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Every now and then I receive a wonderful email that makes my heart skip a beat. Over the past month, three of them came my way - and one of them involves you!
The first one occurred as a result of an online search. Scott and I were in the midst of planning a trip to Provence, and I was looking for an interesting culinary adventure we could include in our itinerary. I scoured various sites that offered cooking classes in Provence, but nothing really piqued my interest.
Then, duh... I remembered Barbara Schurenberg, a blogging friend I've known for years. Well, let me clarify, when I say "known", I hadn't ever actually met Barbara in person, but rather, we've known each other virtually (via the blogosphere). Barbara blogs from Provence and I've always thought that her little corner of France had to be one of the most charming places on earth. I also recalled that Barbara has a cooking school she runs out of her home, so I decided to look into it a bit more.
When I googled "Cuisine de Provence"(the name of Barbara's school), the first thing I ran into was the Trip Advisor website; fifty-three 5-star reviews, wow! Everyone seemed to love, not only the culinary classes, but Barbara and her husband, Robert. I also learned that "Cuisine de Provence" is recommended by Rick Steves in his famous travel book, Provence and the French Riviera. An endorsement from Rick Steves and all the positive reviews on Trip Advisor clued me in that, an experience with Barbara would be a winner!
I quickly sent out an email inquiring if she would consider doing a class for us, and hoped her schedule would be open. It wasn't long before I saw a return correspondence from Cuisine de Provence. Barbara wrote back explaining that, though she generally concluded her classes each year at the end of October, she would be happy to do a class for Scott and I in November. Woohoo!
The second exciting email came just a week before we left on our trip. KitchenAid allowed Barbara and I to try out their new Magnetic Drive Torrent Blender, in conjunction with our class. When I wrote Barbara to let her know, she was thrilled. I love how she described KitchenAid's reputation in France. "KitchenAid is known around here as the "Mercedes" of kitchen gadgets, the very best that is." That's exactly the way I think about KitchenAid, so Barbara and I are definitely on the same page!
I'll save the third exciting email for the end of this post (It has to do with you, so be sure to keep reading!) but first, I want to share a bit of our delightful day with Barbara at Cuisine de Provence.
Scott and I were up early the morning of our class. It was a two hour drive to Barbara's home in Vaison la Romaine from Apt, where we had rented an apartment for the week. With the help of my trusty iPhone, we navigated our way through the heart of Provence to our destination. On arrival, we were greeted warmly by Barbara. How fun it is to actually meet someone you've "known" virtually for years! I sensed a kindred spirit immediately and, within a short time, felt we had been real life friends for a long time.
After introducing us to her husband Robert, Barbara handed us aprons and a packet with five recipes she had planned for our class. First on the list was a classic Provencal Tapanade Noire (a recipe she was able to procure from a 5-star restaurant in her area and one I'll be sharing in a future post). The other recipes included Mini Onion and Goat Cheese Tarte Tatins, Veloute de Butternut, Seiches a la Nicoise, and a quintessential French dessert, Raspberry Clafoutis.
The exciting box from KitchenAid had arrived the day prior to our arrival and it was fun to see it in a place of honor in the Cuisine de Provence kitchen. Wow, what a sleek, gorgeous and well thought out machine!
We played with it for a while, getting familiar with how it works, and then got busy cooking in the charming Cuisine de Provence kitchen.
Throughout the morning, Barbara shared cooking tips, as well as lots of information on French culinary techniques and local ingredients.
We picked herbs from her garden to make homemade Herbes de Provence!
And learned about harvesting olives and pressing olive oil in Provence. .
Barbara pointed out wild thyme and rosemary poking right out of the stone wall bordering one side of her property.
It was a wonderful morning and the new blender was a huge hit. We used it for the Veloute de Butternut (roasted butternut squash soup) as well as the batter for the Raspberry Clafoutis. It works effortlessly and clean-up is super easy.
The Magnetic Drive Torrent Blender is an amazing machine with a two horsepower motor, preset programs, and the ability to sense the contents in order to maintain an optimal speed to blend the ingredients. For example, if you're making a smoothie, the blender will start slowly as it chops up delicate soft fruit, like strawberries, then speed up for a couple of seconds. It switches off when it's finished and beeps to let you know it's done.
For our soup, we just added the roasted ingredients, pushed the button and the blender did it's thing! When the the soup was perfectly pureed, the blender turned itself off. Talk about service with a smile - but we were the ones smiling!
After a fun morning of cooking, Barbara prepared a lovely table on their sunny outdoor patio. Shortly after we sat down to enjoy the wonderful lunch, her husband, Robert took a taste of the butternut soup. "It's different!", he said, without hesitation. "No, it's the same recipe.", was Barbara's reply. "This soup is like silk.", retorted Robert. "Ah ha, then it's the blender!", Barbara responded with a smile.
