Our BOXING DAY BBQ (or Michael and the Monster from Beneath)

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We host our annual Boxing Day BBQ, but things get a little strange when we attempt to embellish it with delicacies from the garden...
The Chateau Diaries Episode 362 ✨🏰✨
Escape to the chateau with 'The Chateau Diaries' 🏰
This channel follows the adventures of chatelaine Stephanie in her French 16th century home, the Chateau de Lalande, in the heart of rural France ❤️
We share our life in this ancient chateau in the heart of the French countryside, and show you the diy, renovations, crafts, cooking and gardening that are needed to bring a home like this to life!
A very special thank you to all of you who have become Patrons of the Chateau de Lalande. You have made The Chateau Diaries one of the top 400 Patreon accounts in the world, and have transformed not only our lives here, but the future of this beautiful chateau! I'm overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. On behalf of this beautiful chateau that will continue to survive and flourish because of you, thank you!!!
If you're interested in becoming a Patron of The Chateau Diaries, click here: / thechateaudiaries

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Thanks again to Planta! Remember to: Click here links.getplanta.com/LWfC and claim your 14 day free trial on Planta Premium when choosing the 12 month plan using my code: stephanie14

[@JaneseCarstens]

Orchids would do well in your bathroom - extra humidity from the showers and baths as well as filtered light from the window.

[@lkmcclellan1246]

This is the first app that's been advertised on youtube to me that I immediately went to download because I am in exactly the same situation, I love plants but seem to kill everything except rose bushes planted in my yard....

[@davidford420]

¹

[@JoyleiaJo]

Would that app work for identifying plants in a garden by their leaves????

[@ritasengupta9611]

Everyone needs a Michael Potts in their life. Always cheerful and talanted as well. Isn't Philip lucky getting sandwiche served in bed and also separate plates of food prepared just for him!

[@norabrice]

You guy's could make a dry erase marker board for the garden to map out land plot spots so that everyone can find everything they need.

[@dees3179]

I have a black board and chalk in the shed at the allotment for this very reason.

[@DrRusty5]

A blackboard is easier as you can easily make your own on almost any surface with blackboard paint. It would also look less incongruous in the potting shed.

[@rsmith1820]

Ah but Alas then there'd be no comedic foraging segments

[@Tracy_R]

Brilliant idea to have a dry erase board and keep it in the greenhouse? Just an idea

[@tinycotswoldcottage]

I think I fall a bit more in love with Michael every time I see him. He's hilarious, a photographer and can cook - winning combination!

[@doloreslegrand2710]

Pulling parsnips was a hoot 😂. Michael Potts is such a delight. All of you at LaLande have wonderful personalities and bring us pure joy. Happy New Year 🎊 🎉❤

[@WhatSarahLikes1]

I just kept thinking about the children's story about the enormous turnip.

[@jennifercampbell7698]

Yes, Michael always brings a unique enthusiastic approach to all his endeavours! His Boxing Day BBQ (or should it be Braai?) is epic. By the way Stephanie it’s damper bread, not dampener! Surely anything Aussie can’t be a dampener! 😂🤣 Have a great New Year celebration! Can’t wait to see the event! 🍾💫🥂😍

[@teresayeates3437]

Oh if only he was a permanent fixture. Such quick humour.

[@aliceprofitt8506]

@@WhatSarahLikes1 Yes!!

[@DainaRichardson]

Ft 😂

[@rosiebeardshaw658]

What a cracker of an episode! That scream was in fact a mandrake! Michael pulling them out was hilarious, you laughing in the background, it made me laugh for ages. Thanks to you all!

[@wellnone9367]

Stephanie, I THINK that wilted plant is a peace lily, which is exceptionally good at absorbing tired old air and sending out good healthy energy. They are perfect in a bedroom for that reason. Ours thrived for years on the forgotten end of care, its white blooms so pretty.

[@piahyer8023]

"So you go on inventing it, and we will plug it in". "Rent a pug - you peed on the mohair, didn't you." I can't help but laugh out loud🤣🤣🤣

[@blakehahn-atlantaga8510]

Michael Potts reminds me so much of Hugh Grant! That parsnip pulling could have been in a movie scene for sure! Academy award winning no doubt!

[@BrightestBlessings7899]

I swear ever time I heard Micheal say ,"it's not that burnt." I laughed hysterically!!

[@BrightestBlessings7899]

Indeed

[@chrismaraccini8108]

Does anyone know what happened to Alexander?

[@lisaglynn3121]

Another Wonderful Day at LaLande! Thank you all!

