Four years ago, an out-of-date pet passport meant we spent an unexpected Christmas in France. This week, how we combine our English festive traditions with French ones, plus a recipe for onion soup.
Oh Deborah how I envy you, having a husband who, from what I read, is happy to go with the flow. My husband would have been beside himself re the dog issue, that is if I was allowed a dog. Even yesterday when doing my sister a favour and buying the tea she was unable to buy in her home town, the question was asked, “is that the price”. What’s it to you I’m thinking, I’d be happy to pay that and besides she is paying. Thank you for sharing your 3rd official Christmas in France and may you have a blessed one filled with good food, joy and happiness with new found friends.
I have always wanted to get stuck abroad but never had your luck. Can I ask for an idea? I bought some sour cherry harissa because I love sour cherries but I don’t know how best to use it. My only thought was roast potatoes using it as a kind of marinade once the potatoes have parboiled. Any tips ?
I use it for lots of things. I mix some with Greek yoghurt to make a dip for crudités or crisps, I stir it into roast vegetables, spread it over lamb or pork before slow roasting, brush it on salmon, marble it into hummus and mix it in mayonnaise as a dip for fried squid.
Happy Christmas Debora and thank for all the inspiration over the last year.
We had our Christmas yesterday, the downside of having offspring that work in healthcare and are subject to rotas.
Our newish local butcher provided an excellent joint of porchetta which we had with my mum’s recipe for savoury pudding( I think it’s a Yorkshire thing) and for dessert I made a Tarte Tatin but added a layer of my pear, apple and ginger mincemeat to give it a Festive spin. There was not a crumb left so it must have worked!
Looking forward to more tales from France in the New Year.
Hi..Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you both...
Back in March 25 ( sob) for few more painting/ etc jobs before Easter ..
Love your onion soup recipe..looks amazing
My favourite I cook yearly...New Years eve starter..Arbroath Smokie fish with fresh cooked toms and gruyère cheese..( using the real deal)
We saw the Carnot market closed off as they put up the Christmas decorations end of November , I didn't realise the Christnas celebrations expanded to car parking space outside Church as well ..next year we will make the Market and see the Marseillan Christmas( ok.as well as Regents St etc)
Oh Deborah how I envy you, having a husband who, from what I read, is happy to go with the flow. My husband would have been beside himself re the dog issue, that is if I was allowed a dog. Even yesterday when doing my sister a favour and buying the tea she was unable to buy in her home town, the question was asked, “is that the price”. What’s it to you I’m thinking, I’d be happy to pay that and besides she is paying. Thank you for sharing your 3rd official Christmas in France and may you have a blessed one filled with good food, joy and happiness with new found friends.
I do feel very lucky, Sally. We rub along very nicely together and that certainly helps when things go wrong. Wishing you a very happy Christmas.
I have always wanted to get stuck abroad but never had your luck. Can I ask for an idea? I bought some sour cherry harissa because I love sour cherries but I don’t know how best to use it. My only thought was roast potatoes using it as a kind of marinade once the potatoes have parboiled. Any tips ?
I use it for lots of things. I mix some with Greek yoghurt to make a dip for crudités or crisps, I stir it into roast vegetables, spread it over lamb or pork before slow roasting, brush it on salmon, marble it into hummus and mix it in mayonnaise as a dip for fried squid.
Thank you. I like those ideas especially mixing it with hummus or mayo.
Happy Christmas Debora and thank for all the inspiration over the last year.
We had our Christmas yesterday, the downside of having offspring that work in healthcare and are subject to rotas.
Our newish local butcher provided an excellent joint of porchetta which we had with my mum’s recipe for savoury pudding( I think it’s a Yorkshire thing) and for dessert I made a Tarte Tatin but added a layer of my pear, apple and ginger mincemeat to give it a Festive spin. There was not a crumb left so it must have worked!
Looking forward to more tales from France in the New Year.
That all sounds delicious, Judi. Putting some mincemeat in your tarte Tatin is inspired! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas - or second Christmas.
Hi..Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you both...
Back in March 25 ( sob) for few more painting/ etc jobs before Easter ..
Love your onion soup recipe..looks amazing
My favourite I cook yearly...New Years eve starter..Arbroath Smokie fish with fresh cooked toms and gruyère cheese..( using the real deal)
We saw the Carnot market closed off as they put up the Christmas decorations end of November , I didn't realise the Christnas celebrations expanded to car parking space outside Church as well ..next year we will make the Market and see the Marseillan Christmas( ok.as well as Regents St etc)
They don't normally! The crèche is there this year. Have a wonderful Christmas. Your Arbroath smoke dish sounds good.
Merry Christmas Debora. Reading that made me feel truly festive. Also loved your telegraph article this week! 🎄
Thank you so much, Kay!
Have been wanting a good onion soup recipe- thank you! And glace fruits on French markets are the best!
I do hope you try it. I like it very much.
It all sounds wonderful D. Have the most magical and relaxing festive Christmas. Sending love 🎄❤️😘
You too, dear Pauline, and thank you for all of your wonderful comments.
The colour of that oil! Gorgeous
It is delicious!
Onion soup is our Christmas eve tradition! & this year I have a kilo of duck fat in the fridge. Merry merry! ✨
I love the idea of this tradition!