Chocolate Eclair Dessert

Ever taste a real chocolate éclair from a Parisian patisserie? If you have and would like to repeat that experience, or if you haven’t but would like to, keep reading.

These hot, steamy days of August, try this chilled, no-bake Chocolate Éclair Dessert. It tastes exactly like a chocolate éclair – or about as close as you will get without purchasing it from Fauchon Patisserie in Paris. Warning: super-high calorie alert.

While it takes almost no time to make – it does take time to chill – but it’s worth it. You can try many variations (sliced strawberries on top, chocolate instead of vanilla pudding, etc.) Best of all, no oven means it doesn’t heat up the house.

This recipe was given to me by a very close friend, no longer here. I remember her every time I make it.

Ingredients:

1 box graham crackers, 8 oz Cool Whip, 2 small boxes of vanilla pudding, 2 cups milk, 1 can milk chocolate frosting.

1. In a mixing bowl slowly stir 2 cups milk into the pudding mix until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip.

2. In a 9X13 pan place one layer of whole graham crackers. Spread 1/2 pudding mixture. Place another layer of graham crackers. Spread remaining pudding mixture. Place a layer of graham crackers on top. Spread frosting on top layer of crackers. Be sure to cover all the way to the edges to seal the dessert.

3. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator 6 hours or overnight. Slice and serve.

Moisture from the pudding mix expands the crackers creating a pastry or cake-like texture. The vanilla pudding and chocolate frosting add the flavors and creaminess of an éclair.

Invite some friends for evening dessert. Slice and serve with french press coffee. Parlez français.

Bon appétit.

You may also like Fruit Soup, No Cook Marinera & Pasta and Citron Pressé.

Colorful Container Garden

Photo R. Meshar

A friend of mine enjoys gardening. Here’s a lesson in small space living; even though she has a balcony, not a yard, she hasn’t let that stop her from having an extravagant garden. Using a few terracotta pots and selecting rich, contrasting colors she created a balcony oasis. Take a look for yourself.

Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar

You may also like Patio Zen Garden and if you have a little time to spend relaxing on a balcony, deck or patio check out Citron Pressé.

Cabin Fever

Like many Minnesotans, we spend some time each summer at a cabin “up north.” Here, cabin fever is the anticipation of going to the cabin. The cabin where we stay is on Lake Superior.

Our time there was very laid back and relaxed. A little touring, a little visiting with a friend, a little cooking, some walking and a little of doing nothing at all, preferably in front of the fireplace. The cabin is small, red with white trim, all pine inside and out and suits our needs perfectly. Each night we fell asleep to the sound of the waves and the occasional distant train whistle. Heaven.

Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar

For a number of years now, this small red cabin has been our haven for reconnecting, reflecting and rejuvenating. There’s nothing like it . . .

You may also like Walking in Spring, Secret of Wealth from Ancient Babylon and Come to the Feast!

 

Fabulous Friday

Today is a fabulous Friday because I have indulged in the inexpensive luxury of Farmers’ Market flowers. As you can see below, this week’s bouquet is a riot of color. They’re fresh, look terrific, smell great and bring good energy into our house. See for yourself.

Photo R. Meshar

Last week’s few remaining lillies look great with hostas. Take a look –

Photo R. Meshar

And a sprig of lavender clipped from the pot by the front door fits neatly in a small vase near the bed. The scent of lavender has a calming, soothing effect that is good for sleeping.

Photo R. Meshar

You may also like Stillwater Stop, 29 Gifts and Strawberry Soup.

 

Are We So Different?

Perhaps you remember the British TV series, Upstairs, Downstairs? It was about lives of a privileged family and their servants during the 19th century. Recently I was watching a similar series, Downton Abbey. It occurred to me that something was very wrong with an economic system that allowed an elite few to live in unearned luxury owed to the labor of many – simply because of birth into a particular social class.

However, on further reflection I realized that my own life was no different. I live a life of comparative comfort, also due to the labor of many. It’s just that the “many” are out of sight on the other side of the globe. We’ve managed to hide the poorly paid or enslaved labor of many. They are out of our view unless we make an effort to be aware of their existence.

You may also like Question the Culture, Truth or Consequences and Where Do Our Clothes Come From?