Archive for April, 2008

Ugly lines across the bocage

The THT lines are not only creating a stir amongst the people who will be living along and in the corridor planned through Normandy but one local artist made his comment at an exhibition in one of the small hamlets which will be affected by the power lines when they are built.

Painting some pretty watercolours of the local village and farms the artist then destroyed the work by drawing in thick black felt pen the power line onto the painting, thereby showing the devastation to the area and the damage that will be done. With a petiton against the THT lines to sign, in front of the paintings, the exhibit generated a lot of interest and showed locals just what kind of damage will be done by these lines to this lovely region. Here is a copy of the route: April_2008.pdf (2.3meg) © RTE EDF

Signing the petition

 

If you are looking for something different to do during the summer then why not try some wild cookery here in Normandy at Sinéad Allart's Wilde Kitchen.

Below is a review from one of Sineads previous American clients...

"Starting our lesson at the market in Les Pieux, we sampled new, interesting foods and a met a new, fablous friend with a passion for Cuisine Francaise!  Sinead Allart's joie de vivre fills the day and her kitchen.  Everyone who meets her will enjoy a once in a lifetime lesson in food and fun.
 
Local vendors at the morning market invited us to taste regional specialties like torgue--a Norman rice pudding, plus hand crafted breads and cheeses.  Selecting all fresh ingredients to prepare for our evening meal, there was still time for a cafe in the local bar and a drive along the dramatic coastline of La Manche before the cooking lesson began.
 
Greeted at the Wilde Kitchen, by Sinead and her family, she was kind to show us their Eighteenth Century working farm, including the original bake house, which makes La Blonderie so unique.
 
Reviewing the dinner menu, it was time to get to work.  Dessert first!  Mousse au Chocolate!  Created with farm fresh eggs and a special flavoring of local orange liquor--44!  Dark and milk chocolate mousse served in vitrines.
 
Olive tapanade introduced the culinary novice to creating easy hors-dovers with the convenience of the food processor.  The first addition to the appliance shopping list for the kitchen at home.
 
The main course, Poule Calvados, combined all the flavors of Normandy--apple liquor, local apples, mushrooms and walnuts.  Browned in butter and oil, flambe with calvados and simmered in cider, the chicken fell off the bone as it was served with mashed potatoes.  A good Irish cook Sinead served boiled potatoes, but with a french twist!  She added hazelnut oil for a delightful flavor.
 
Camembert, the favorite cheese of Normandy, was uniquely prepared.  Removing the cheese from the wooden box, Sinead soaked the box in water, and then replaced the cheese and set the box in the embers of the coals of the fire.  The cheese was softened, warmed and easily dipped with endive and crostini.  Ooh, la la!
 
The pleasant evening finished with Mousse au Chocolate and Barry's tea!  A perfect finish to a wonderful day.  New foods, new recipes, new friends and new memories of France!"

You can contact Sinéad on +33 233525216