THE FRENCH MARKET - A mouth-watering collection of recipes inspired by fresh, seasonal French market produce.
One of the real joys of France, from the rue Cler in Paris to the smallest village in the Midi is the French Market (OK not for its usually dire collection of polyester clothing, ladies' awful housecoats and the ocassional stall selling matresses) - but the wealth of really fresh good local produce, including vegetables which do not look like they have been factory produced and meat which has not been stifled in vacuum packaging. It is almost always a joy just to wander through, smell the cheeses, admire the careful presentation of the produce and enjoy the enthusiasm of the stallholders. Now Joanne Harris (author of Chocolat) and Fran Warde have collaborated to write a French Cookbook with a difference. This time they have gone to Gascony for their inspiration and into the world of the French rural market. The best ingredients in season, locally produced fruit, vegetables, wines and cheeses combine to make it a recipe for success. Nerac Melon with Floc, Foie Gras with Peaches, Summer Duck Salad and Roasted Stuffed Courgettes are only some of the recipes that will help recapture the tastes of summertime and the authentic French regional experience.
A couple of the recipes are available on the online Telegraph Wine site including Pumpkin and Bayonne Ham, Duck à l'Orange (sounds a bit 70s to me!) and Tarte Belle Helene!
Keywords: France, food, market, book
