February 27, 2009
[Edible Idiom] Un déjeuner de soleil
This is part of a series on French idiomatic expressions that relate to food. Read the introductory Edible Idiom post, and browse the list of French idioms featured so far.
This week's idiom is, "Un déjeuner de soleil."
Literally translated as, "a sun's lunch," it is used to describe something that's lovely but short-lived.
When it appeared in the 19th century, the expression refered to those fabrics whose colors faded fast when exposed to s...
"[Edible Idiom] Un déjeuner de soleil" continues »
February 25, 2009
Maple Pecan Ice Cream
I don't think of ice cream as a seasonal thing. Let me clarify: I do think of ice cream flavors as seasonal things, but ice cream, as a general and cardinal food group, is very much a year-round treat for me.
To give you an example, I have just returned from Deauville in Normandy, wherein I attended the Omnivore Food Festival, a two-day event during which new-generation chefs demonstrate their craft onstage, and artisan vintners present their ...
"Maple Pecan Ice Cream" continues »
February 20, 2009
[Edible Idiom] Vouloir le beurre et l'argent du beurre
This is part of a series on French idiomatic expressions that relate to the culinary world. Read the introductory Edible Idiom post, and browse the list of French idioms featured so far.
As a foreword, I'd like to note that, in response to reader Ellen's suggestion, the Edible Idioms are now served with an audio file embedded in the post, allowing you to listen to the pronunciation of the idiom and the example sentence. If you wish to go back ...
"[Edible Idiom] Vouloir le beurre et l'argent du beurre" continues »
February 17, 2009
Brussels Sprouts with Onions and Squash Seeds
I have a special fondness for the winter market.
Oh, sure, I have to bundle up, wear a woolen cap and good gloves, and by the time I lock my bike to the street sign I've claimed as mine, few of my fingers are available for immediate use. But when I get to my favorite produce stall and the vendors greet me, their jolly smiles clearly say, "thanks for braving the cold!" and I always feel humble imagining what it must be like for them, who have ...
"Brussels Sprouts with Onions and Squash Seeds" continues »
February 13, 2009
[Edible Idiom] Comme un tablier à une vache
Photography by Gimli.
This is part of a series on French idiomatic expressions that relate to the culinary world. Read the introductory Edible Idiom post, and browse the list of French idioms featured so far.
This week's idiom is, "Aller à quelqu'un comme un tablier à une vache."
Literally translated as, "suiting someone like an apron suits a cow," it is used to express that something, usually an outfit or a piece of clothing, is unbecoming, ...
"[Edible Idiom] Comme un tablier à une vache" continues »
February 10, 2009
Simple Riz au Lait
As you might remember from my Best of 2008 list*, I have recently revived my old homemade yogurt routine, after several years of hiatus.
There was no tangible reason for this hiatus apart from my self-confessed flemme -- a French word that is pronounced exactly like phlegm (sorry, but it is) and is a sentiment of laziness that washes over you when you can't be bothered to do something -- but there is a very real reason for ending it: when I re...
"Simple Riz au Lait" continues »
February 6, 2009
[Edible Idiom] Ne pas être sorti de l'auberge
This is part of a series on French idiomatic expressions that relate to food. Read the introductory Edible Idiom post, and browse the list of French idioms featured so far.
This week's idiom is, "Ne pas être sorti de l'auberge."
Literally translated as, "not being out of the inn*," it means that one is tangled up in an unpleasant situation with still a ways to go, or a lot of work to do**, before one can expect to be freed from it.
It can be...
"[Edible Idiom] Ne pas être sorti de l'auberge" continues »
February 3, 2009
Homemade Vanilla Extract
The idea of a DIY vanilla extract has been floating around the food blog world for a little while. When I first read about the process, the instructions seemed so fastidious that I shrugged and clicked away. (This is, in passing, one of the challenges the recipe writer faces: providing the necessary dose of guidance, but avoiding instruction overload.)
Still, I was increasingly bothered by the imbalance between the wowing qualities of the vani...
"Homemade Vanilla Extract" continues »
February 1, 2009
February 2009 Desktop Calendar
At the beginning of every month in 2009, I will be offering C&Z readers a new desktop calendar, i.e. a wallpaper to apply on the desktop of your computer, with a seasonal food picture and a handy calendar of the current month.
Our desktop calendar for February sports a picture of an oeuf à la coque, with goat cheese and artichoke mouillettes on fresh baguette for dipping and mopping -- those of you who have seen my cookbook are perhaps familia...
"February 2009 Desktop Calendar" continues »