If you ever have the opportunity to travel to southern France, be sure to contact Barbara and arrange a day at Cuisine de Provence. Her classes fill up quickly, so sign up as early as possible. Spending time in Barbara's beautiful home is a wonderful way to get a glimpse life in France, and the recipes you'll take home with you will help to recreate your stay in Provence long after your trip is over. The experience includes a three or four course lunch with Provencal wine and the lovely company of Barbara and Robert.
Ready for the good news? The third email I received was from the wonderful folks at KitchenAid USA with an offer for a giveaway. Yup, the amazing Magnetic Drive Torrent Blender for one fortunate Café reader!
How do you enter the drawing for the KitchenAid Magnetic Drive Torrent™ Blender? Super simple - you have three different entry options (or you can enter three times by choosing all of the options). You can:
- Follow The Café on Pinterest and let us know in a comment below.
- Subscribe to The Café email list and let us know in a comment below.
- Pop over to the KitchenAid USA website and check out the Magnetic Drive Torrent™ Blender. Then come back and leave a comment on our blog below letting us know which of the three colors you would choose for your kitchen.
In order for your entries to be counted, be sure you go through the Rafflecopter box below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
P. S. We're back in London now with family, but we'll be sharing one more Provence post before we close the book on our fall trip to France - our Home Away From Home in Provence. It will include practical, economical and safety travel tips we've gleaned.
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What an awesome experience and you got too make my favorite Herb mixture Herb Provence how fun. I loved the photographs and all the fun you had thanks for sharing.
Thanks Daniele, it was so fun!
Gorgeous! What a fabulous experience that must have been, not just meeting your friend in person, but also cooking together with her recipes and the "Mercedes"! I love all three color options, but I'm going with candy apple red for this powerful tool!
I love the silver! Love kitchen aid!
Me too Mariaelena!
I would definitely go for the red one, love the color!
It's hard not to like KitchenAid's reds!
Hi Chris - I follow you on Pinterest. I would love to win this blender in silver for my mother.
Thank you for this opportunity!
I would choose the red.
I certainly have enjoyed the recipes I've tried from you blog. I share them with friends and occasionally during conference calls @ work!
This blender is so sleek & compact, much better than those big, clunky machines that also claim to make velvety soup!
Thanks Mary! The way KitchenAid designed it makes it a very easy machine to clean.
I love the sugar pearl silver - we are remodeling our kitchen in the spring so would love to have this to include it in our plan!
I love following you on your journeys. You make cooking look like fun! I would love the blender in black to go with my other appliances. Enjoy your family time.
Saw the blender. Awesome. RED please if I win. I am following on pinterest
This post along with the pictures was felt like enjoying one of my favorite movies. I am a subscriber, follow you on Pinterest and would love the silver blender.
I would choose black. Love your blog.
Red! Love the blog!
What a fun treat to imagine your time there. So glad you're able to share it with us! The blender looks wonderful - red all day every day for me!
RED!
I choose the red one, please! 🙂
I would pick the Sugar Pearl Silver
I would choose the candy apple red one!
Chris- I love your blog, pictures, stories and recipes. I've made so many of your recipes. Your trip to Paris brought back so many memories of our visits while we were stationed in the military in Germany giving us a chance to visit Paris a couple of times. I would choose the silver, but all three are beautiful. Thanks for giving us a chance to win one.
They are all 3 beautiful. However, I think i would choose the silver version! Thanks!
Love not only your recipes but the photos as well. Makes one wish they could reach in the PC and just grab those delectable dishes and taste them. Keep the recipes coming. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Olga!
Chris, I can't believe I was not signed up to follow you. Since I am always here reading what you have come up with I guess I missed it. I already signed up a long time ago for pinterest.
My blender is getting old and the silver one would fit right in here in my kitchen. 🙂
I love how you squeeze out so much fun and make friends all around the world.
Id pick the black!
I'm loving the Sugar Peal Silver all of them are beautiful though.
your blog is such a delight. i have so enjoyed both the recipes and the travel stories...it gives me something to aspire to.
as to your give away, thank you so for throwing it out there for the rest of us...i'm a big fan of kitchenaid and if luck and the fates converge my way, simply winning would be a fine bit of magic. but, if i have a choice, red or silver would be lovely.
thank you both again.
Thank you for the kind words Cate!
I would choose the Candy Apple Red!
Definitely Candy Apple Red to make sure no one could miss asking "What is THAT?!"
Magnetic drive is an awesome idea.
I love the red one!
http://www.kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/blenders/torrent-blender/
Stainless is good
Sugar Pear Silver to match and go with my orange Kitchen Aid appliances
I want blue or green, but I know they don't have one! Love your trip. It sounds way more than perfect. You look so happy and relaxed. And I bet you weren't hungry!
The silver is my favorite!
Visited and I would pick the Onyx Black
I would choose the Candy Apple Red color
I love the silver! Perfect timing, as my blender just died, and I've been shopping around for a replacement.
Sugar pearl silver is lovely, and would match perfectly with other appliances in our kitchen. And what a beautiful kitchen that's featured here! Herbes de Provence is a favorite blend of ours as well.
Silver!