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

The pulling of the parsnips was hysterical. Love Molly and Spud together. The Bar B Q looked delicious. Thanks for sharing all the giggles 😍😘

[@brendasorrelles3253]

I was feeling a bit down and lonely meaning no one around here who understands the bonding of eccentric souls. And now here you all are appearing in my sitting room, still decorated for the holidays, bringing me the joy of your communal delights and adventures. Blessings to you all as I feel blessed by you all as well. ❤️🎄🤗

[@sharonadlam3195]

Well said. A quality of life and friendship that we should all aspire to. ❤❤

[@imhappy3142]

I’ve been feeling a bit the same way 😞. How nice we can bond together over this wonderful vlog

[@andreacatzel8259]

Hilarious parsnip pulling! And Roosterkoek! Michael, you outdid yourself! What a fabulous Boxing Day Barbie! Thanks for the delightful company, everyone. Loved seeing the doglets playing together. The butler story was a hoot! Love to you all. ❤

[@logarithmic7]

tears running down my face from laughing so hard at the 'parsnip' adventure. You are all a hoot! Thank you

[@peggyvick935]

My husband heard my howling laughter, & wondered what was so funny. At 65, I have never seen parsnips that huge! 😮 So hilarious to watch. Thank you Stephanie & Michael. ❤

[@kimchatwin-smith891]

Yeah ... I think he pulled up a kol rabbi instead of a parsnip ...🤣

[@karenjardine2073]

Lol, you could use a garden fork next time for the mandrake parsnips. Maybe the dry erase board could also list tools needed to harvest.😂😂😂❤❤❤ love everyone, so much fun

[@josephinewills8647]

I’ve Never Laughed So Much,Parsnips were Hugh , Well Done Michael Potts 👍👏👏👏❤️

[@lorrainethomas8797]

Me too!

[@calendarbumb4037]

Me too!! That was hilarious… the side comments were the best! “roots to Australia” lol

[@michelle2b]

More footage of MOLLY & SPUD please. They are adorable 💛🦮💛🦮

[@katrinalee009]

I love the way you all do your sponsorships 😂 I have no need for Planta but you effectively sold me 😂

[@cecilea6938]

I hope with the new heating system the chateau will not be over heated, or I will miss those winter looks, jumpers, pyjamas and robes, and hats/bonnets :-) One of the things I love at Lalande is that you can feel the different seasons 🌞🌦❄

[@Valen_Wolf]

I love this too!

[@JoyleiaJo]

Michael's MANLY apron reminds me of his guild affirmations when he & Stephanie got their titles.

[@anamaria2053]

How delightful! From tea with mummy to burgers and giant parsnips galore! Next week to wait for another vlog now feels so far away. Enjoy the break! ❤

[@jenniferkessener1111]

I am so with you on keeping up "winter decor". So many people here seem to be tearing it down on Christmas or the day after, but it is so bright and. Cheery. The parsnip/mandrake episode was so funny. Well done wrestle those out Michael!

[@carolinegooder7091]

I do the 12 days of Christmas, at least in decorations. 😘😘😘

[@nata3467]

I keep up my vintage Christmas decorations till mid January and then the snowman and any snow related winter decor stays up until the end of January into February sometimes I love Christmas I love the decor and it brightens the home for part of the year

[@carolinedenaro866]

We love you, get some well-deserved REST!

[@hopegrable]

Boxing day was definitely a win! Loved seeing all the puppies playing together. Molly and Spud are just too cute! I would definitely feel safe stranded with Stephanie and Michael. You really do need a good sense of humor when your stranded. That enormous parsnip was truly a shock. I said Mandrake root as soon as Michael wrestled it from the earth. It's so funny that Stewart said the same thing. We Americans know a cursed parsnip when we see it. Good heavens! Did it scream for it's life when she came at it with a knife? And It took 20 whole minutes to show it who's boss. Do not mess with Stewart. Don't even think about it. Hope everyone is still enjoying time together at Lalande. Really looking forward to seeing your next vlog for New Years. Lots of love to you all. 💖💖💖

[@caroline6057]

Parnips proved to be a negative calorie food for Michael! Lmao

[@alexandraswindells2953]

I'm watching the video in bed with tears of laughter streaming down my face with the parsnip saga. So funny. Fantastic post as ever 👏❤️😂

[@robbinmcvay4206]

When I lived in Denver Colorado years ago their was a restaurant that had white twinkle light outside lining the restaurant and all the trees and bushes at night you could see it for miles! Love from Wyoming USA Robbie McVay

[@marybeshay8504]

Michael at the parsnip patch was a Crack up I laughed 😅 so much he's great!!

