October Inspiration: A Delightful Culinary and Travel Journey Through France

October unfurled itself as a truly magnificent month, painting our days with vibrant hues of autumn and enriching our lives with unforgettable experiences. From delicious seasonal food to captivating travel adventures, the crisp air of fall brought with it a renewed sense of inspiration. We reveled in the beauty of colorful leaves adorning charming Parisian streets and explored the picturesque landscapes of regional France. It was a month brimming with discovery, taste, and the joy of sharing our passions.

Our travels took us to the refreshing coast of Picardie for a long weekend, where the sea air invigorated our spirits. Following that, we ventured into the heart of France’s renowned wine country, spending a delightful weekend in Tonnerre, a charming town in Burgundy, nestled conveniently close to the famous Chablis vineyards. Each journey offered unique flavors and breathtaking sights. As we reflect on these wonderful memories, we’re already eagerly anticipating our next escape – a visit to Reims, the capital of Champagne, where we plan to explore historic champagne caves and, of course, share every effervescent detail with you!

In the meantime, we are thrilled to share our comprehensive October inspiration – a curated collection of everything that delighted, taught, and fueled our passions last month. From seasonal recipes to captivating reads and exciting travel logs, get ready to be inspired!

October Inspiration: Delicious Autumn Recipes

October is synonymous with one ingredient: pumpkin! We wholeheartedly embraced the season’s bounty, creating and savoring a plethora of pumpkin recipes. The earthy sweetness and comforting warmth of pumpkin made every meal a delightful experience, perfectly suited for the cooler autumn days. We made A LOT of pumpkin recipes and enjoyed every bite, transforming humble pumpkins into gourmet delights.

Our Star Pumpkin Recipes:

We enthusiastically shared these comforting and delicious pumpkin-centric creations:

• Perfect Pumpkin Soup for Cosy Autumn Nights: A silky-smooth, warming bowl of soup that epitomizes autumn comfort. Ideal for a chilly evening by the fire.
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: These decadent bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the festive flavor of pumpkin, making them an irresistible treat for any fall gathering or Halloween celebration.
• Pumpkin Mac and Cheese: A comforting classic elevated with the sweet and savory notes of pumpkin, creating a rich and creamy twist on everyone’s favorite macaroni and cheese. It’s a fantastic dish for Thanksgiving!

Beyond Pumpkin: Other Flavorful Creations for Fall:

While pumpkin reigned supreme, we also explored other exciting flavors and shared these delightful recipes:

• Homemade Tehina for Your Next Hummus Adventure: Discover the simple joy of making your own tahini. This creamy, nutty sesame paste is incredibly versatile, forming the base for homemade hummus or adding depth to dressings and sauces.
• Wholewheat Ratatouille Pizza – Healthy Comfort Food: A vibrant and wholesome pizza topped with classic French ratatouille vegetables on a wholewheat crust. It’s a delicious way to enjoy healthy ingredients while satisfying your comfort food cravings.
• Yogurt Keffir Banana Lassi Smoothies: Start your day with a refreshing and gut-friendly smoothie. This creamy blend of yogurt, kefir, and banana is packed with probiotics and essential nutrients, perfect for a quick breakfast or energizing snack.

October Inspiration: Cool Foodie Events

One of the highlights of our October was undoubtedly attending the illustrious Salon du Chocolat in Paris. This annual event is a true paradise for any chocolate lover, and we were completely immersed in the sweet aromas and stunning artistry. We spent hours marveling at the intricate chocolate sculptures, tasting exquisite confections from master chocolatiers, and drawing immense inspiration from the many amazing pastry chefs present. We left feeling a little high from all the incredible chocolate we tasted, but certainly richer in knowledge and culinary ideas!

October Inspiration: In Our Reading Nook (Our Favorite Books)

Our downtime in October was often spent curled up with a good book, many of them inspiring our culinary adventures and deepening our appreciation for French culture.

• Christophe Adam and Les Éclairs: Christophe Adam, the visionary behind L’Éclair de Génie, continues to WOW us with his breathtakingly gorgeous éclairs. We were fortunate to see him at the Salon du Chocolat, where he was signing his stunning cookbooks. His book, Les Éclairs, is an absolute gem and remains our definitive go-to guide for mastering the art of making perfect, innovative éclairs at home.
• Mercotte’s Envie de Desserts: We also adore Mercotte, famously known for her exceptional hosting skills on Le Meilleur Pâtissier (The Best Pastry Chef), a show we watch religiously every Wednesday evening. Her cookbook, Envie de Desserts, is a treasure trove of delightful recipes, perfectly suited for the home kitchen. Meeting her at the Salon du Chocolat was a true pleasure, and we were even lucky enough to taste one of her delicious homemade verveine-citronnelle macarons – a truly unforgettable experience!
• The Only Street in Paris: Currently gracing our reading nook is The Only Street in Paris. This captivating book was a thoughtful gift from a dear friend, Shannon, during her recent visit to Paris. It beautifully delves into the history and vibrant life of the rue des Martyrs, a street that holds special significance as it’s right in our neighborhood – the heart of the 9th arrondissement. To truly know the rue des Martyrs is to fall deeply in love with it; it embodies French foodie culture at its absolute best, with its bustling markets, charming patisseries, and authentic local life.

October Inspiration: 5 of Our Favorite Instagram Foodie Accounts to Follow Now!

We absolutely LOVE Instagram! It has become our favorite social media platform, largely because it provides such a fantastic canvas for sharing visual content. For a food blog like ours, where the aesthetics of a dish are almost as important as its taste, visual appeal is undeniably key. If only Instagram had a “taste” button – who’s with us on that wish?!