I follow you on pinterest and subscribe to your emails, my favorite blog and I am hoping to go to Provence in the spring, what a fun thing to do!! Love all three colors but the red is just gorgeous and fun!!!
I would love the candy apple red for the color!
Thank you for having such a great blog! I always look forward to your posts in my inbox. If by some miracle of miracles, I were to win the Kitchen Aid torrent blender, I would choose candy apple red. 🙂 Cheers, and have a great day!
Thanks Nikki!
i would get the Sugar Pearl
Silver
I love to read about your travels and your recipes. They are inspiring! I would choose the candy apple red to brighten up my kitchen. Thank you!
I'd love the Sugar Pearl Silver. Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip.
What a marvelous trip!
How I long to have n olive grove..consider doing a follow up post how what knowledge you gleaned from Barbara. Please.
I lov e the cheerful candy apple red.
Thank you.
The silver pearl would look great in my contemporary kitchen. My blender is very old and this would be a lovely new addition. Thanks for sharing your "dream" trips with all of us. Love them!
red!!
I would choose Candy Apple Red
The silver or red would be ideal.
What a dream trip, I've been following Barbra for years! Her climate is actually a lot like ours here in Southern CA, I loved seeing her garden <3 It's now top of my travel bucket list to go to Provence!
I've enjoyed your blog and follow you on Pinterest. Several of your recipes have become favorites - thank you! I love the Sugar Pearl Silver. Wishing myself good luck!!
Sugar pearl silver would be the chosen color. Thanks so much for the giveaway! Thank you ever so much for how vivid your descriptions were of all the enjoyed experiences of that trip. Can smell the herbs, feel the warmth of the Sun on my back.What a beautiful place to be and learn as you did. Dream place!!!
I get your emails and "like" you on Facebook already. Would love the red Kitchen Aid blender. Your pictures of Provence are fabulous--makes me want to go there asap and do just what you did!
I tend to LOVE Kitchen Aid anything. This looks wonderful. I would truly love the Candy Apple Red Blender. It is beautiful....Lisa L
Although alll three colors would work in my kitchen. I think I would go with the stainless to match my other KitchenAide products
I get your e-mails, thank you!
Love all the colors but I select the red.
I so enjoy my time spent with your blog. The photographs are outstanding, the words enlightening and the recipes….what can I say…..wonderful!!!!! Even if I do not get a chance to prepare them, I love reading them. This blog brings comfort to this old NC girl. Thank you for all the labor you put into the finished product. (Do hope this comment appears. I am having difficulty posting. Know it is just me having the problem because I am not the best with computers.)
Thank you for the kind words Jane!
What a wonderful experience! That silver would look great in my kitchen!
I love the red one!
Love the red!
I SO need and want this blender. I would love it in the happy Candy Apple Red.
I truly enjoyed reading your post. I would choose the red!
I would love the silver
I would love a red if I won this. Do you still like your food processor. I have used another brand and I do not like it as much as I did years ago? Thinking of getting one like you did some time ago.
I've been enjoying your blog and pinterest boards for a while now- such lovely recipes! If I'm lucky enough to win the blender, cherry red would be my color of choice:) take care, Kate
I think the Candy Apple Red is gorgeous! It would be a nice pop of colour in the kitchen. My husband and I are empty nesters, the cooking class sounds like an adventure we would both love!!!! Thank you for all the great recipes, your very inspiring!!!
Sugar Pearl Silver is the color that I liked on the website.
Silver would look great on my counter!
Candy Apple Red of course! Thanks for the chance!
Hello! I would love to win the red blender! I have been following you on Pinterest for awhile and I have just subscribed to your blog as prompted by this giveaway.
I would choose candy apple red. All of my small kitchen appliances are that color so it is the perfect choice.
I love to read about your adventures in your emails... I already belong in Pinterest. Silver would be my choice!
I recently subscribed to emails and followed on pinterest. I have already tried a bunch of your recipes and love them all. Thank you so much!
I adore the timeless and elegant look of this blender. I would love to use this for quinoa smoothies! I think I would choose black because it looks so classy, but they all look great.
I've been following you on Pinterest for a few weeks now and love your photos and recipes. I would LOVE the red Kitchenaid blender - it would go quite nicely with my yellow and red kitchen. Thank you for sharing your trip to Europe!
I found you on Pinterest and now following your blog. Love your recipes! I love the blender too! I'd like one in the stainless color. Thanks for the give away!
Love them all but will choose the red.
The Cafe Sucre Farine is one of this old NC girl's favorite sites. Love to peruse all the beautiful photos and wonderfully written words. And the recipes......what can I say.......enjoying them tremendously even if I do not cook them. Thank you for the work you so lovingly put in this site.
Just love the black! It looks so professional.
I’d pick Sugar Pearl Silver. It’s so pretty and would look great in my kitchen. ,what a great product! I would dearly love to have this! Thanks for all you do.
I'm a subscriber (LOVE your blogs!) I follow you on Pinterest. And I love this new blender. I would love the Sugar Pearl Silver to go with my other well loved KitchenAid appliances!
