I haven’t been posting as much as I would like to lately, because I have been enrolled in an intensive French language program at the Institut de Francais on the Cote~de~azur.
I must admit, I haven’t been very focused on Thanksgiving this year, granted, I’ve been more than a little overwhelmed with my studies. But also, the weather here has been more balmy than I am used to, instead of crisp. The air just doesn’t feel like Thanksgiving. Also, I haven’t seen a single image of a turkey, nor a pilgrim, and I haven’t noticed any massive displays of cranberries, sweet potatoes or stalks of brussel sprouts, to serve as reminders in my local market.
Still, I did feel a little melancholy this morning, heading to school on this holiday. I couldn’t help but to think about all of the great smells that I usually enjoy in my kitchen, time spent with friends and family; and the interviews with chefs around the country that I always enjoy on NPR {a story on a Tur~duck~in is almost guaranteed!}
So, I was very happy to see that Nathalie, Emilie and the rest of the crew~de~cuisine had prepared a special “Joyeux “Thanksgiving” a nos amis americains” lunch today.
In addition to the intensive classroom studies, each day we students take breakfast and lunch at the Institut. At Le petit dejeuner {breakfast}, there are generally just students, it’s a chance for us to get our brains and mouths functioning in French.
 |
| Cuisse de dinde farcie and cranberry tartlets, Institut de Francais |
At the dejenuer {lunch} a teacher sits at each of the tables and facilitates the conversation.
Starting on day two, French is the only language used. So lunch is also an opportunity to master all of the phrases one uses at the table.
 |
| Crepes au mais, Institut de Francais, Villefranche~sur~Mer |
| Thank you Nathalie and Emilie for a delicious Thanksgiving feast.
|
| Tarte aux pommes “a la mode” Institut de Francais |
I hope you are all enjoying a warm and wonderful day.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Emily!
Teresa
xoxo