The Scented Kitchen: A Little Taste of Paris, a Harvest of Tomatoes, and a Kitchen Full of Fragrance
It's finally beginning to look like fall around our house! Not because the temperatures have dropped all that much, but because John has started cleaning up the garden.
I always have mixed feelings about this time of year. It's a little sad to see the garden go, but by the end of summer, those once-beautiful plants are looking pretty scraggly. So, in truth, I'm rather happy to see him getting everything cleaned up!
Saying Goodbye to the Garden, for Now
Of course, putting the garden to bed is no small task. John has already cleaned out half of the hoop house, removing a row of tomato plants that had definitely seen better days. He's also built two long raised beds in the main garden, filling them with soil, organic matter, composted wood chips, and cardboard.
The idea is to have everything ready for next spring while hopefully keeping that pesky crabgrass under control. We'll see how that works out!
Despite the extreme heat this summer, our garden produced beautifully. We had wonderful rains through August, and the tomatoes just kept coming.
I managed to can about 20 pints of what I think is the best salsa I've ever made, and I still have five Walmart bags of tomatoes tucked away in the freezer waiting to be canned. I'd better get busy before deer season arrives and we need that freezer space for venison!
With all those wonderful tomatoes, I started thinking about a dish we first enjoyed during a trip to Paris. It's simple, rustic, and full of flavor. Just the kind of French country cooking I love.
But before I started preparing dinner, I wanted to make the kitchen feel as inviting as the meal I had planned.
A Little French Inspiration, With a Fresh Twist
One thing I've learned over the years is that the atmosphere in your kitchen can make cooking so much more enjoyable.
There's something special about walking into a room that smells wonderful before you've even turned on the oven. It makes the everyday task of preparing dinner feel a little more like an occasion.
That's why I reached for my Belle Aroma® ScenTrio Petite® Wax Warmer.
I usually enjoy using Belle Aroma® No-Mess Fragrance Tarts®, but this time I was in the mood for something a little different. I chose Belle Aroma® Organic Lemongrass Essential Oil, with its bright, fresh, citrusy fragrance.
What I especially appreciate about this oil is its purity, without added carriers or synthetic ingredients. The fragrance is wonderfully refreshing without being overly sweet or heavy.
I selected the high heat setting for essential oils on my ScenTrio Petite, added the oil according to the warmer's instructions, and let the gentle fragrance begin filling the room.
Before long, my kitchen had that lovely fresh scent that makes you want to linger a little longer.
Why I Love My ScenTrio Petite Wax Warmer
I've come to appreciate products that make everyday life a little easier, especially when they also make my home more inviting.
The ScenTrio Petite does exactly that.
Unlike traditional candle warmers, there's no flame to worry about and no lightbulb to replace. Its easy-to-clean warming surface makes changing fragrances simple, and the three precision heat settings allow me to enjoy essential oils, fragrance oils, or Belle Aroma No-Mess Fragrance Tarts.
Another feature I especially appreciate is the programmable timer. With 4-, 8-, 12-, and 24-hour options, I can choose how long I want to enjoy my fragrance without having to keep track of the time. The 4-, 8-, and 12-hour settings even repeat automatically each day until I turn the warmer off completely or unplug it, while the 24-hour setting keeps the warmer running continuously.
And because the warmer comes in several beautiful decorative styles, it's something I'm happy to leave sitting out on my kitchen counter.
It's a small luxury that makes a noticeable difference in how welcoming my home feels.
Whether you're preparing a family dinner, expecting company, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, it's nice to have a favorite fragrance adding that finishing touch.
If you've never tried creating a little fragrance ritual in your kitchen, the ScenTrio Petite is a lovely place to start.
Explore the Belle Aroma ScenTrio Petite Wax Warmer and Organic Lemongrass Essential Oil to discover how easy it is to bring a little extra enjoyment into your everyday routine.
From My Garden to a French Country Table
Now, back to those tomatoes!
The dish I had in mind was inspired by one from Jacques Pépin and Julia Child, but as usual, I couldn't resist putting my own spin on it.
It's called Tomates Gratinées aux Herbes, or French Country Herb-Crusted Tomatoes.
Think ripe, juicy tomatoes topped with a savory mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, shallots, cheeses, and buttery breadcrumbs, then baked until tender and golden.
Simple ingredients, but oh, what a wonderful combination!
Tomates Gratinées aux Herbes
French Country Herb-Crusted Tomatoes
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 3 large, firm, ripe tomatoes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (I used homemade sourdough breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons finely minced shallots
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon dried herbes de Provence
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Gruyère cheese
- ½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus a little for greasing
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tomatoes
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a shallow baking dish with olive oil.
Slice the tomatoes in half crosswise and gently remove some of the seeds and excess moisture. Season the cut surfaces lightly with salt and pepper.
Place the tomatoes cut-side down on paper towels for approximately 10 minutes to release excess moisture.
2. Make the Herb Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, shallots, garlic, herbes de Provence, basil, parsley, Parmesan, Gruyère, and lemon zest.
Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the melted butter. Toss gently until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. The mixture should be slightly moist but still crumbly.
3. Assemble the Tomatoes
Arrange the tomato halves cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
Spoon the herb and breadcrumb mixture generously over each tomato, pressing lightly so the topping stays in place.
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the tops.
4. Bake Until Golden
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the breadcrumb topping is beautifully golden brown.
For an extra-crispy finish, place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Allow the tomatoes to rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with a little additional fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
A Simple Dinner That Feels Special
I served my tomatoes alongside grilled chicken tenders and fresh cucumbers from the garden. Nothing particularly fancy, but those herb-crusted tomatoes were definitely the star of the plate!
They would be equally delicious with grilled fish, steak, or even a simple green salad and a crusty baguette for a light lunch.
That's one of the things I love most about French country cooking. You don't need complicated techniques or expensive ingredients to create something memorable. Fresh vegetables, good olive oil, fragrant herbs, and a little cheese can turn the simplest dish into something special.
And while the wonderful aromas of garlic, herbs, and roasting tomatoes filled the kitchen, the fresh lemongrass fragrance I'd enjoyed earlier had already made the time spent preparing dinner a pleasure.
Make the Everyday a Little More Special
I think sometimes we forget that enjoying our homes doesn't have to mean redecorating, buying new furniture, or planning an elaborate dinner party.
Sometimes it's as simple as preparing a favorite recipe, setting a pretty table, and filling the room with a fragrance you love.
That's what I enjoy about my Belle Aroma ScenTrio Petite Wax Warmer. It's not just about making a room smell nice. It's about making the ordinary moments at home feel a little more special.
And really, isn't that what a welcoming home is all about?
Bring a little fragrance into your own kitchen. Explore the ScenTrio Petite Wax Warmer and Belle Aroma Essential Oils to find your favorite way to make home feel even more inviting.
ScenTrio Petite Wax Warmer, essential oils, and No-Mess Fragrance Tarts are sold separately.
Claire Beaumont for The Gift of Scent®