My favorite is the silver gray one. I love the red but it may look dated in a few years.
BTW, your blog is the best!! Thank you for all your efforts. It must be a full time job!
Thanks Joyce!
I follow your site for recipes and just because of the fun things you do and share.
I saw the giveaway offer for the kithchenaid blender and mine is just about ready to give up. I use it often for smoothies and soups. This would be a blessing.!
i would probably choose the black.
Thank you!
Thank you for all the amazing recipes and sharing your exciting travels. I would love to own the red Torrent blender. The reviews are amazing.
I like the silver kitchenaid torrent blender!
Chris - I love your blog and already follow you on Pinterest. I'd love the Sugar Pearl Silver blender to match my silver Kitchenaid mixer! Can't wait to see more recipes from your travels and the holidays!
wonderful machine and website. I choose black.
Love the red! I also enjoy reading your posts, and the great recipes!
I love the sugar pearl silver!
I love the Candy Apple Red <3<3
(and I LOVE your blog!! I've tried so many of your recipes. Thank you so much for the time you put into this site.)
Red - most definitely!
I am so happy I found your blog. Have loved every minute of it. I found you on Pinterest and follow you there as well as receive your emails.. Love your recipes.
With my white kitchen I'll choose the sugar pearl silver or maybe black... What would you choose for a white kitchen please
I receive your post via email. Really enjoy them. I would love to add the silver blender to my kitchen.
I would choose the red - such a vibrant color!
I love the Sugar Pearl Silver! Thank you!!
I already was following you on Pinterest. I love your style of cooking! Having been blenderless for awhile, and trying to make do with just my processor..... I think the blender looks amazing! I'm torn between the black and the red- but would probably go with the black!!!
Reminds me of my home growing up, surrounded by fruit trees, vegetables & flowers....I'd like the red blender.
Thanks Helene!
Sugar Pearl Silver
That blender sounds amazing, as does your trip to Provence. Thank you for sharing.
It is quite the machine Helen!
I'm following you on pinterest!
Great Ellen! We've got a ton of Pinterest boards to choose from, so enjoy!
Your blog is full of inspiration and I'd be lying if I didn't say one or two of your recipes are on my prep list weekly. I'm always excited for a little free time to try something new...next on my list is your lemon yogurt cake! (And the Silver/SS blender is my choice.)
Deana, that cake is amazing! And it one of our regulars here at the Cafe!
I would love to have the black or the silver blender to use for making the "shakes" and other "healthy" beverages that I make several times a day! Thank you for offering this giveaway!!!
You're welcome Traci! This is the quintessential smoothie maker!
I forgot to say that I entered the KitchenAid giveaway and would be delighted to win the Red blender!❤️
Thanks Terri!
Would so love the red.....always dreamed of owning a cafe too!!!! But I have an awesome time cooking for my family and loved ones....enjoy your site!!
Thanks much Wilma!
I so love your blog! It's colorful and SO inspiring! I can travel to amazing places with you and try my hand at fashioning beautiful food! Thank you!
Very sincerely
❤️ Terri Nunn
You're very welcome Terri!
You are my go-to blogger! Scott's pictures catch my eye and your writing captures my sense of adventure, whether in the kitchen or on my travel bucket list. Love your recipes and love the way you love your family. Thank you for sharing!
If I were fortunate enough to be chosen, I would go for the silver! Thanks for the opportunity!
Thanks so much Theresa!
Oh, please, the RED one! Hanks!
You're welcome Anyse!
Chris and Scott, I've been vicariously enjoying your European adventures - thanks for sharing all the pics and stories!
I sure hope this Cuisine de Provence post means you'll soon be offering us new culinary delights inspired by your experiences!
And thank you for the opportunity to win this new kitchen marvel. It sounds truly amazing in its capabilities!
As far as color goes, gotta opt for the Candy Apple Red -- so cheery!
Thanks for your sweet, sweet comment Thia!
I would choose the silver
What a lovely adventure you had! Thanks for sharing about it. I've enjoyed several of your recipes found on Pinterest. If by chance, I received that awesome blender, I'd like the black one. Thanks again!
You're very welcome LaDonna!
What a wonderful trip for you to share with me. I love reading all the blog posts and great pictures. It is so fun trying your tasty recipies. The sugar pearl silver blender would be lovely addition to my kitchen. It would be good company for my much used KSM90. Thank you Chris and Scott. and safe travel.
Thanks Cindy! We enjoyed bringing everyone along!
Would love to have a black one. I get your emails and follow you on Pinterest. I love your blogs and recipes. Thanks for sharing all the goodness!
You're very welcome Kathy! And thanks for sharing!
Would definitely choose black 🙂
I love the high gloss look of the black one too, Linda!
I would like to have black as my color because most of my appliances are black or stainless steel. I do have a couple of red things but not many. I would love to try this. I love anything kitchen related! Chasnpon48 at yahoo
Thanks so much for your comment!
