s time to get out the colored pencils again.
I have made a couple of the recipes from Monet’s Palate Cookbook, and they have all been excellent. Today, we are having the grilled lamb chops (ribs) with a parsley and mint vinaigrette. Unlike mint jelly (which is what the book muses Monet had with his lamb), this mint sauce is subtle and fresh, and complements the lamb perfectly. I served it on a bed of roasted potatoes and red onions with some fresh peas. (I added the vegetables to round out the meal—included in the recipe below.) Just delicious!
Thanks again, Patti—your kind gift affirms the goodness in the world out there. I will think of you every time I get out the books and use my Monet china. (The china, by the way, is made by Havilland Limoges and seems to have been discontinued. I’m glad I got mine when I did!)
~ David
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John / Kitchen Riffs
June 27, 2020 at 7:40 amI rarely use my immersion blender to make vinaigrette (I usually just shake everything together in a lidded container). I should, though — bet you get a much better blend of ingredients that way. We have tons of mint and parsley in our garden, now all I need are some lamb chops to make this. Perfect company dish. Well, when we have company again. In the meantime we’ll just have to enjoy this ourselves. Really nice recipe — all the elements play together so nicely. Thanks.
Cocoa & Lavender
June 28, 2020 at 8:49 amYou know, John, I rarely use the blender for dressings either but, with all the mint and parsley, it seemed (and was) a good idea. Thanks for your comments, too.
Gerlinde
June 27, 2020 at 7:46 amI loved the garden and the house at Girveny. I remember the blue kitchen. How special that you could sketch in this beautiful garden. You are very talented David. I love your drawings and your mint sauce .
Cocoa & Lavender
June 28, 2020 at 8:51 amThanks so much, Gerlinde — I almost deleted the flower sketches but I decided they were fun. The thing — aside from the kitchen and dining room — that I remember most is the view from the bedroom and how I dreamed of having that.
2pots2cook
June 27, 2020 at 9:11 amAmazing ! You have so many talents, dear David ! Who knows, maybe we met there once, not knowing that future shall bring us together. Beautiful place, beautiful energy and beautiful times in the garden.
Cocoa & Lavender
June 28, 2020 at 8:52 amIt is very possible our paths have crossed many times, Davorka… at least I like it think so! Thanks for your kind words.
Eha
June 27, 2020 at 6:19 pmNot ‘amused’, David, but totally enchanted ! All Sunday morning posts should read like this ! Retrospectively find it hard to understand I have been to the west and east and south of Paris but not north towards the Channel coast . . . and Giverny . . . and examples of my favourite era in art. Love what is on your plate naturally except in Australia you would be sold totally different kind of meat if you asked for ‘chops’ 🙂 ! These very definitely are beautiful cutlets . . . and cost an arm and a leg at the moment ! A childish yum !!! Am interested in your book . . . have a wonderful on-line book store locally : shall see . . . best . . .
Cocoa & Lavender
June 28, 2020 at 8:53 amI am imagine a used copy of the book will find its way to Australia soon. Glad you enjoyed the post so much… It really was fun taking myself back to those beautiful gardens, where I hope to go once again in the not too distant future.
Mimi
June 28, 2020 at 4:26 amWhat a beautiful post. Two beautiful books, beautiful drawings and photos, and a delicious meal. I’ve never made it to Giverny, but now I’m pushing it up my list. I like your mint sauce. I’ve always been repelled by mint jelly!
Cocoa & Lavender
June 28, 2020 at 8:54 amSame here, Mimi. I meant jelly just doesn’t cut it for me. Glad you enjoyed the post…
Kirsten Honeyman
June 28, 2020 at 6:55 amLovely story, lovely book, lovely china, lovely recipe!!
Cocoa & Lavender
June 28, 2020 at 8:54 amThanks, Kirsten! I hope you are faring well…
Christina Conte
June 28, 2020 at 7:50 amWhat a lovely suprise to receive these two books! I have not been to Giverny, so that’s on my list. I love your sketches! I used to be the “class artist” when I was in junior high and high school, but haven’t done anything artistic (drawing/painting) in much too long.
The lamb sounds wonderful and although I don’t like mint jelly, I think I would love this mint sauce with the lamb. I found a recipe on a calendar many years ago for a red bell pepper butter sauce (which goes with rack of lamb), I’ve I’ve made it twice this year already. Hadn’t made it in sooo long. Need to reshoot my photos for that one! 😉 Thanks for the delicious inspiration as always, David!