[@nettybubba7730]

Butler Potts the Parsnip Pulling Person. I laughed when he said 'I think these roots are in Australia'. As an Aussie I felt those roots being pulled. I think we now have a giant hole in our Country.

[@shellydunn9710]

😂

[@carynkabat4208]

What a stack of books next to the mantle. I hope they have been read. Tickingclocks keep me awake.

[@Cottonstatecountry]

Every adventure you and Michael set out on always has me laughing hysterically! The two of you have perfect humor together!

[@lizzylou2085]

Oh Michael. The parsnip hunt made me think about a children's' story where all the characters are helping to pull a parsnip; or another vegetable; out of the veg patch. How long did it take to peel them? 🤣🤣

[@metropcs7560]

Wow, Micheal you are amazing, your sense of humor is so refreshing. You are so skilled at photography as well. Thank you for sharing Stephanie. Love Mother and Percy.

[@carolinehorne6505]

@TheChateauDiaries you must do a cook book with recipes from your chefs, cooks and guests it would be fab. Xx

[@1965tjmet]

Great idea

[@claritadeluna6609]

Caroline Horne - excellent. I suggested this same idea a while back. A Laland recipe book will be much in demand.

[@danascookbook]

Some of them you could find in my channel @Dana’s cookbook

[@jiggyfun807]

Love the video! My news years resolution is too eat more French food this year.! I got some french Cherry preserves, I'm chasing a better life!

[@endeavouringit]

I love and miss a good French baguette, since moving states I don't have access to good French food 😢

[@wellnone9367]

Hilarious - twilight parsnip wrestling. That BBQ food looked fab - so tasty, and I love the fun you all have in preparing it all. Happy New Year in a couple of days.

[@dinahreyes4947]

I always love watching Stephanie and Michael Potts on their mini adventures! Lol.

[@crinkle2649]

Your fleur de lune looks like a peace Lily. And yeah they don't like being over watered. I have a ziplock full of the seed pods, I waiting to make new plants with.

[@frankiegurnick6241]

I laughed way too hard at Dana with her 10 yrs of knowing and cooking with Mr Potts....the butler 🤣🤣🤣🤣 oh Dana she is such a great soul ❤❤❤❤❤❤ What an awesome BBQ!! Great food, great friends now thats what I call a great boxing day treat! ❤❤❤❤ aswell as the uprooting of mandrakes 🤣🤣🤣 magical!! Just magical 🤣🤣 Another great vlog steph and phillip. Can't believe Christmas has been and gone and it's almost the new year!!!! Thank you for all your hard work in creating another year of amazing vlogs and an even more wonderful Christmas advent!!! So much joy, fun and laughter was brought into our home by you guys and lalande. Thank you never feels like quite enough but at this moment its all I can say Thank You ❤❤❤❤❤🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@danascookbook]

Thank you , it was effectively hilarious 😂

[@frankiegurnick6241]

@@danascookbook Love it!! 🤣❤❤

[@aliceprofitt8506]

Wonderful ! So much like... The Giant Turnip fairy tale! But instead it would be, Michael pulled on the parsnip, Stephanie pulled on Michael, Phillip pulled on Stephanie, Molly the dog pulled on Phillip, the hedgehog pulled on the the dog ... and they FINALLY were able to pull it up!!♥

[@foretb1162]

Orchids....I've never been good at keeping them alive, yet my sister is! But, she gave me a tip recently: they need an eastern, medium lighted window sill - otherwise they won't bloom. They also have a dormancy period where the blooms fall off and the plant sucks back its sap - similar to trees in the Fall. When the blooms are done (dried and dropped), cut the stem below where the flowers were, between 2 "buds". This ensures that the plant will grow a stem out from it on its next blooming time.

[@monautheim8266]

The parsnips made my day,🤣 what a good idea for a new years resolution: grow parsnips for a propper work-out. Happy New year to all of you💞

[@normamurray4450]

What can I say! All of your vlogs are so comforting and satisfying to the soul.

[@katelanxner278]

Amen!

[@junkogreene5644]

Yes, everything becomes a fun adventure at Lalande!

[@celtglen]

This is the best Self Care I can think of!

[@SB_McCollum]

"God as my witness, I'll never go hungry again!" /Stephanie in her parsnip field.

[@JenilynGilbert]

I was thinking of that scene with Scarlet as well!

[@alannagilmore8982]

😂😂😂😂 omg hilarious!

[@metropcs7560]

Oh my, I am so impressed with Amaury, he is focused, Micheal, Phillip all focused. Everyone is so help full!!! Loved the video this evening. Thank you Stephanie and Phillip.

