Spring Market inspiration. Open your eyes!
Why go to the market? I mean the local farmer’s market, of course. Fresh, simple, direct- a bargain. Inspiring, colorful, nurturing- satisfaction. Diverse, diverting, fun- amused. All those words pop into my head when I think of the many very good markets I can throw a Gascon stone at from Camont. But versatility is reason I stay faithful to one of my first loves in this area, the little true producer’s market nestled under the unattractive... Read More
May Day ~ Mayday ~ M’aider: in a pickle
May Day. All is quiet this early morning but the vast aviary outside my kitchen door. In France, this first seasonal holiday, Labor Day, is the promise of Summer to be. Although it still smacks of worker’s right and labor issues, waving red flags or lily of the valley, it is just a very quiet day in the Gascon countryside. Mayday- Mud! The famous Garonne River Fog is late this year; it has rained, rained, rained these last two weeks. So much... Read More
Inspiration rolls into town- Les Fromages de Marie
Where does it begin? “It” being the Frenchness of the good food made here in Gascony. “It” being the idea for recipe. “It’ is an homage to a certain way of life. My life. For me, it begins and ends 100% with a list of names that sketch across the Gascon landscape like 18th Century signatures. Jehanne = foie gras, rillettes, vin de peche. Narcisse = amber bramble honey Pierre = dense and crusty baguettes Chapolard... Read More
Market Report- Spring in Southwest France
Fresh green tops, dirt clinging to the roots, heavy crunch of pure RADISH. I love this time of year at the markets. Our first local produce, much grown under poly tunnels, is filling the tables of my neighbor farmers in a rainbow of good food. Artichauts. Peppers. Peas. Fava beans. Spring onions… So what’s cooking at Camont? Try this simple Radish Leaf soup from my first cookbook. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate spring and the... Read More
Sweet Peas- Old & New
NEWS! The main market in Agen has moved! Moved to make way for a new Cine-plex to be built at the Place du Pin. ? Now, the weekly Sunday market has shifted over the road to the edge of the little parc on Rue Jules Ferry. Like when the big supermarkets shift products around to keep customers from getting complacent about what and how they buy, shifting the market meant I had to hunt and peck a bit more to find Phillipe and his goat cheese,... Read More