Oh, the RED!!! Love !
Thanks Terri!
I love the sugar pearl silver. That looks like a gorgeous machine, but simple to use. Beautiful. Thanks for a chance to win ????
You're welcome Kat! And yes, it is so simple to use!
I would definitely choose Sugar Pearl Silver!!
Have loved 'accompanying' you two on your trip. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm so glad I stumbled onto your site a few weeks ago & subscribed to your newsletter. The Torrent in Sugar Pearl Silver is the one for me. Cheers!
Thanks Wendy - and welcome to the Café. We're over 800 recipes deep, so enjoy!
Hi Chris--- I miss seeing you at work these days, but love that I can still keep up with your culinary adventures through your wonderful blog!
Thanks Donna! Miss you too!
Definitely the RED one! It would be perfect for my kitchen. 🙂
Dear Chris, hearing the horrific news tonight I hope that you and Scott are safely home or elsewhere than Paris. What a tragedy! As much as I would like to join in your giveaway I am shocked and dismayed by what I am seeing on the news. Wishing you well and safe!
I would love the candy apple red kitchen aid!
I would love the red, it's such a cheerful color. I think the first thing i would make would be a roasted butternut squash soup. That looks delicious!
Roasted butternut squash has a very warm place in our fall ingredients list Christine!
Ok I say another commenter and thought maybe I need to say all the color 'Sugar Pearl Silver". Anyway love to follow your blog.
Wow your blog is wonderful. By the way, I love the silver Kitchen Aid.
Thanks for your comment!
Tough choice. Love the red but I think black goes better with my space. Thank you for this opportunity. Have loved your posts from Provence. The Paris bombings happened this afternoon. Feeling so sad for all of France.
We are praying for them too Linda.
I like the silver one but all the colors are nice. I really enjoy your site and the content but all the advertising makes it less pleasurable to visit. The pages load very slowly which may be your service provider but it is a little frustrating and I thought you might appreciate the feedback. I would visit your site more frequently if the pages loaded faster.
Thanks Kas, we'll pass this on to our advertising agency.
Every time I find a recipe I think would be fabulous I am taken to your blog! Love what you do 🙂 I think I would love the black blender.
Thanks Anne!
Love you blog and all the pictures from France!!! So thankful you are back with family in London!!! Love the info on blender and love the silver if I was to win your give away!!! Susan
Thanks Susan! We are really enjoying being with them. Every moment is precious!
We love "going on trips with you!" Scott's photography and your narration put us right in the middle of the journey! I so enjoyed meeting you and your daughter outside of Panera a month or so ago. Were you just out from trying the butternut squash soup!?? The blender would be great for that. If I won, I would like the silver pearl color. Thanks for your fabulous blog!
I follow you on Pinterest too! Thank you for all your amazing recipes!!!
I am subscribed to "The Cafe Sucre Farine". Love your recipes!
enjoying your french frolic immensely, as i dont have a blender (i use my potato masher i would love to give the torrent a whirl please enter me in the give a way thanks by the way for the great pictures it's almost like traveling
I would love to win a red Kitchen Aid Blender. I am crazy for red in my kitchen! Thank you for the chance!
Wonderful stories from Provence, Chris! I ENVY you! I am so happy though, that you are back in England after the terrible tragedy in Paris! Safe travels !
I love your recipes - and thank you for having a contest for us to participate in!!!
I am a happy email subscriber. I love your recipes! What an marvelous change to go to France and cook with Barbara. I would want to have the silver torrent blender in my kitchen! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win one!
Thanks Charlotte!
I'd pick Sugar Pearl Silver. It's so pretty.
The silver one would be a wonderful addition to my kitchen!
I'm so enjoying following your travels- and a bit envious too! Thanks for offering such a nice giveaway, I don't even have a blender! I love the silver/pearl color, but would take any of them!
love the candy apple red
OMG! Cooking school in Provence is on my bucket list near the top. Thanks for sharing your trip and all the information!
The blender is awesome!! I would take any color because I'd be so psyched to receive it!!
I am subscribed to The Cafe email list!
onyx black
I follow The Cafe on Pinterest and have found many great recipes!
I love the onyx black Blender!!!!
onyx black
I think I would go with the candy-apple red. It looks vibrant and inspiring! Thank you for the opportunity to win this terrific KitchenAid Blender!
I like the Black one, as it matches my other counter top appliances. Thank you for your post and photos. They were just beautiful.
Thanks Diane!
I would choose the black to go with my other Kitchen Aid appliances.
I subscribe to your email
I follow you on pinterest alisonharper44
I just joined your email list and love your recipes! I recently vacationed in Vaison La Romaine and love your Provence emails!
I would like the black one.
Chris..I have subscribed to your blog for a couple of years and have enjoyed preparing many of your recipes. In fact my husband and I are traveling back to Paris this spring, and following your recommendation, we have rented the same apartment that you had in Paris. By the way, the blender looks fabulous! Bon appetit!