[@cynhanrahan4012]

Orchids almost always die of excessive care. They prefer neglect. And ice cube set on the bark every week is plenty, and if humid, every other week. A friend gave me a "hospital planter" in 1991. I divided it and planted each in their own pot, and gave them their own preferred care sort, and I still have 2 of them. I like that app!

[@supremlyfoxylass]

Oh my god I almost peed my pants from laughter watching Michael Potts dig the parsnips . He is my hero!,, such team work and great food and friendship.. much love from Vermont , USA ❤️

[@tara0redwine]

Michael- "One should do it!" Hahaha

[@gamblehines8452]

Just love Michael such charisma and wit

[@rgrndu]

The food looked incredible. I laugh when I here you (British) pronounce oregano, herb, & aluminum. I had to Google Mary Celeste. I learned something new. Thanks Steph.

[@maritadempers1929]

Well done Michael with the Roosterbrood, greetings from South Africa to all.

[@shirleymcneil4410]

Delightful fun. I think its the variety , pace and delightful fun which makes your vlogs so amazing. Always so well constructed with dedication to excellence. Thanks to all.

[@pamelahaskell809]

Leftovers of anything are great. Going high tech is wonderful. You certainly love to make a big meal.

[@stevemiller9558]

The Chateau Diaries has created a fantasy, of which we would all love to be a part.

[@barbaranielsen2888]

I enjoy your channel so much! Each person is full of fun and personality! Thank you for your Vlogs!

[@stellaevans752]

I just love you all, thanks for the joy, Happy New Year to everyone at Lalande xxxxxxxxxxxxxx😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@elizabethheatley22]

Ok that parsnip encounter was very, very funny!

[@karinbergman1646]

Mr. Potts and the Enchanted Parsnip! I've never seen a parsnip so huge! And what a wonderful barbecue! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all the LaLanders! 🙏🏻🌲🌷⚜️🐾💗🐾⚜️🌷🌲🙏🏻

[@chickeyd9579]

I laughed until I cried watching Stephanie and Michael's adventure in the garden! How perfect that it happens in the vlog when you have Planta as your sponsor. I wonder if the app would have been able to identify mandrake root?

[@marianelamuniz9968]

Love Michael ❤ very smart, talented and gentleman

[@denisecooper7317]

🤣Cracks me up--Michael Potts digging up gigantic parsnips. Like extracting dinosaur teeth.

[@jenilin42]

I completely adore mummy. She is a queen so good to so many.

[@talesfromtuscany]

That was so much fun...Stephanie, you in the veggie patch is always a joy and lots of fun !!!! 😅🤣😍

[@anthonylewischurchill-theg233]

A very Happy Christmas Guys and an Awesome New Year, Thank You for all the entertainment you've given this last year. Bless You All Love and Light Always

[@kimchatwin-smith891]

Radishes roast really well ... lots of thyme .. they taste spocy and crunchy ... plus they fry well and you can use for fries

[@marcellejosephine9119]

Lucky Laland it’s has Mandrake’s!! 😂. Do they scream? As always enjoyed the video immensely ✨🍀

[@sherried.3861]

Oh my gosh! I had to laugh. I dug up a 3 foot long parsnip one winter, no joke. It was massive! Grew right through the ground cloth in the bottom of the raised bed 😂🍷!

[@tamaliaalisjahbana6849]

Thank you so much. That was such a charming Boxing Day lunch. Everyone at Lalande has some special ability or talent that they use to contribute to the general happiness of all.

[@roberthossen8354]

I would love to be stranded on an island with Michael and you, Stephanie, I think I would laugh my eyes out!!! Pure fun! Can Philip come as well?

[@queaniesincetip4363]

That was so funny when Stewart refered to the Mandrakes, as I had just been thinking that when you said that there was screaming in the parsnip patch!

[@elisabethhopson5639]

Blimey! Those parsnips would win awards for their size! Well done Kirstie for growing such beautiful veg. The sandwich looked a bit epic too. I hope you all enjoyed your BBQ - it looked great.

[@kittycarr123]

Michael brings such added joy to the videos, he is extremely funny.

[@goldenineke]

Golden retrievers are the best. I have two beauties, Primrose and Chester. 💛💛

[@basiaszendrei1603]

Orchids or phanelopsis are the easiest plants to care for ever. I recommend channel by the Orchid Girl. Any store bought orchid should be replanted as soon as possible. As they are grown in nurseries they are planted in water retaining pucket which is not removed when send to stores. That water retention slowly causes the root rot.

