[Looking for a Blacksmith in the Marciac area]

There's an excellent chap in Maubourguet.

[Selling/Trading at Markets]

A friend is interested in trying to trade her produce at Markets in the SW but has been put off by hearing that it is not at all financially beneficial. ie. you have to pay an enormous amount of tax on takings at Markets. Does anyone have any up to date info which would help my friend get started.

[Dried Fruit Compote]

I've been a dried fruit compote fan for years - in England and now in France. I can buy dried apricots, prunes, apple, figs and sometimes dried peaches from my local Super U. I place them all in a very large microwaveable bowl, pour over a little boiling water and top up to generously cover all the fruit with orange juice. No sugar added. Microwave to start with for about 7/8 minutes, then I keep adding a couple of minutes until the fruit has really soften and is nice and plump. Leave to cool completely which also means the juice soaks into the fruit further. I make a huge bowl as I divide it into smaller plastic bowls and freeze it. It freezes very well and is an absolutely gorgeous standby for a pudding or breakfast with natural yogurt or creme fraiche.

[Salon de The Tea Urn]

I have been elected onto the Committee of the local Garden Club (and a very good club it is but another story) and I am in charge of the Salon de The at various functions. In England and in the same capacity I purchased for the Club an electric Tea Urn. Has anyone seen one in France and if so where do I start in trying to purchase one. The French for Tea Urn would appear to be "Grosse bouilloire electrique" in case that helps.