Tex-a-France Two-Stepper

about me

The charming village of Wimberley, Texas (just outside of Austin) is one of our homes, and the equally delightful town of Gemozac, in the Charante-Maritime of SW France, is where we own a wonderful, very old, second home, which we rent as either a gite or, if we are there, a bed and breakfast.

I have been a Realtor in Central Texas since 1977, and relish helping buyers find just the right home for themselves and their families. I cook for fun, and read cookbooks, as well as design houses for myself or my clients. Since Central Texas is known for musci, we often go out dancing and listening to music on weekends.

I have so many favorite cookbooks, that it would be difficult to name one. Plus, I collect family recipes from my own family, as well as those of my friends. I enjoy cooking all sorts of foods, including those from other countries. I am particularly partial to Thai, French, Indian, Interior Mexican, and Middle Eastern foods when seeking a restaurant or planning a day of cooking.

Going dancing with my husband is one of my favorite pastimes, and visiting with good friends is another. Other than being passionate about my family (I have four sons, a step-daughter, and 8 grandchildren), I am passionate about France, not to mention, French wine. I have spent quite a bit of time there and absolutely love it. I would like to dispell the notion that the French do not like Americans. Everywhere I went, the French people have been charming and delightful. Thus, it's a "pet peeve" of mine to generalize that the French are not friendly. I hope to be a "one woman" messenger that France is a lovely country and it's people are just as kind and generous as those in other countries.

Favorite Foods:

I love to cook my grandmother's chocolate spice cake because it reminds me of the many times I spent in her Mississippi kitchen, watching her make it, and taking notes (she didn't have a written recipe). I suppose that's one of the recipes for which I am known, as well as a Turnip Green Cassarole (a family favorite), which is liked even by those who profess not to like turnips.

Madame Mam's Thai Restaurant and Fonda San Miquel, both in Austin, TX, are two of my favorite restaurants, as well as La Gallette in Paris, France. The latter is a very small restaurant in the 5th arrondisement. The ambiance is wonderful and the food - delicious. On one wall, they have a collection of bras that various patrons have sent or left, which is in in very good taste, and most interesting!

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