Lindsey2

Hi, Guys! Have sent you an e-mail... Lindsey & Doc [:D]

I agree! Although I have not actually visited Strasbourg,  a few years back my husband and I spent some days in Colmar and the little wine village of Eguisheim, where we were swept up in some local festivities involving an open-air play, a mayoral reception at the local chateau, wine-tasting etc ... and were generally treated with more enthusiastic friendliness and generosity than I have ever experienced in any other area of France. The villages are amazingly pretty, and beautifully maintained by their inhabitants who seem to have a real sense of pride in, and concern for their local environment (although I suppose it has to be conceded that to some tastes this may make them a little too 'chocolate-boxy').  But they are still working agricultural communities, and the stories the old people have to tell of their experiences of enforced nationality changes resulting from the two world wars are truly fascinating ............Highly recommended!

Thanks for that, Clair  -  my reason for asking was that I have a recipe book produced by the company 'Rians' whose product goes by the trade name 'Faiselle',  and I get the feeling that it might be a little thicker (or dryer) than the standard fromage blanc - a bit closer to the texture of low-fat creme fraiche, perhaps. Having never actually tried it, however, I am only guessing, and can see that some experimentation is going to be called for!

I am looking for something available in UK to substitute in recipes for Faisselle fromage blanc. Would I be correct in thinking that ricotta would be the closest equivalent? Any alternative suggestions most welcome - Thanks, Lindsey.

maman

I did Racine's 'Phedre' for A level, also Moliere and Corneille, and the Romantic poets - Lamartine, Gautier, Baudelaire and de Musset.   Lamartine was my favourite at the time, though a couple of years later, knowing some Baudelaire became really cool (all those naughty substances!), and I wished I'd paid him a bit more attention! I also remember doing Anouilh's 'Antigone',  though I can't for the life of me remember whether it was in French or English;  Daudet's 'Lettres de mon Moulin' and Le Grand Meaulnes which I loved, without actually understanding it very well - maybe all those were at O level - did we do O level lit? The memory is fading now...... but I must have another go at Alain-Fournier one day when I'm feeling strong! Lindsey

I made it a personal challenge to try tripe for the first time last year on finding it was the plat du jour in the beautiful riverside resto in Salies de Bearn. Cooked, of course, a la bearnaise - with lots of rich brown gravy, I can report that it was quite unexpectedly delicious, much meatier than I had anticipated.  I would gladly choose it again cooked that way, though I have to say that  if it came as just a white slab without the lovely sauce, I am not quite so sure.....? PS  I absolutely love Suze, especially with tonic! Lindsey

Likewise, I enjoyed the show very much - thanks again to LF for the free tickets! It was my first visit for three years, and I thought everything was much improved since then. Far more stands of genuine interest (more to buy!?), and a lot more eating/drinking/sitting down places which was a very welcome bonus. Fascinating, and a pleasure too, to make my first face to face meeting with a forum member - the venerable Russethouse - and to have Blanche Neige identified to me as she disappeared into the distance. I really wanted to run after you BN, and say hello,  but as I know I don't post often enough for anyone to really know my name, I thought it might seem a bit scary!  But it was nice to see you anyway - now I can put two faces to names, it's quite a strange experience!

I'm going Friday.   How about a rendezvous time at the Living France stand - could be at the same time each day for any who can make it?

And mine -what a lovely surprise!! Lindsey

doigts

Habits

Sourire

Trop

Totally agree on Cluedo - my personal favourite - but its not popular with some of my family. Pictionary, however, always goes down well and causes much hilarity. Also, it is quite fast and furious, and you can play for as long or short a time as you want, so people don't get bored waiting for their turn - a major advantage in my book! The other one I would recommend for just two or three players is Boggle.  It's small, easily transportable, very simple and incredibly addictive.  And I guess you could play in any language you like, or even bilingually, now I come to think about it......!