Audrey

2017 was of those years that was neither bad, nor particularly wonderful. It certainly had an amazing highlight: My yearly trip back home to France, where we ate our way through Brittany, Normandy and Provence, for two weeks. I already posted photos and stories about the trip here and here, and will surely post more in the New Year. The beginning of 2017 started off nicely with becoming a Food Bloggers of Canada member and being featured as one of the “Five Niagara Food Bloggers to bookmark now”.

I’ve seen on the French news this morning that comsumptions of Champagne reached an all-time high this Holiday season, in France (up 6% from last year). Which to many “sociologists” is a result of the wave of optimism swirling among the French these days. Yes, believe it or not, the French (world-famous for their grumpiness) are in a good mood right now. After a few morose years, France is wrapping up a somewhat positive year, with a brand new shiny president, a reformist government and a re-emerging economy – many …

In France, a proper Christmas dinner wouldn’t be complete without the traditional Bûche de Nöel. This wooden-log shaped dessert is a distinctly celebrated French tradition – or might I say, an institution!   Proof is, every year in early December, the most renowned French pastry chefs unveil their new signature Bûche de Nöel – in what is the most awaited culinary moment of the year, in France. Chefs compete in showing off their skills with their most imaginative bûche yet, which are for the most part, far (in taste and look) from …

Roasting a majestic stuffed turkey is a Christmas Day classic in France, but not everyone is looking to cook a whole bird in their oven… This stuffed Rabbit Saddle with chestnuts and mushrooms offers a lighter and less-traditional option for your dinner. But still, the key components remain: a lean white meat that is tender and juicy, and the classic French-style stuffing made of creamy chestnuts and earthy mushrooms.

Take your classic Foie Gras on Toast over the top, with this quick spiced persimmon chutney. A sweet and salty festive appetizer for Christmas! 

When you’re preparing to host a Christmas dinner in France, the choice of the bread(s) is as important as any course you will be serving. Usually each course gets accompanied by a different bread, each thoughfully paired with the food. Spice bread slices get toasted and served with foie gras. Dark breads such as rye or a viking banette get served with smoked salmon and seafood. Simple baguettes or rustic baguettes (such as traditon, festival or a meule de pierre) usually get served with the main dish.

One /  two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight / nine / ten / eleven / twelve / thirteen / fourteen / fifteen / sixteen / seventeen We all have a French loving foodie in our life… (and if you are reading this blog, it is probably you!). And with gifting season upon us, I wanted to share a few gift ideas I’m sure will delight any French lover this Christmas season! 

Known in French as “crème de marrons”, chestnut cream is the ultimate Christmas comfort food in France. Sweet, creamy  and nutty, kids and adults enjoy this golden spread on toasts, waffles, crêpes, or stirred into yogurts. It is also the star ingredients of some classic French desserts, like the fancy Mont Blanc or simpler Gâteau Ardéchois (Chestnut Cream Cake).

The Classic French madeleines get a Holiday twist, and an American twist too!  Yes, most of you might not know it, but eggnog (in french “lait de poule”) is not common at all in France, apart from in the French Caribbean Islands. But while “French Christmas” and “eggnog” are terms usually not associated with one another, these French Eggnog Madeleines are the exception to the rule… And they are a match made in heaven!

These tiny Almond Pistachio Crescent Cookies are a twist on the traditional French vanillekipferl (or “croissants de lune” in French) , which are part of the bredele cookie spread served for St Nicholas Day, or Christmas, in Alsace. Usually flavoured with vanilla, this version packs on nutty flavours, with loads of ground almond, pistachio and a dash of almond extract.