Welcome to the 2nd edition of my monthly newsletter! Each month, I intend to share a personal round up of the past weeks to give you a glimpse into my French life. I also share links I love, seasonal recipe inspiration and try to answer some of the questions I’ve received through social media as well.
This month, I would like to start by saying that even with all the dreadful news going on in the world, I believe we need to continue celebrating the joys that exist in our everyday lives. Through sharing my recipes and joy of living in France, I hope I can help lift your spirits, respectfully.
Feel free to let me know in the comments if you enjoy this monthly gazette, and perhaps what you would like to read about next month?
Brittany cabbages have arrived on market stalls!
October is generally a quiet month in France. We’re not really big celebrators of Halloween here, and people aren’t quite thinking of Christmas yet. It is a peaceful, relaxing month where people simply enjoy the beauty of Autumn.
Speaking of Autumn, the first two weeks of October felt more like Summer here, and the two last weeks have definitely felt more like Winter.
We started the month with incredible 25°C/77°F weather, with beaming sun – which is very unusual in Brittany. I enjoyed the first Sunday of October at a brocante (flea market) in our neighborhood. I found a pair of wooden paddles which I sanded and polished to use as a decoration for our apartment. The next week, I attended another brocante in our neighborhood and found a ceramic cow-shaped milk dispenser. How charming!
Traditional hand-panted “Faïencerie”(tableware) from Brittany, very coveted at brocantes!
I love the passion of the French for brocantes – a passion my Canadian husband doesn’t really comprehend! Even before the second-hand “trend” became popular, brocantes had always been extremely popular in France. Beyond hunting for bargains, people love to learn the history behind each object and the idea of bringing home a piece filled with memories.
I also enjoyed spending some time in my neighborhood’s communal garden this month, that we call a “jardin partagé”. Located at the end of our street, it’s a fairly large garden filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables, and a chicken coop that our dog Sophie loves to visit, of course!
The entrance to the communal garden
While living in the city, it’s a welcomed slice of heaven that I love to frequently check in on the herbs and produce… And everything is 100% organic. The garden is managed by a local association, and members are rewarded with a basketful of produce every so often. This month, figs, apples, grapes, sage and rosemary were bountiful!
Do you happen to have a communal garden where you live?
Another highlight this month included visiting the “Maison de L’Andouille” (Tripe sausage house) in Guéméné, a town about half hour from Lorient (my city), known for producing outstanding tripe sausage. This local delicacy is beloved in Brittany and often enjoyed in savory buckwheat crepes, or on charcuterie platters. We also visited our local farm to buy milk, yogurts, produce… And our dog Sophie got to observe the baby cows! She is always mesmerized by seeing new animals.
Translation: “Fallen from the tree, eat them fast!”
Lastly, I figured I would mention that October was a bit different this time around, as my husband took a trip back to Canada to visit friends and family. When living in Canada, I always cherished my vacations back to France, to reconnect – so I know how important this is for him. As these months are very busy at work for me, I had to stay behind with our little Sophie. So, I’ve been spending my time with her, in the kitchen, and just relaxing overall. But I look forward to him coming home soon, along with some nice treats that I miss from Canada – especially Maple Syrup.
Have a great November, be well and enjoy!
1927 building in the city center of Lorient
New articles added to the blog in October:
- French Almond Pear Gratin (Gluten Free)
- French Chicken recipes for weeknight meals
- French Soups for the cold season
- Red Kuri Squash Blue Cheese Gratin
10 seasonal recipes for November:
- Roasted Carrot Soup
- Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup
- Cauliflower Gratin (Gratin de Choufleur)
- French Chicken Marengo
- French Chicken and Mushroom Pie (Tourte)
- Classic French Hunter’s Chicken Stew
- Turnip and Carrot Gratin with Dijon Bechamel Sauce
- Roasted Hazelnut Financiers
- Pear Sauce Puff Pastry Fritters
- Classic French Pear Cake
5 Links I’m Liking:
- Nina Metayer, 35, became the first woman to win the title of World’s Best Pastry Chef. This news made all the headlines last week in France! French people are passionate about the art of pastry and many French pastry chefs are big celebrities here: Cédric Grolet, Pierre Hermé, Philipe Conticini, Christophe Michalak, etc… (all men!). It is nice for once to see a woman in the spotlight! If you’re visiting Paris, you can make a stop at her pastry shop Délicatisserie to try her creations: she is especially known for her galettes des rois.
