roasted cauliflower + red pepper orzo salad with chili

We have very loose plans to travel to France this summer and although it is still months and months away, it hasn't prevented me from researching and daydreaming. I've become obsessed with this gorgeous French Chateau. Have you heard of it? A couple purchased an old French Château and are slowly restoring it and documenting the process on their blog. It's the way I've always pictured the French countryside. Magnificent and yet muted. The sort of brilliance you might expect in a children’s fairytale. And although I’m usually drawn to a more modern esthetic, there is something so beautifully restorative about re-establishing something to its original splendor

I'm most excited because it was my children who, upon my suggestion of a European venue, insisted on France. They are absurdly excited because:

a) They are fluent in French and want to see if they can fool the locals with their faux-Parisian accents.

b) They think artists roam the streets painting haphazurdly and wearing pretty berets.

c) They imagine themselves indulging in chocolate croissants and doughy baguettes and crispy little frites every day which, I might add, is a very real possibility.

Our own personal agendas aside, we're all thrilled for what lies ahead. My daughter has been obsessed with all things French since her school choir sang a song about the Champs-Élysées a few years ago. I still hear her humming it now and then. That sweet, high-pitched tune that propels her to twirl and dance and sing.

My little ones have been very involved in our online apartment hunting expedition and have very strong opinions. Raphaelia is more interested in flats with remarkable views of landmarks and beaches and Nikolas is drawn to the ones that look neat and orderly on the inside. I'm so glad they have all the bases covered. 

All of this preliminary planning has made me think about what’s really important. The disposal of the mundane and the acceptance of the meaningful. And I’m not suggesting that memorable experiences require an international destination or expensive vacations or any money at all for that matter. There is just something so incredibly beautiful about experiencing something for the first time as a family. My husband had the opportunity to travel extensively with his parents when he was a young boy and one of the things he loved the most was that they were able to live those moments together. For the very first time. 

I think when possible, travel offers such unique instruction. There is something so enlightening about learning through tangible means because that kind of physical connection can’t be learned through textbooks or classroom theory.

I'm going to ask my children to keep a short journal for the duration of this holiday. They’re old enough now to experience the culture and beauty on their own terms and I want them to remember those wonderful little tidbits. Those tiny details that would otherwise go unmentioned. Forgotten. One of my favorite things is going back and re-reading old journal entries from my childhood. It was such an important part of growing up for me because it helped me to appreciate those periods in an altogether new light. It allowed me to value them for what they were; fleeting moments that made an impression.

And impressions form opinions. And opinions form ideas. And ideas form personalities.

I can’t wait to watch their little personalities ripen.

Now about this dish. I know. I know. Two orzo recipes back to back but I honestly couldn't help myself. I wasn't even planning on writing about it which is why there is only one, mediocre photograph. Sorry about that. It was so incredibly delicious and easy, just the sort of thing I know you'll all love. The really fabulous part is that it's equally delicious served hot or cold and it's one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. Go make it. It's superb.