I traveled to a little village near Roquefort (like the cheese) and spent time with a large group of friends. Dinner lasted hours because there were quick breaks for dancing after each course.
The meal began around 9:30 with a pastis toast. Pastis is an anise-flavored liquor that usually kicks off big meals. There were five courses to follow our apéritif: Small savory pastries and other hors d'oeuvres opened; homemade foie gras, shrimp, and salmon came next. Duck breasts and baked apples were the main course, then a nice variety of cheeses was passed around. For dessert: champagne and galette des rois à la frangipane. I was a maniac.
I went to bed at 5:30 the next morning, and I was the first to leave.
 |
| Aix-en-Provence a few days before the New Year. |
Kings' Day was the next big celebration of January. Here in Spain, it's the day that families open their presents together, not Christmas.
Of the several King Cakes I've tried over the years, everyone seems to do something a bit different. I've seen/consumed three different kinds in France, a few more here in Spain, and countless others in New Orleans. I've also noticed King Cake season seems to be just a few days here in Spain, about 2 weeks in France, and the whole season from Kings' Day until Ash Wednesday in Louisiana.
However, the same basic rules apply to each. If you find the hidden goodies, you get the crown and some luck, but you have to buy the next cake.
Of the several King Cakes I've tried over the years, everyone seems to do something a bit different. I've seen/consumed three different kinds in France, a few more here in Spain, and countless others in New Orleans. I've also noticed King Cake season seems to be just a few days here in Spain, about 2 weeks in France, and the whole season from Kings' Day until Ash Wednesday in Louisiana.
However, the same basic rules apply to each. If you find the hidden goodies, you get the crown and some luck, but you have to buy the next cake.
 |
| Two styles of King Cake and some other French favorites including Bûche de Noël below. |
Just in case you feel the need to bake a little something sweet, I'm including some festive links!
For a galette des rois à la frangipane recipe, you can check out Piratage Culinaire in French, or Lost in Austen for an English translation.
For one version of roscón de reyes you can look at the I love tortilla de Patatas! blog.
Music...
I also want to recommend Bill Ryder-Jones's interesting new album If... NPR's First Listen has a nicely written article by Bob Boilen, and you can stream the entire album for free. First Listen: Bill Ryder-Jones, 'If...' .
For a galette des rois à la frangipane recipe, you can check out Piratage Culinaire in French, or Lost in Austen for an English translation.
For one version of roscón de reyes you can look at the I love tortilla de Patatas! blog.
Music...
I also want to recommend Bill Ryder-Jones's interesting new album If... NPR's First Listen has a nicely written article by Bob Boilen, and you can stream the entire album for free. First Listen: Bill Ryder-Jones, 'If...' .
No comments:
Post a Comment