Yikes….i’d totally forgotten about this recipe 😳 ! I’d let slide that memory of how intensely delightful those mussels are cooked in (only) their own juices then dressed after…
I, too, forget some of these first learned simple recipes I would make veryweek on teh abrge. returning to them all these later is a small joy of rediscovery and then tweaking them abit more…
I totally and utterly sympathize. One has to be a snob about some things and food is one of them. I'm just back from an unexpected ten days in Tuscany and one thing left me gobsmacked--not the quality of the food in the markets (that just goes without saying) but the cheapness of it. For about 35 E (my computer lacks a Euro sign) or, let's say, $40, we bought such an abundance of cherries, melons, nespole (Ioquats), the staples (onions, garlic, potatoes), and then vegetables, especially greens but also including artichokes, asparagus, and young fava beans. An array like that, in my local Maine supermarket, would have cost twice as much and had half the flavor. I'm sure that goes for your French experience, too, Kate. Bon appétit!
I’m so glad you got that unexpected Italian sejourn, Nancy. Call it a refresher course or a cultural break, it’s important to remind ourselves about teh true value of our lives so far afield. And yes, the prices! which I often include in my photographs of the markets, are a great reminder of how important and valued good food is here. Not expensive, but valued and necessary. XX
I am always looking for ideas for meals at this time of year, people drop by for coffee and end by staying all day so I have just copied your mussel recipe into my summer meals note book Kate, thank you! I hate admitting it but I too am a terrible market snob too, although we certainly don't have the range you have in Gascony ( I wish ) I cannot wait for the first tomatoes and apricots too!
Sounds like you might benefit from a market snob apprentice. Someone who will take direction, and help ensure proper procurements.
Délicieux comme d’habitude. Merci Kate.
Yikes….i’d totally forgotten about this recipe 😳 ! I’d let slide that memory of how intensely delightful those mussels are cooked in (only) their own juices then dressed after…
…and how much that changes things.
merci merci merci ma chère
I, too, forget some of these first learned simple recipes I would make veryweek on teh abrge. returning to them all these later is a small joy of rediscovery and then tweaking them abit more…
What a beautiful article! So fun to accompany you on your marketing!
How very lucky you are! What a dream.
Kate, I thought of you when reading the BBC online re: How World War Two changed how France eats
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250605-how-world-war-two-changed-the-french-diet
Thanks! Looking forward to reading this.
I loved being guided through the markets at Lavardac and Nérac with Kate during my writers' residence last month at the Relais de Camont!
I’m drooling!
I, too, love market shopping. I only wish we had more options here.
Wonderful, as usual!
I totally and utterly sympathize. One has to be a snob about some things and food is one of them. I'm just back from an unexpected ten days in Tuscany and one thing left me gobsmacked--not the quality of the food in the markets (that just goes without saying) but the cheapness of it. For about 35 E (my computer lacks a Euro sign) or, let's say, $40, we bought such an abundance of cherries, melons, nespole (Ioquats), the staples (onions, garlic, potatoes), and then vegetables, especially greens but also including artichokes, asparagus, and young fava beans. An array like that, in my local Maine supermarket, would have cost twice as much and had half the flavor. I'm sure that goes for your French experience, too, Kate. Bon appétit!
I’m so glad you got that unexpected Italian sejourn, Nancy. Call it a refresher course or a cultural break, it’s important to remind ourselves about teh true value of our lives so far afield. And yes, the prices! which I often include in my photographs of the markets, are a great reminder of how important and valued good food is here. Not expensive, but valued and necessary. XX
I am always looking for ideas for meals at this time of year, people drop by for coffee and end by staying all day so I have just copied your mussel recipe into my summer meals note book Kate, thank you! I hate admitting it but I too am a terrible market snob too, although we certainly don't have the range you have in Gascony ( I wish ) I cannot wait for the first tomatoes and apricots too!
I have to admit, I, too, am a bit of a market snob! We know what we love .... I grabbed some dark black cherries this week as well. They are so sweet!