- I thoroughly enjoyed reading Rosa Jackson’s October newsletter covering the process of creating her upcoming cookbook “Niçoise: Market-Inspired Cooking from France’s Sunniest City”. Rosa Jackson is an American who moved to France in 1995. She offers food tours in Paris and cooking classes in Nice. Her upcoming cookbook will be released in 2024, and her newsletter describes all the hard work and creative process behind creating it: from recipe testing, photography and working on the manuscript.
- Advent calendars are a huge deal in France, even for adults. If you’d like to adopt this tradition this year, you can find here a very nice selection of Advent calendars, including some French ones, with La Maison Du Chocolat and Palais des Thés.
- I remember when I was living in Canada I used to enjoy watching France 24 to stay up to date with French news. This month’s section “Digging into the French Lunch Break”, on the origins and the traditions behind the French Lunch break was quite interesting! As soon as I watched it, I knew I was going to share it with you this month.
- I drooled over this selection of Chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s French recipes: A tomato and cheese soufflé for sharing, sole cooked in brown butter with saffron and preserved lemon, and crunchy sesame crepe rolls. These all look incredible, and I definitely hope to try them out over the Holidays. Let me know if you try of one these recipes!
Our neighborhood bakery makes great sourdough bread and canelés!
Favorite questions of the month:
Why did you decide to move to Brittany, and not somewhere else in France?
Brittany was the obvious choice as I was born and raised here, and kept a strong bond with my home region – even after living 12 years in Canada. Most of my family and friends are here too. I have always loved life here, being surrounded by nature and sea, the incredible food and the quiet, slow way of life. That being said, I did contemplate the idea of moving to Marseilles too. I love the energy of the city, its food, its authenticity, and the fact that it’s facing the sea. But I wasn’t sure I would be happy with the very hot Summers of Southern France… And, I also knew deep down I am not a big city girl. So, I decided to just keep Marseilles as a favorite getaway destination!
Which places would you recommend as restaurants, bakeries, etc in Paris?
The food options in Paris are so immense, it is impossible to sum up all my recommendations. But here are a few favorite spots:
- Whenever in Paris, I always make a stop at Pierre Hermé’s to buy macarons. The flavors are so creative and never disappoint.
- I also always try to stop at one of Cyril Lignac’s pastry shops to buy a slice of Parisian flan and one of his famous chocolate-covered marshmallow bears (so good!).
- For a nice breakfast and outstanding French breads, I recommend the Boulangerie Poilâne.
- If you are looking for a typical Parisian lunch in a beautiful brasserie, I recommend La Coupole.
- If you are looking for a fancy dinner place with typical French fair, I recommend Le Relais Plaza. The current house chef Jean Imbert is known for making elevated rustic French recipes like roasted chicken, patés, etc.
- Finally, (although very touristy and coveted by Instagrammers), I recommend going to Les Deux Magots for their insanely rich and delicious hot chocolate. It is fairly pricy, but truly the best hot chocolate I have ever had, and well worth it!
Is cranberry sauce a thing in France?
Not at all. At Christmas in France, like for Thanksgiving in the US and Canada, you will find on the table a large turkey traditionally made with a chestnut stuffing. Served around it you’ll find potatoes, cooked apples and chestnuts, a gravy boat… But no cranberry sauce.
What do you use in France in place of Italian sausage?
In North America, Italian sausage usually refers to a pork sausage seasoned with garlic and anise or fennel seeds. In France, you will most often find pork sausages seasoned with garlic, black pepper and sometimes mustard seeds or nutmeg. I guess you could just say these are “regular” sausages. If you’re searching for very typical French sausages when in France, you have to look for “andouilles” which are made from Pork tripes. These are very popular in Brittany! But every region has their own sausage specialty, which you can read more about it in this article if you’re interested.