Cocoa & Lavender
June 28, 2020 at 8:58 amI will definitely be looking forward to your lamb with red pepper and butter sauce… That sounds fantastic! Neither of us is a fan of mint jelly, either. But this is the proverbial “horse of a different color” — just minty enough to complement everything on the plate, but not overwhelming…
You definitely need to get to Giverny soon, Christina! One of the most beautiful gardens in the world.
Carolyne
June 28, 2020 at 9:08 amThat is artwork on a beautiful plate! What a wonderful recipe and photos. Giverny is still on my bucket-list.
Cocoa & Lavender
June 28, 2020 at 9:57 amYou really need to get there, Carolyne! May is a perfect time to be there but I imagine any season will be beautiful.
sippitysup
June 28, 2020 at 12:14 pmThe food is as beautiful as the drawings! GREG
Cocoa & Lavender
June 28, 2020 at 4:15 pmThanks Greg, but I would hope the food looks better!
Maria Tilton
June 28, 2020 at 7:00 pmI always enjoy reading your posts. The lamb dinner looks wonderful. I think your sketches rival Monet’s! I hope you and Mark are doing well.
Cocoa & Lavender
June 29, 2020 at 7:55 amThanks, Maria! The writing and cooking is keeping me sane during all this! You are so kind about the sketches — I really hope to get back to drawing someday. We are safe and well, and I hope the same of you and Tom!
John
June 28, 2020 at 9:20 pmWhat an incredible experience you had sitting in Monet’s Garden and letting your talent flow. Please tell me you were wearing a beret? Eha is right, this cut of lamb is a bit of a luxury item here. Gone are the days of prime cuts of lamb being an affordable item. Your dish is as pretty as Monet’s Garden!
Cocoa & Lavender
June 29, 2020 at 7:57 amAlas, I don’t think I had a beret at that time, John! It was definitely fun and I don’t think they do that any longer… too much revenue loss, I think.
I didn’t realize lamb was so expensive I’m Australia now… not too bad here (or maybe I am just used to the high prices?). We love lamb and it is a nice treat now and then.
Frank Fariello
June 29, 2020 at 5:45 amI adore lamb and the rib chops might be my very favorite cut. (Save them for special occasions given the cost.) And compliments on the sketches, they really are lovely! Getting a chance to draw in the very same garden that inspired Monet, what an experience! But then from what I’ve seen your own garden at home should be very inspiring as well?
Cocoa & Lavender
June 29, 2020 at 7:59 amYou are so right, Frank, I really should get our my pencils and sketch our own garden. All I need is some extra time! I find lamb one of the most controversial meats — people either love it or hate it. I’m in the camp of the former!
Raymund
June 29, 2020 at 8:03 pmWow those lamb racks look really good. And you are such an artist, I used to draw before but never find time and subject, better go back to it now that I am living in New Zealand, there will be a lot of nice subjects out here.
Cocoa & Lavender
June 30, 2020 at 7:52 amThanks, Raymund — I hope to see some of your own drawings on your blog soon. I find that no matter where I am, there’s always something worth putting down on paper. For me? I just need to get out those pencils again… Glad you like lamb!
Jeff the Chef
June 30, 2020 at 6:01 amWhat a great gift! And I have to say, that plate is stunning. So are those chops! And I especially like your vinaegrette method. I’ve been exploring salad dressings lately, so I’m going to give that a try.
Cocoa & Lavender
June 30, 2020 at 7:53 amJeff – when I bought my immersion blender, it came with a measuring cup specifically designed to be used for smoothies. I don’t think I’ve ever made a smoothie in my life, but I find it’s really good for a well immersed vinaigrette. Thanks, as always, for your kind comments.
Inger @ Art of Natural Living
June 30, 2020 at 11:15 amI drooled over your lamb chops when I was them on Instagram! Yum! And your sketches are great–such hidden talent! I always wished I could draw but alas, not at all…
Cocoa & Lavender
July 1, 2020 at 7:32 amThanks, Inger. I did really enjoy drawing when I was younger and look forward to returning to it someday. Glad the lamb had its intended effect.
Valentina
July 1, 2020 at 2:27 pmYou sure do wear a lot of hats, my friend. So many talents! Like your food, your drawings are really beautiful. And what a totally lovely surprise to receive such a great gift. The recipe looks great — a really good lamb dish is such a treat. Perfect with the Yukon Golds — and that vinaigrette — oh my! I’m hungry. 🙂 ~Valentina
Cocoa & Lavender
July 3, 2020 at 11:22 amYou are so sweet, Valentina! I do enjoy the creative side to life!
priya
July 2, 2020 at 2:44 pmLamb looks so fabulous and juicy,. Loving more that Mint Vinaigrette. This is a perfect summer recipe.