[@maribelroos2852]

What a spectacular barbecue! You always do it with such grace ,class, and fun ! Happy Boxing Day to YOU ALL ….much love from 🇨🇦 Canada❤

[@Jacqueline-es5yb]

A ticking clock is the heartbeat of a home!!! I am with you Philip.

[@Thestorybookknitter]

Yes Beryl!!!! I always love it when I spot a Beryl jumper, what a talented, lovely lady! X

[@maryellenbruneau5095]

Mr Potts, don’t let those parsnips get the best of you!!! Please bring someone else out there with you to hold your feet when those things grab you and pull you under!!! 🤣❤️❤️

[@terriw5807]

This was fabulous fun to watch, especially loved the parsnip pulling! But, I left wondering about Stephanie's beautiful emerald and diamond ring....do tell!

[@ibosquez5238]

Where is the butler? Oh Michael! I need a drink please. I wish he was my butler.

[@sarahfox3312]

I’ve never had such a big laugh on the behalf of a parsnip in my life!

[@theresecosgrove9140]

I'm sure someone has already stated this but in Australia we call it Damper. Happy New Year

[@Marykguise]

OMGosh 🤣🤣🤣🤣 That parsnip escapade was hysterical!! Dinner looked amazing as always!! Love and Happy New Year from Mary in Southern California 💗🥳

[@carolinegooder7091]

I love the sound of ticking clocks and have my father's grandmother clock from Scotland. It is silent now after his death, but one day, perhaps I will get it fixed.😘😘😘

[@michielvanschoor]

We love to make some roosterkoek with a braai in South Africa . We cheat and use Pre made sourdough bread dough from the shop.

[@deeoh3708]

Yes Stephanie... we Aussies do make damper usually when out camping. It is sometimes charred as well!! Part of the fun. Simple bread made with self raising flour, salt, butter, milk.. There are many recipes online. Serve with lashings of butter and jam.. and hot cup of tea. Enjoy.

[@enjoyyournextchapter]

Wanted to pass along a great tip for caring for Orchids - place an Ice Cube on the soil once a week! The slow time release of the water provides exactly what the Orchid needs! The more I watch the Chateau Diaries, the more I'm convinced that you have formed an artistic movement/community that will be regarded in the same historical light as the Bloomsbury Group, or Gertrude Stein's Literary salon, or the Beat Generation of San Francisco. The many talents and personalities that Lalonde has brought together will go down in history as a community of subject matter experts who bring together tradition, creativity, skill, talent, generosity and artistic flair!! Lalonde is the Bloomsbury of the 21st Century!! Wishing all Lalonders the Very Best for 2023!!

[@carolwest6095]

Room temperature for plants is also a consideration. In a warm room they dry out faster in a cool room the soil stays moist longer.

[@amandaoosthuizen9065]

Ai Micheal, you warm my heart when you talk about South African delights. We had roosterkoeke (roosterbrood) too this year.

[@deniserichard5613]

Great video as always! Michael, it's not you're fault that the parsnips where huge! You gave us all a good laugh though!!! We love seeing you on the vlog. Happy New Year everyone!!!🥂

[@joellenmeek658]

I agree with you Stef - leftovers are the BEST.

[@purplehaze5977]

They only look burnt 😂 so funny enjoyed watching food looked amazing

[@dorothylaplante7243]

So cool. What a wonderful Boxing Day dinner.

[@jeanmkaufmann]

House plants are my specialty. I have an Aloe that has had over 40 babies. Yucca trees, philodendron ect. Adventures in the walled garden are so much fun. 🙂🇨🇦

[@EddieGarton]

"and is Ralph coming round to see you as well?"😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@ameliagfawkes512]

Peace Lilies are some of the easiest plants to keep alive, LOL! Before long you'll have lots of little baby Peace Lillies to pot on. Don't throw Orchids away. Trim the dead flower spike down and wait for a new one to form in a few months.

[@PNWShanaLee]

I laughed and laughed at Michael capturing the parsnips! It has been a pleasure having him in the videos more. So much fun. May God bless your home, Lalande through out 2023 and beyond! Cheers guys! 🕊😘♥️

[@dagrunfjellanger3296]

The egg slicer is a Norwegian thing and I would think it is something Norwegian Marie brougt🤔🎄love from Norway 🇳🇴❤️

[@TheFiown]

I realise that sarcasm with a smile seems to be a theme with the mothers of women called Stephanie ! People say of my mother that she could kill with one look ! Yet they are both going strong so they must be doing something right !

[@cynthiabradley7891]

Hopefully, Amaury is paid well for the high level of his construction and carpentry skills. Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!