A significant portion of our time on Instagram is dedicated to sharing our own culinary creations and travel experiences. However, we spend an equally enjoyable amount of time exploring the gorgeous food photos and inspiring content shared by our vast and vibrant food making and sharing community. There are so many incredible Instagram accounts out there, and we’re excited to start sharing our top picks with you in the coming months. To kick things off, here are our top 5 FAVORITE Instagram accounts that truly inspired us this October:

• @MyMeatlessMeals: Follow Mook, our favorite vegan food enthusiast in Thailand! Mook embarks on extensive searches to uncover the very best all-vegan treats and dining experiences in Bangkok and beyond. She also generously welcomes us into her home kitchen, sharing her delicious plant-based creations daily on her Instagram page. Beyond her captivating feed, she pens a lovely blog, My Meatless Meals, where you can find recipes like her famous vegan pad thai and spicy naked eggplant stir fry, to name just a few of our favorites.
• @HealthyAperture: For the most beautiful collection of healthy food recipes, Healthy Aperture is a must-follow. This platform serves as a curated food sharing site specifically for healthy and nutritious dishes. In addition to their stunning Instagram page, we highly recommend checking out their site directly, where you can even submit your own healthy food photos and recipes for a chance to be featured!
• @Gourmadela: If you’re seeking insightful and entertaining restaurant reviews from the bustling streets of NYC, then Gourmadela is your go-to. We absolutely adore this blogger! A French native living in New York, she navigates the city’s fabulous dining scene, meticulously documenting her culinary journeys on both her Instagram page and her beautifully designed review site. Her French perspective offers a unique take on the American dining landscape.
• @AParisianJourney: We’re incredibly proud and actively rooting for our dear friend Chelsea, who is currently competing for the prestigious title of the next Meilleur Pâtissier on the French TV channel M6! Beyond being an absolutely wonderful friend and a genuinely lovely person, Chelsea is an exceptionally talented baker and cook. Her blog, A Parisian Journey, is equally captivating, offering a glimpse into her delicious creations and life in Paris.
• @ahedgehoginthekitchen: If you haven’t yet joined our growing community on Instagram, please do follow us @ahedgehoginthekitchen! We’d love to connect with you there and share more daily inspiration. If you’re already following us, a heartfelt THANK YOU for your continued support!

October Inspiration: How to Grow Your Blog Successfully

Last month, we shared an in-depth account of our incredibly positive experience with Food Blogger Pro, a membership site that has proven invaluable in helping us grow our blog. This platform is an absolute game-changer, offering comprehensive lessons and resources on everything from food photography and SEO optimization to social media strategies and monetization. What makes it even more exceptional is its versatility; this site is incredibly useful and highly recommended whether you manage a food blog or any other type of blog you’re looking to expand. For those interested in taking their online presence to the next level, registration is open for a limited time, usually until November 10th, through our special link. Simply click on “Food Blogger Pro” above or on the image below to learn more. We urge you to read our full, detailed review about our transformative experience with Food Blogger Pro here.

October Inspiration: French Travel Diaries

October was a fantastic month for exploring the diverse beauty of France, offering two distinct yet equally captivating travel experiences.

Coastal Charms in Picardie:

Early in October, we embarked on a refreshing journey to Picardie, a beautiful coastal region of France. The brisk autumn air by the sea was invigorating, and we spent delightful days walking along the boardwalk, enjoying the sunshine with our beloved dogs, Violette and ChouChou. The region offered a perfect blend of relaxation and culinary indulgence. We savored incredibly fresh homemade mussels, prepared with local expertise, a truly memorable meal by the ocean. As the sun set, painting the sky with fiery colors, we found immense comfort in sipping our favorite warm drink, perfect for those cool Autumn nights by the sea. It was a wonderful escape, leaving us feeling refreshed and nourished.

And yes, we truly made the most delicious mussels paired with perfectly crispy homemade french fries! Keep an eye out for these recipes, as they’ll be coming to the blog very soon.

For even more captivating photos of our delightful adventures in Picardie, make sure to hop over to our Instagram page!

Wine Country Allure in Burgundy:

Our second travel highlight of October took us to the heart of France’s legendary wine region, Burgundy, specifically to the charming town of Tonnerre, a hidden gem adjacent to the world-renowned Chablis area. This trip was a true pilgrimage for wine lovers! We savored exquisite, full-bodied Pinot Noir, appreciating the complex notes and rich heritage of Burgundy wines. A primary mission for this trip was to expand our cherished collection of bottles from 2014 – the year of our wedding. We’re thrilled to report that our wine “cave” (our personal wine cellar) now proudly boasts over 24 bottles of exceptional wine from that special vintage, each one a delightful memory in the making!

While in Tonnerre, we also had the immense pleasure of dining at our absolute favorite restaurant in the town: Le Saint Père. This gorgeous restaurant is not only known for its delectable regional cuisine but also for its truly unique and incredible collection of antique coffee grinders, which adds a charming and historic ambiance to the dining experience. It’s a place where culinary excellence meets fascinating local character.

Wishing You a Happy & Inspiring November!

As we close the chapter on a truly inspiring October, we want to extend our warmest wishes to all of you for a very happy November, filled with love, excitement, and unforgettable foodie experiences! May your month be as rich and fulfilling as our recent adventures.

We absolutely love connecting with our food-loving friends and hearing about your own inspirations and adventures. Please don’t hesitate to share what you’re doing this month, what you’re cooking, reading, or where you’re traveling in the comments section below. Your stories and insights truly enrich our community!