How many cookbooks do you own?
I am sorry to disappoint you, but today, not many at all! I have about 15 cookbooks at the moment, which for the most part are books I purchased within the past year. I used to own a lot of cookbooks when I was living in Canada, but sold almost all of them before moving back to France. The cost of shipping heavy books was incredibly expensive. So, we sold almost all of our belongings, kitchen equipment, our car, etc. I literally moved back to France with one luggage of clothing and my dog in the other arm! And while I feared having to let go of all my belongings at first (including my favorite books), it surprisingly turned out to be a truly liberating experience. Today in France, as we “rebuild” our home equipment, wardrobe and library, I put a lot more thought into each purchase I make (do I really need it?). But I also do think you need to occasionally treat yourself with “pleasure” purchases, like cookbooks! The last one I bought is called “Recettes des Iles Bretonnes” – a fascinating cookbook on Brittany island cooking.
Commissioned artists just painted this mural in our town, which left locals very divided… what do you think?
29 comments
Your food blog and this newsletter are lovely! I enjoy reading background information for your recipes, and since our most recent trip to France in early Septembre, I have been doing more experimenting with French recipes. I compliment you on your Tarte Normande: it took three tries to perfect it to our tastes, but it’s not a house specialty. This weekend it will be your recipe for tarte Tatin, in my new Tarte Tatin pan I acquired from E. Dehillerin during our trip (a much better souvenir than some dumb t-shirt). Looking forward to more great news and recipes form you.
Thank you so much for your nice comment William! I did just receive your email saying you meant that my Tarte Normande is NOW a house specialty! Not, “not”! haha! I am so glad you’re tackling new French recipes and felt inspired by your recent trip to France : where did you visit? Thanks again and happy baking!
Thank you so much, William! I really appreciate all the kind words and support. And you’re absolutely right (at least in my opinion)… When on vacation I always try to bring home something “useful” if possible. A tatin pan sounds like a wonderful souvenir, and one that’ll you’ll be able to receive joy from for many, many years!
I love your newsletter. It brings back memories of trips to France. Your recipes also Audrey are just
Wonderful. I have your cookbook and look forward to your second one.
Cynthia
I hope you get to relive your memories of France soon, Cynthia! I really appreciate the support and kind words. It means a lot. Stay tuned for more recipes and newsletters 🙂
Salut Audrey,
I very much enjoy your news letter each month. It is so refreshing and interesting. I love to hear about your little adventures, whether it be at a brocante or the communal neighborhood garden. Please keep it up ! It’s simply wonderful and makes my day !
Merci bien,
Chip ( San Diego)
Thank you, Chip! The kind words are much appreciated. I’ll continue to share for as long as people are interested 🙂
Hi Audrey, Your newsletter is a lovely glimpse into French life, and your photographs are just beautiful. I have only had the pleasure of visiting France once, but I long for a day when I will return. Meanwhile, your recipes are an inspiration and I intend to attempt your chicken and mushroom pie, which looks delicious. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I look forward to what November holds in store. -Joy
Much appreciated, Joy! I hope you’ll enjoy the pie. There are some great comments on that recipe with some good suggestions you may want to take a peek at… And I sincerely hope you’ll get to return to France once day! The doors are always open to discovery here. 🙂
HI Audrey, My Welsh grandmother had a little cow creamer. My cousins and I were allowed to use it to put our milk on our cereal when we stayed at her house. Now I’ll be getting it out when my grand children come to visit. You can start a tradition! Your pictures are so beautiful of the market vegetables and the flea market, please keep them coming.
Last spring I was making cherry clafoutis’s. We enjoyed every delicious one and because your recipe was so easy, I willingly shared them with our neighbors. Now my Japanese neighbor is sharing some of her Japanese food with us while I recover from surgery. It will be a while before I can stand up long enough to make anything.
That’s a great tradition, Cindy, I am certain your grankids will LOVE the creamer. I also had one around when I was younger, so when I saw it, I had to have it.