Cocoa & Lavender
July 3, 2020 at 11:23 amThanks, Priya — the leftover vinaigrette was amazing — used it on lots of salads and veggies!
Susan Manfull
July 5, 2020 at 7:24 amSuch a nice post to read on a day when clouds dominate my view of the river: it brightened up the day. The trip to Monet’s lovely Giverny brought back memories of our own visit there with our daughter, and the lamb sounds like a perfect dish for the slightly chilly summer day. À votre santé!
Cocoa & Lavender
July 5, 2020 at 1:21 pmIt’s so funny that you are having a chilly day while we are inside avoiding the triple-digit temperatures in Arizona. Whenever I mention Monet’s Garden, I can immediately tell who has been there by the dreamy look that comes over their eyes.
Karen (Back Road Journal)
July 6, 2020 at 10:51 amYou are a true Renaissance man David with all your talents. Our visit to Monet’s home and garden was in April and you can see what just one months does to the look of his gardens. I have a feeling Monet would love to sit at your table for a meal.
Cocoa & Lavender
July 9, 2020 at 7:48 amWell, if I had been alive in the Renaissance (and some days it feels like I was!), my artistic abilities would most likely have been mocked. But I enjoyed it and will always have those wonderful memories. It is amazing what a month will do in terms of garnering… remember the difference between April and May in New Hampshire? Or better yet, the difference between May and June?
Ron
July 8, 2020 at 1:19 amDavid, I’ve been saving this post to read when I had a peaceful moment and I’m glad I did. Such a smile and feeling of joy your post has given me. We’ve not made it to Monet’s Gardens, although we hope to get there one day. What a wondrous place to visit and absorb. I was most impressed with your grilled lamb chop dinner. A meal I hope to attempt in the very near future. But as impressive as the meal was, I was utterly amazed by your lovely sketches. Such talent you have. You’ve inspired me to pick up my pencils and sketch again. A very well done post and what I believe to be your best post thus far…
Cocoa & Lavender
July 9, 2020 at 7:50 amRon, I do hope you and Eva can get to the gardens soon. They are truly spectacular and worth the hour-long train ride form Paris, followed by the bus or — as we preferred — bicycle rental. Thanks so much for your kind words about this post. I hope we see some wonderful artwork from you soon! Take good care, you two!
Liberty Belle
July 8, 2020 at 4:17 pmEverything about this post is lovely…the books, the meal, the china, and the kindness of your old school tie, Patti.
Cocoa & Lavender
July 9, 2020 at 7:51 amThanks, Belle — kindnesses are what really keep us going these days.
mae
July 10, 2020 at 4:26 amMonet’s garden is a dream place. I was also there in 1990, but I haven’t been back on any subsequent visits to Paris. The kitchen is indeed a dream place — I didn’t realize that Monet even designed the China pattern! Using those plates does indeed make your food look as if it came from his kitchen. The cookbooks look beautiful, but I am partial to books that actually try to reproduce recipes from the past.
be well… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Cocoa & Lavender
July 10, 2020 at 8:36 amHi Mae – maybe we were in the garden at the same time? I actually went several times that year. Yes, Monet had painted his own China – and I have to wonder what the original looks like, as I’m sure the producers at Limoges refined it quite a bit. Still, it is beautiful stuff and it makes me happy! Do you have Monet’s Table with the authentic recipes from his cook? It’s quite fun, and the recipes work well.
Kelly | Foodtasia
July 10, 2020 at 6:52 pmSuch a wonderful post, David! From the beautiful china, books, and gardens to the delicious lamb chops and a lovely friend. A great idea getting into the garden as an artist. With such beautiful sketches, it’s easy to see how you managed to get in!
Cocoa & Lavender
July 12, 2020 at 5:56 amThanks Kelly! This was definitely a fun post to write, as it flooded me with wonderful memories of trips to France.
sherry
July 22, 2020 at 12:20 amyour sketches are so wonderful david! i am envious of your talent. i can barely doodle a potato:-) I must get to Monet’s garden one day … Ah Covid what have you done to us?:)
David Scott Allen
July 23, 2020 at 12:09 pmNow, I am not sure I could doodle a potato any longer, either, Sherry! But maybe it is time to try!