Can you guess where this picture was taken?  If you said a McDonald’s you are correct!  This picture was taken at a McDonald’s in Belgium when I was there in 2003.  They had many of the same things on the menu that you would see here.  Instead of the Dollar Menu, they had the Euro Menu.  There were some things on those menus that were unusual like a fruit cup, a salmon sandwich, a ground lamb sandwich.  Each country tends to have things that are more popular in that country, a well as your typical 1/4 Pounder, McNuggets, etc.

Today we focused on Provence.  This is my favorite part of France.  I spent a semester in Aix-en-Provence and really enjoyed the way of life in the south of France.  I wasn’t very adventurous with food at the time, so I didn’t take the time to enjoy what Provence provides for great food.  I have since become a big fan of the Mediterranean menu and make a lot of dishes that are inspired by Provincial ways of cooking.  They use lots of vegetables, lots of fresh herbs, olive oil and their way of cooking is very simple.  Nothing is heavy. 

Today we made Ratatouille and Salade Niçoise.  I am not a fan of Ratatouille, no matter how it is prepared.  I like vegetables but something about this combination doesn’t taste good to me. Salade Niçoise is a favorite of mine.  This one did not have potatoes.

One thing I have learned over the year is that cooking is not always precise.  These dishes in particular can be made so many different ways, I can’t even keep track.  As long as it tastes good, who cares?

Today we made 3 dishes and focused on Bretagne.  First we had Moules Mariniere, then Crêpes Traditionnelle and Clafoutis aux Prunes.  We didn’t put anything in the crêpes but there was sugar in the batter so they were very tasty.  The clafoutis was like a cake with plums- pictured.  You could use any fruit in this dish. Notice I didn’t mention the moules.  I don’t eat mussels but I did include the picture.  It smelled really good!

    Today’s region was Alsace and we made two dishes.  Tarte à l’onion, pictured and Gateau aux Pommes.  They were very tasty!  We made 3 tartes and put cheese on two of them.  The gateau had applesauce between two crusts. I wasn’t such a fan of that.  I would have preferred actual apples rather than the sauce.

A week from now, we will be half way to Québec City for our 4 day trip!  I am excited and nervous at the same time.  I want everyone to have a wonderful time and remain safe, healthy and excited while we are there!  3 nights in a very nice hotel, lots of Québec style food and tons of history to learn while we are there.  If you have been on this trip before, please leave your comments about what you thought of the trip.

What is this??  I took this picture in Paris in 2003 and I just thought this was the coolest thing.  They seem a little safer too.  I wonder why they haven’t caught on in the US?

So, did you come to Celebration of the Arts?  Did you try a crêpe?  Tell us what you put in it and what you thought about the taste!

Do you have a favorite French dish?  Tell us what it is.  You can always bring in a French inspired dish as long as you talk to me about it ahead of time.  You will earn extra credit if you do!

I just found a fantastic site with Quebec recipes.   Visit:  http://www.recettes.qc.ca/recettes/index.php?id=992

They are all in French but if you want to make one of these and you are having trouble with the instructions, ask me and I’ll help you out.  7th grade, you will get extra credit if you make one of the recipes for class.  Just please tell me ahead of time so I can be prepared!