Thanks so much for your comment Irene! You will love the apartment, it's so centrally located and makes everything very easy to access. Don't miss the town square market two blocks away. It's open several times a week, and full of great growers and vendors.
Looks like it would work great. Do you know if it can make nut butters? I heard in the video that it can make hummus.. I so love your posts!! The wild side of me would like the Candy Apple Red but the practical side says the Sugar Crystal Silver.
I have a neutral kitchen, so I would choose RED. A splash of color! I would love this blender and I'm looking for a new one!
What a lovely vacation and beautiful pictures you have shared with us! Thank you for the give-away too!. I would enjoy the red magical appliance!!!
Sugar Pearl Silver is glorious! I can hear it calling to me 🙂
I would love to have the blender in black OR silver. I just can't decide. I love following your blog and recipes. One of my favorites is your Sweet Pea and Potato soup. I make that every time I need to take a meal to a friend, always being sure to make extras for my family. I pair it with pesto sammies. YUM!
Thanks Jen!
The silver color would be great! I am an email subscriber and thoroughly enjoy my visits here.
Thanks Jaynee!
What a unique blender! I love the black one.
I would choose the sugar pearl silver. It is really hard to choose since all three would be appropriate in my kitchen, but the silver would match my Kitchenaid mixer. Thank you ever so much for sharing your life with all of us. You have a tender and gracious heart.
Thanks Lora!
Your trip sounds absolutely wonderful! If I won I would get the candy apple red blender to match the 6 quart mixer I just received as a birthday gift.
I am now following and enjoying all your wonderful recipes and stories by email, on Facebook, and Pinterest! We recently remodeled a portion of our kitchen, and I am trying to bring in the color red as an accent color. So I would love to be the owner of that beautiful red blender! Wish me luck, and good luck to all!
Red!
I would get sugar pearl silver.
Thanks Chris for your fun Paris
blogs. I love them. You are so
lucky!!
Your Cafe' site is wonderful! Silver Kitchen Aid would be a great addition to our cooking area 🙂
Enjoy my sign-up to your website - your descriptive travel tales, recipes and photo journies are so fun! The silver kitchen aid would be a great help.
I follow you on Pinterest and get your emails. I really love the blender in red! Thank you so much for your blog. It is an inspiration!!!
I went over to the website. I love the red but the silver would co-ordinate better in my kitchen. But if I won I'd be happy with any. Unfortunately I couldn't get the videos to open/start. Will try later. I sounds amazing from your post today!
I'd chose the onyx blacik!
Thanks for sharing your delightful experience.
The KitchenAid Torrent looks amazing! I'd love to have the Sugar Pearl Silver one. It would love to be a companion to my almost 20 year old KitchenAid gunmetal-gray-colored mixer.
I receive your emails. I could not find you on PInterest though!!
Michelle- search for us under Chris @ The Cafe Sucre Farine. Or just use the links on the left sidebar. Thanks!
I love the red one! I am enjoying your blog. I am so glad I found y'all.
I have several Kitchen Aid products and they are all marvelous! I LOVE this blender & all the things it will do,
Would love to add the silver one to my other products.
I would choose red, as red is my kitchen accent color!
I would choose red, such a perfect kitchen color!
Aww - loved reading this - wonderful emails are the best kind -right! What a lovely cooking experience - and what a lovely gesture that she had a special class for y'all even though her classes were done for the year! And Chris - what a lovely giveaway - thank you!
Hmmm so hard to choose but red it must be. This would be so wonderful to use, considering the power, flexibility of programming, and dare I mention EASE of clean up? How great would it be to not have the large plastic/metal gear type interface to have to keep clean? Sign me up, oops, I mean, I hope I win! 🙂
Silver one looks awesome. And a great blog post!
I see they have excellent reviews. 4.9 out of 5. I love the candy apple red because I LOVE color!
Love your pictures. They are just lovely.
We went to Provence the first time last month and tried out many new dishes-duck, vegetables, polenta, and blood pudding. Uh, that one was tough to try! LOL This would be wonderful to have to use in my kitchen as I cook everything from scratch and love to come home with new ways of cooking. I always try to figure out the recipe and what herbs, etc. they use.
One thing, not sure what email is showing up on the entry. It may be spcale at yahoo..... but I actually receive your blogs on the one above. Just so it does not mess up my entry.
Thanks for a lovely giveaway!
Normally I'm not one to make comments but love reading them but thought I might as well for this. I love to cook and teach my daughter to cook/bake anything to do with the kitchen. To me, providing a home cooked meal, when you can, is a sign of love. If I were lucky enough to win, I would pick the Onyx Black one.
Also, I stumbled onto your website a few months ago when I was looking at recipes on Zegnet.com and my whole family and the friends we had over that night loved your Mexican chopped salad. That was the first time we ever tried jicama and weren't sure when we tasted it by itself but were we pleasantly surprised. I made my own beans in my electric pressure cooker and boy, with that addition instead of just the regular canned black beans, it was even more of a hit. Thanks for always having such great stories and recipes.
