An Appeal for Homemade Peel

Less than a month to Christmas and although I've missed stirring Sunday it isn't too late to begin some Christmas baking. I may let the cake slide this year but I will be making some festive breads and cakes from other countries.

Meat and Book Club

I've been writing, talking and reading about eating meat lately so I couldn't resist posting this photo. Now if that doesn't make you hungry I don't know what will!

One of the books I'm reading is The Vegetarian Myth: Food, Justice, and Sustainability. While I think the book would have been improved with some serious editing it is interesting to read the views of  an avowed vegetarian and now argues the case for meat. She makes many good points. If you believe killing animals is wrong then you must examine how crops like corn and soy are grown. These crops kill many animals  and birds and destroy natural habitats.

Scallops

In Paris markets you can buy scallops  still in the shell and alive. They don't get much fresher than that Often the price is slightly cheaper if you buy 3 kilos but as it is difficult to work out how much you'll get weight wise once they are shucked and cleaned so I don't even bother. I just buy by number thrilled to be able to buy scallops that haven't seen the inside of a freezer.

Paris à l'italienne part 2

Our discovery of this second Italian store was a lucky accident. We were walking back home and literally stumbled across it. It was the small chalkboard outside declaring that they had white truffles for sale that attracted my attention. Ever since a trip to Alba we have had a passion for very fresh white truffles.

Toussaint and a visit to the cemetry

 

Toussaint, All Saints Day falls on November 1 the day after Halloween, I'm surprised the French don't have a cake or pastry for Toussaint, as they do for many other saints' days, the Mexicans make pastries and skulls out of sugar.  The next day, November 2, is known as day of the dead, a time to remember those no longer with us. I think it is a wonderful idea to have a special day for the dead.

Paris à l'italienne - part 1

It all began with a quest for grappa. Why my husband couldn't have just bought a good marc? But  no he wanted Italian grappa. His search not only turned up good grappa at our first stop, but also an Aladdin's cave of Italian products at our second stop, the Au Village Italien.

Back in Paris

After 4 days away, 2 of them taken up with planes and airports, I was very glad to return to Paris. Edmonton had a certain charm but given a choice between the two cities I know which one I'd pick. Plus Paris has the advantage of better weather. Right on time for the holidays of Toussaint, the weather here has warmed up. Today it was 18C, with an amazing brilliant clear blue sky. Just look at this -

You maybe able to make out the vapour trail of a jet in the middle of the photo, some unlucky people were leaving Paris. We decided to go to the Luxembourg Museum, to see the Tiffany exhibition.