French Food

When I have more time to extol the virtues of French food I will write several posts dedicated to the amazing array of beautiful foods available everywhere. The French have managed to get it all right when it comes to eating.......................and drinking.

Meanwhile, a quick peek from markets I've visited these past weeks thanks to Corey and Linda while in Provence, my family here in the Minervois, and of course my ever patient dh whom I've dragged to every market day in every village and town along the way.

French breads are the best in the world. Most people buy twice a day with a fresh baguette or other shaped loaf for breakfast and lunch, returning to the boulangerie at 5:30 PM for another fresh baked beauty for dinner later in the evening.

I admit I am a cheese-aholic! No meat of any description, much to a French cook's disappointment, but perhaps I'm pardoned when I gobble their fabulous cheeses.

A healthy salad is always fresh from the potager. Lettuce at the market is never in a plastic bag. Just-picked heads are displayed proudly in boxes, the crispness visible to the senses, and just a simple oil and vinegar dressing required. My brother's is great, and of course the lettuce from his garden the best. Good olive oil, a little walnut oil, balsamic vinegar, a gentle shake in a bottle and the perfect salad arrives on the table.
Because the French rarely eat between meals, sweet treats are saved for dessert. Yes, those gorgeously slim ladies DO eat small portions of scrumptious desserts!

Below is a 'take away' dessert treat Corey shared with us following lunch in Aix-en-Provence. The prettiest, intensely flavored, cream-filled macaroons. I chose coffee flavor, dh pistachio - eaten on the wall of one of Aix's many lovely fountains.

More on food later....................off now to enjoy another of my sister-in-law's gourmet meals. Can honestly say I haven't had a bad French meal yet - every morsel has been perfection. Did I hear someone mention "diet"? Oh yes, that word looms in my future, however you need to know that we have walked, and walked, including a 5 mile hike through the vineyards this week!!