Thanks so much Lisa!
I receive your emails after finding a recipe of pinterest whch is now my favourite cake (French lemon cake)
That's one of our favorites too!
Wow! All your wonderful recipes on Pinterest, great photos via your email blog, and now a chance to win a fabulous KitchenAid product.
I love the silver and black option. Thanks so much for including me in a chance to win.
I like Onyx Black.
The red or silver....both gorgeous!!
I look forward to your posts!!
Chris, I became acquainted with your blog just a few months ago...and I am now addicted'! I have made your layered cheesecakes in a jar for my book club ladies, roasted rosemary chicken, pumpkin crumb muffins, and the pumpkin bundt cake with maple glaze...all amazing, I am spurred on by your love for food and adventure in the kitchen. You husband's photographs keep me coming back.. Your trip to Provence has me wanting to revisit that area, as the last time we were on business, and I had a short tour of the area...so charming! Thank you for the opportunity to win...I love the red blender!!
Thank you for the kinds words Traci! I'm so glad you're enjoying the recipes!
Sugar pearl silver matches my kitchen, but I would love the Candy Apple Red because it would pop in the kitchen! I love receiving the emails and posts from The Cafe. I try and love many of the recipes that are posted and share your site with many of my friends!
I've always loved thought of living in Europe, esp France so I live vicariously through your blog. Alas, maybe one day...
Sugar Pearl Silver looks lux 🙂
Bien-sur...le candy apple red!
Love the Stainless Steel color! Thanks for the opportunity to win this fabulous prize Chris!
I love the silver - beautiful! I am both a Pinterest follower and an email subscriber. Chris, thanks for the wonderful recipes. I made the kale, quinoa & bacon salad a few days ago - a huge hit! The Provencal Beef Stew is on my list for next week.
Thanks Carol!
I like the candy apple red best out of the three. I'm kind of surprised they don't have white like the classic kitchenaid mixers. But the colors they have are all very nice.
I would love the red. Such a cheerful color. By the way, the link did not work for me - took me to a page "not found" and I found the kitchenaid site just by going to it through Google.What a fabulous trip - loving your posts about it.
Love the red one. I can't wait till you post your recipes from Barbara's class. They sound amazing!
Wow! Very impressive piece of kitchen essentials. Never owned anything like this but would love the black one. Oh the possibilities!
Onyx black! Love reading your posts about Provence!
Thanks Sylvia! We loved bringing our readers on the trip!
Red is always in style in my kitchen. What a fabulous Provence experience you have shared with us. Always look forward to your blog, Chris.
I'm an email subscriber!
I am a happy subscriber to your blog! I love the recipes, presentations, and the way you really care about your followers. It is wonderful to be able to go on your travels with you. I do not travel much so this gives me a chance to see the World.
I think this give-a-way is spectacular. I make many soups that could use this machine to make them "silky".
I think the Candy Apple Red would be my first choice of color. This new type of blender is so unique and different.
I'd love to try this blender! I've been shopping around for a replacement one, and this Kitchen-Aid seems to fit all of my requirements. Black or silver would be great!
I'm partial to white . . .
It's such a classic!
I would love the silver to go with my other stainless steel appliances, although I do have an apple green KA stand mixer.
Aren't their colors great, Karen?
I love, love, love the red one! Red is the color of passion and I am passionate about cooking.
Love your comment Karen - well said!
I love the Sugar Pearl Silver. Classic!
Excellent choice PJ!
I love, love. Love the red one. Red is the color of passion, and I am very passionate about cooking.
I love following you on all your journeys, and photos are gorgeous.
It't so nice you are able to spend time with your family,and share them with your followers.
Have a wonderful holiday!
Thank you Carolyn!
I love your blog, reading about your adventures and trying the great recipes. The downside is I live in Canada and can never enter your giveaways. I know this is because of 'cross-border rules etc. I will just have to,put a red blender on my Christmas list and hope Santa sees it.
Tell "Santa" "After all, it's red like your outfit!" Right?
The red one for sure! It just makes you feel happy. Love all your pictures.
Thanks Kimberley! We have an Empire Red KitchenAid food processor in our kitchen, and you're right, it makes me smile sitting there proudly on the countertop!
I follow you on Pinterest and have tried so many of your recipes. I'd say I have a favorite but each time I try a new one it becomes my favorite. They have all been amazing! I subscribe to your emails (which I can't wait to get each week) and I love reading about your adventures. I think the Torrent looks awesome and I'd love red!
Thanks for your sweet comment Lori! It's quite a machine.
I would love, love, love the red one. Red is the color of passion and I am very passionate about cooking.
I love your comment Karen! We are too!
The silver one is beautiful!
It really is!
I'm an email subscriber!
Awesome Jaime! Thanks for your comment.
I would go with the red as a great pop of color in my kitchen. I just recently found your site and am thrilled with the great recipes and your blog posts and just followed you on Pinterest.
Thanks Kathy - and welcome to The Café!