Thank you for all the support and sharing my recipes… And I wish you a speedy recovery so that you can get back to doing what you love to do. Love that your neighbor is sharing some recipes and meals with you. That’s exactly what a good neighbor should be!
French Chicken Marengo. Fantastic
Julia Child’s book ; Baking With Julia, should be a requirement for anybody that bakes.
The top pastry chefs, and bread bakers in the U.S. make up the book.
It’s available on Ebay for $5-6 dollars. There were millions sold.
Congratulations to Nina Metayer. Considering someone the best pastry chef in the world, is beyond nonsense.
It’s not the Tour de France, where all the best from around the world compete. It’s just the opinion of some old guys with tall hats, and bad attitudes.
Thank you, Andrew! Great suggestion about Baking With Julia – all of her works are an absolute must for anyone who enjoys being in the kitchen. She changed the game, there’s no doubt about it!
I find your newsletter very interesting, but must I sign up for it every time I want to read it? I’m already subscribed.
Hello, Rita! If you’re subscribed you don’t need to re-subscribe or anything! The newsletter is just a reminder/notice for subscribers that the monthly newsletter has been released. You don’t need to sign up, subscribe – you’re good to go. When the newsletter gets released you’ll simply receive an email (which is part of the subscription).
Thanks for the support. 🙂
Love your writing and your recipes. The charming rural France comes through.
That means a lot, Brooks. Thank you. I really try to write for me and for the reader, so I’m glad it’s enjoyed!
Hi Audrey,
Love your name, it’s also the name of my youngest Granddaughter who is 11 yrs old❤️.
I very much enjoy your blog as well as the Newsletter with the lovely photos and getting to see bits of France. I’ve never yet had the pleasure of visiting beautiful France, but do hope to one day. In the US Flea Markets, are still fairly common, some are also online such as through Etsy and of course what we call garage sales. If you’re not familiar with that term, it’s just people putting things they no longer want, or use, in their open garage, or yard for sale. Before the internet you could place an Advert for a small fee about your sale, most just put up small cardboard signs around their neighborhood. Going to weekend garages sales in the US used to be a BIG thing, the internet changed that though. I love thrift stores and Antique stores, I could roam around them half the day. Unfortunately, Chinese made junk abounds and many are on the hunt for older, quality items made long ago in the US and abroad.
Hello, Lisa and thank you so much for compliment and kind words!
Having lived in Canada I know the garage/yard sales very well – and I loved them! My husband would always roll his eyes when I’d tell him about a sign I’d seen about a weekend yard sale, but I just love them… But you’re right, often times they’re littered with items that are unfavorable, to say the least. But it also makes it part of the fun, when you can rummage through to find some hidden treasures. It’s just become a lot harder with the advent of the internet.
That being said, I feel as though the French brocante has survived much more than the ones we saw in Canada, as people still bring a good selection of very old items for sale or trade. But by no means are they free from “junk” – there’s a lot!
I loved reading your article, the photos and the snapshot of your life in Brittany. Please update us every month.
Absolutely, Ros! That’s definitely my intention for as long as people enjoy it. Thank you 🙂
Hi Audrey
I have enjoyed reading your newsletter and look forward to the next one. I have yet to try your recipes. I love slow cooking and baking and regularly try new things. We had a holiday in the south of France earlier in the year and enjoyed the food so much – fabulous fresh fruit and veg in the supermarket, great food in a beautiful auberge and excellent street food.
Thank you so much for visiting the blog, Karen. I hope you’ll enjoy it! If you get a chance to try any recipes, I’d love to hear back. Or if you have questions, feel free to ask!
There are some very nice stews and slow cooked dishes that are perfect for the fall and winter season. Have a look around! 🙂
Thank you for your comments and newsletter. As you mentioned, what’s going on in the world is very distressing and reading your newsletter and recipes gives me a wonderful, peaceful break.
Very kind of you, Mary. I really appreciate it 🙂
really get such life and richness from your blog! keep it coming
I really appreciate that, thank you!
Your recipes look so very appetising and authentic. Thank you for sending me your monthly newsletter.
You’re very welcome, Merryl… A new one is coming soon 🙂