Is there somewhere that you've dreamed of visiting? Somewhere you've dreamed of living? I have this "love affair" with France. I've never been, I may never go. You'll laugh if I tell you I think I've lived there before, in a past life, in the 1800s. Is it a coincidence that my parents gave me a French name at a time when everyone else had "the usuals" for names? Was it fun as a child when people called me Shirley, Shelley, Cheryl, Sharon...all names that were "usuals"? Okay, it annoyed me no end but I learned to live with it and I learned to like that I had a more unusual name.
I love the colours of Provence, the decor, the je ne sais quoi that makes Provence what it is -- lavender, the wines, the food. I'm hooked and only through what I have seen and what I have read. Maybe it's the simplicity of life in small villages that appeals.
When I walked casually through the travel section at the library I happened upon Yvone Lenard's "The Magic of Provence", loved the colour and photograph of the cover and brought it home. I've been savouring it ever since.
This book is a tribute to the small village, Ansouis, and the life that Yvone and her husband Wayne share when they are "at home" (the other half of "at home" is in California). Unlike travel books that tell you where to visit, what to eat, the highlights of a visit,Yvone recalls neighbours, anecdotes and stories about life in the village and surrounding area. Written with love, humour, candor and spirit, Yvone makes you feel like you are there with her.
Included with each chapter are recipes of dishes that Yvone has talked about...an added bonus to be sure. Last night I made the tarte aux courgettes (zucchini tart) and it was amazing...wonderful flavours and just enough to serve as an appetizer for 4. I'm happy to share...the recipe that is...the tarte is gone!
Tarte Aux Courgettes
Yvone Lenard from "The Magic of Provence"
Slice zucchini, unpeeled, and saute in olive oil until soft and just a little browned (this caramelizes the sugar in the vegetables and brings out their flavour).
Spread crust with Dijon mustard. Place zucchini on top, in an even layer, about 1 inch thick. Season well with salt, pepper, and a little thyme and tarragon. Arrange small cubes of Gouda or Swiss cheese (I used Gouda) on top, so they form a pattern as they melt.
Bake at 350 F until the crust is browned and the cheese has melted and browned slightly.
For more information about Yvone Lenard, her book, or life in Provence, please check her website.
15 comments:
Fantasique, ma Cherie ! Formidable et délicieuse ! I only wish dat I could ave been dere wit you !
Vive les possibilités!
Appy Monday !
I have always loved the name Sherry...it always sounds so elegant to me :)
Those zucchini look absolutely fabulous and it's one of the very few vegetables that I will eat. I am definitely going to get the Commander to make this dish.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment on my "My Hero" posting sweetie. The Commander thanks you too.
Love,
LuLu~*xoxo
I’m thinking late summer, early fall would be the perfect time to visit Provence.
Start making plans for that dream of yours to come true – sounds like you belong there. Perhaps even your destiny?
Such dreams can be achieved. ;)
Exquisit! Thank you for sharing this, Sherry Lee! I feel that way about Italy, or more precisely, Tuscany. Only that I have the option of going there sometimes, because it is about an 8 hour drive away.
I know what you mean. I have an affinity with Italy. I love the language, the culture, food, wine, everything.
I have been to Paris, wonderful city but it was a quick stop visit. My favourite part was Notre Dame
Love the sound of this book - I was in Lourmarin, which is very near Ansouis, at the weekend...I'm sure you'd love the area it's so, so quaint and unspoilt - thanks for sharing ^_^
For me, my dream trip has always been England/Ireland/Scotland. The castles, the green countryside, the gardens and little english thatched cottages...*sigh* The French countryside sounds like another wonderful trip. I could take a couple months and do them all:>) The zuchinni tart sounds excellent. I like some feta and honey drizzled on my baked zuchinni. I would love to try the tart though!
My big dream spot is Ireland. One day, somehow I will get there. :)
Love the longing in your voice, Sherry.
I need to go to Greece and get some of my archaeological ya-yas out! And then there's Wales, an ancestral home where the roots run deep.
Oh Paris is mine. I'm dreaming of it now. I just have to convince hubby to go. I'm almost there.
I'm not laughing, I totally believe in past lives and their influences seeping through into current lives. I felt the same way about France - somewhere in the Countryside - throughout my childhood and teenage years. But for many years now, I've been dreaming of the Desert - Morocco or even just New Mexico. The desert seems to really call me. But then I also dream of Malta, Greece, Turkey, Spain and Italy.
Mmmmm. Sounds and looks delicious. Lately I've been dreaming of Germany. I was born there and left before I turned two, and so I have no memory. I would like to return and see it for myself. And, of course, try some of their beer.
I thought my name was unusual too , no one else had mine in school , we had a Caroline , so i got that and Carlynn , Carol and it did annoy me at times .
I`ve been to Paris , and i loved the palace of Versailles , but i dream of my own place in our countryside with a little land and a stream , veg plot and a large studio with floor to ceiling windows so i can admire the scenery .
And great to see the book inspired you to cook ! ;o) I bet it tasted even better than it looked !
That book is going straight to my wish list! Thanks. Jen
What a wonderful post. I love Provence, too, even though I have never been. I have been to Strausburg and wasn't really wild about it but I KNOW Provence will be just what I have in my mind. I will have to check out the book, too. Thanks
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