I love France. I always have. I took French in high school – 3 years – and my husband and boys ALWAYS make fun of me when I try to speak the language. But then our French interns say I have a great accent! So, for this Midwest girl with really, really, bad A’s, are they telling me the truth or just trying to butter me up?
No matter. I carry on. I love the food. I love the country. I love the cheese. The butter. The salt. The champagne.
We took the kids there when they were young. I forget why. I think we had just won a big new account and wanted to celebrate. The youngest was seven. For a two-week trip, after 3 days, he wanted to go home – to his room and his stuffed animals. He missed them.
Can you believe it??!!! I was incredulous. And we promised DisneyLand Paris and that was still 4 days away!
I remember, getting out of that Metro Station, climbing the steps and turning around and seeing the Eiffel Tower and literally screeching with joy at the sight – in true tourist fashion. No wonder my sons can’t stand me.
We carried on – he got over it – of course he doesn’t really remember a whole lot of the trip now – but we all had a great time (along with some other interesting stories for another time).
But just recently Rendez-vous des Arts Culinaires contacted me to do an interview for Valentine’s Day. Was I delighted? You bet! They found me and I am always happy to talk about LOVE and cooking. The interview is here. In fact, taking the boys to France at the ages of 11 and 7, I believe, formed the foundation of their love of wonderful food and wonderful ingredients. They knew the difference, even then, in the taste of the butter, the bread, the jambon, the crepes.
(Oh I raised monsters.)
Anywho, I’m delighted that Rendez-vous des Arts Culinaires featured us on our day – Valentine’s Day! They wanted to publish this recipe of ours: Silky Chocolate Cake.
And I have some other great recipes for your dinner tonight or this weekend in our newsletter – super easy Veal Chops with Sage and an awesome Chocolate Souffle that you shouldn’t be afraid of, because it will work, following these simple instructions. If you didn’t get the newsletter and would like it, let me know either through a comment or signing up in the upper right hand corner and I will personally make sure you get it before dinnertime tonight.
Love to all!!
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
And a big thank you to the great folks at Rendez-vous des Arts Culinaires!
Chocolate Soufflé
Silky chocolate cake
A disaster!
“Provence in Ancram”
Green Beans and Shiitake Mushrooms
Yeah…I know what you mean…butter, cheese….country. My favorites are the Northern costal parts!. Nice Post 🙂 ela
Yes Ela!! Although I don’t know the Northern coastal parts, but that on my list!
Congratulations.
I love France too and have passed the love of good food on to my 8-year old twin granddaughters.
Pate is their idea of a good start to ANY meal. When they walk in the door, it’s the first question they ask…:”Grandma is there any pate?”
Ah – because they’ve been taught the finer tastes of food!! You’ve created your own “monsters”.
Happy Valentines day, what a nice post. I love France also, one day I will go back for a visit.
apuginthekitchen recently posted…Happy Valentines Valentines Day – Coquille St. Jacques Part 3, The Entree and Wine
So Suzanne, Coquille St. Jacques is what my oldest was ordering the whole trip – and saying it perfectly at 11 years old. I have no idea where he got that from then!!
One of the best place to be on Valentines Day. Happy Valentines Day to you and your loved ones. 🙂
ray recently posted…Orange Mint Iced Tea
So true!! Thanks Ray. Same to yours!
Great post. Very interesting and I loved reading about the memories you shared.
Jovina Coughlin recently posted…Italian Culture – The Art of Film
Thanks Jovina. Happy Valentine’s Day!!
We were lucky enough to live 20 minutes from the French border for 2 years. I feel your passion and love. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your memories, so great.
Happy Valentine’s Day! May your day be filled to overflowing with everything that you love and adore.
Daleen Wilson recently posted…celebrating 100
Thanks Daleen!! How fortunate for you to live so close – you lucky dog you!!
France is such a must visit destination isn’t it? And I hope you had or have a very Happy Valentines Day! 😀
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted…5 Minute Cucumber, Mint and Feta Salad
Yes – so true!! Thanks Lorraine – hope you had a fantastic Valentine’s Day too!!
Happy Valentines day, Mary!
Angie (@angiesrecipess) recently posted…Emmer Quick Bread with Molasses
Thanks Angie!! Hope you had a terrific Valentine’s Day too!
All my ancestors are French and my grandmother that lived with us when I was growing up never spoke much English at all. She could sure cook! I’m sure I learned my love of cooking from her. I would love to spend six months in France, just for the fun of it.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef recently posted…Eggs and Toast Soldiers
Maureen – then you should do that. Maybe I’ll join you! I’d LOVE to do the same.
Wonderful post and a great way to commemorate St Valentine’s Day. I’ve been to Paris a few times and each was just as special as the first. It’s a beautiful place, to be sure.
ChgoJohn recently posted…Stewed Quail
Totally – John!! It seems to win everyone’s hearts.
Love that photo. Those look like perfect walking shoes! And congratulations. Clicking on the link now!
Mimi recently posted…Pom Cider Vin
Thanks Mimi!! Those are Dr. Martin’s – fantastic walking shoes – worn by the British police. Not pretty, but certainly serve their function. They are one of my favorites!
Wow! That photo of you in front of one of the world’s best icons is very special. I have always wanted to go to France but I haven’t got there yet – must fix that! What a great holiday that must have been xx
Hotly Spiced recently posted…Cranky Fins Holidae Inn, Palm Beach
Yes – you should fix that if you can. It’s a fantastic place to visit, particularly for a foodie!!
I finally made it to Paris two years ago…and now you’ve made me want to go back 🙂 Your veal chops and souffle would thrill my hubby (and me!)…I need to treat him to this special meal.
Liz recently posted…Hélène’s All-White Salad #FrenchFridayswithDorie
Thanks Liz!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
French food to me is the ultimate in perfection! We have been to France a few times and this year we are going to Burgundy and Paris 🙂
Tandy | Lavender and Lime recently posted…Command Authority, Tom Clancy
I have never been to Burgundy, Tandy, and that is on my list!! Have a wonderful time – which I’m sure you will!! Travel safe!!
Happy Valentines day. Great post, I have been to France a few times, so many different cultures in one place. Great interview.
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz recently posted…Deep Fried Coke with Sour Cherries
Thanks Evelyne!! So true about the many different cultures – makes for great food and fun!!