I love the red. What a great adventure you are having. Thank you so much for sharing it with us all.
Thanks Debbie! We love travel and family, so it's really a blessing to be able to combine the two when we come over here!
Who can resist the red one? I have a friend who has taken cooking classes in Provence. I wonder if it's with Barbara? I'll forward your post to her. By the way, I made your copycat Panera butternut squash and pumpkin soup this week. It was amazing! So yummy! (Though I can't say the same for the pumpkin seeds. The flavor was great, but not the texture.) However, my KitchenAid blender broke in the process (thankfully, I had a backup Osterizer), so I am definitely in the market for a replacement. The Osterizer is incredibly noisy.
Thanks Pauly! So sorry to hear about your blender's demise!
What a fabulous trip you have had. France is so beautiful and we loved the pictures!
Thank you for sharing! Loved the candy apple red Kitchen Aid blender. They make great products!
Have a safe trip back,
Carolyn
Thanks Carolyn! We leave for the States early this coming week!
I would choose the stainless steel/silver version.
I think that's our favorite for our home kitchen too Amy!
Chris love your recipes ! What a wonderful trip thanks for sharing your pictures and a chance for a Kitchen Aid Blender.
I would choose Sugar Pearl Silver...love the name.
Isn't it, Nancy? When I first saw the color and heard the name, I was intrigued! KitchenAid does such a good job with their unique colors and finishes!
Looks like an amazing workhorse for the kitchen!! Love the unique style, too!
We all loved how easy it is too clean, with only a couple of parts and no tricky blades or exposed gears to clean, thanks to the Magnetic Drive!
I would choose black-- as it would fit perfectly into my kitchen with black/stainless appliance.
That's such a cool look Dora. Very contemporary!
Love it! I hope to win and use it!
Thanks Gerald!
I would like the silver or blackKitchenaid. Thanks and enjoy France!
Thanks Pam, we truly did!
I would choose the silver one. Seems pretty nice. Thanks!!
That's a beautiful color Charlotte!
Thanks for a chance to make a smoothie without breaking the blender! I would like the silver color.
Thanks for your comment Donna. This is a seriously powerful machine and great for smoothies!
I would love the silver color! Thanks for a neat giveaway!
Thanks Misty! You're very welcome!
I have wanted a juicer for awhile. The online demo showed this feature well. Thanks for info on this new appliance. P.S. we have rented a house in Provence (Pernes-les-Fountaines) next summer, so we have studied your reports carefully!
You will love it Kelly!
I'm subscribed to your email list!! 😀 Great post about Provence!
Would love, love, love.......the red! And I love your website!
Thanks Beth!
Though all of the colors, black, stainless or red would work in my kitchen, I would choose the red. It would match my red Kitchen Aid mixer!
Red is definitely getting a lot of the votes!
I follow you on pinterest!
Great!
I subscribe to your email! What a wonderful post. I would love to take Barbara's class if ever in France!
Thanks Penny! She is a gem of a culinary educator!
I would love this..a cooking class in Provence:)
You look so happy..what a great thing to have such an accompliahsed photographer and best friend with you:)
I looked at the pics over and over.I love the one of you and Barbara walking..♥And I love her cuisine:)
Thanks Monique! And Scott says "Thanks! " too!
Dale and I were so privileged to have dinner at Barbara and Robert's in 2011. I am looking forward to your recipes in the future. And as for that beautiful KitchenAid Blender, the candy apple red would be my favorite. I do not have a blender right now, so timing is perfect. Thank you for the opportunity, and I enjoyed this log very much Great photos.
Susan, if you've dined with Barbara and Robert, then you know what a charming and fun couple they are. The red is such a gorgeous color!
Any of the three colors would be lovely in my kitchen.
I am excited to add this small cooking school to my list of things to do in France. My husband and I are planning a trip there in a year or two. We are both 'foodies', This would be a fun one day excursion. Thank you for sharing your travel experiences with us.
I like the red. BTW, the link above took me to a page not found. I found the Torrent blenders here:
http://www.kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/blenders/torrent-blender/
Thanks much Betsy, I think the link takes you to the KitchenAid website and then you have to go in under Blenders.
I would choose the black colored one for my neutral kitchen. Thanks for the chance 🙂
It looks really powerful in black, doesn't it Lisa?
I love the silver/stainless color - thanks Chris! What a great adventure
Me too Tricia! We had a wonderful time and made a fantastic memory with Barbara and Robert!
Have been enjoying Provance vicariously---especially loved the Market photos. I think I know how you felt.
I would love to have the new blender in silver. Thanks.
I also would love the blender in silver. And I appreciate hearing about your trip to Provence. I have been reading some books by Peter Mayle about Provence and it has hit the top of my must-travel list!
If ever I need inspiration "you are always at my finger-tips"all the way from Australia I thank you .. Black would be my colour of choice, but then who would care what colour it was ,IT WORKS....YAY'
You're welcome Kae!
What a sleek looking blender and love the silver color. Thanks for pictures and comments on your trip.