A typical country lunch in southern France… read on, in today's story.
rassasier (rah-sah-zee-ay)
: to satisfy, to satiate; (reflexive) to have enough, to be filled
Audio file: listen to Jean-Marc teach us three ways to say I'm full (and not "je suis plein"!): Download MP3 file or hear the Wave file
- Non, merci. Je n'ai plus faim.
- Non, merci. Je suis rassasié(e).
- Non, merci. J'en ai eu assez.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
"An outward focus and an outstanding lunch"
On Sunday we were expected at Yves and Roseline's house for le déjeuner. I thought to send Jean-Marc ahead without me, not wanting to distract the other diners with my bandaged nose.
"J'ai l'air ridicule!" I assured Jean-Marc. It's just comical. How will the other guests keep a straight face?
"Why don't you just cut it off altogether?" he joked. I did not share Jean-Marc's sense of humor, which only fueled my frustration. That's it! No use hiding out at home, alone, with my husband's words ringing in my head!
Lunch at Roseline and Yves's was a welcome distraction. For the repas de chasse, we were greeted by six of Yves's black-and-white spotted hunting dogs, les epagneuls. Our gentle host offered a warm three-kiss welcome, before ushering us into the house, to sit beside the fire with the other guests.
Yves's wife, Roseline, appeared with the first of several apéritifs… Inside the little clear glasses, or verrines, puréed avocado held a layer of crushed, sun-dried tomatoes. Another tray included individual servings of pumpkin potage with a slice of foie gras on top of each mini soup. We used spoons to dip into the small serving glasses; meantime Yves poured champagne….
Also on the coffee table were three kinds of savory petits-fours: one of the buttery pastries was made into little feuilletés à la tapenade, another ( a kind of puff pastry cup) held fruits de mer in a creamy sauce. There were also little pancakes with crème fraîche and smoked salmon on top….
If we were going to finish lunch by 4:30 pm, we'd better get crackin'. It was almost 2pm when we switched tables, leaving the living room for the dining room. Roseline disappeared into the kitchen in time to fry up two omelets, carefully mixing in the truffles that were unearthed near the vineyard just outside her kitchen!
After the omelette aux truffes, Yves brought out his offering:
Lièvre aux truffes. Yves caught the hare himself, and he and Roseline prepared it with truffles, foie gras, and cognac.
The other guests at the table teased the host, after a pellet was found on one of the diners' plates (I think it was Jean-Marc who pulled it out of his own mouth!).
"Be careful not to break a tooth when eating at Yves!" one of the table mates winked.
The four-hour meal continued… A plate of soft cheese, including Saint-marcellin and reblochon, followed, before two "kings cakes"—les galettes des rois— were delivered to the table, following the recent Epiphany celebration.
What with all the outstanding food, this bandaged nose hardly stood out. What a shame it would have been to have missed out on a traditional country French lunch, surrounded by down-to-earth hosts and their delightful convives.
***
Update: I return to the doctor's this afternoon, to have the stitches taken out, and to learn the results from this third biopsy. Many thanks for the positive thoughts you sent me!
FRENCH VOCABULARY
le déjeuner = lunch
j'ai l'air ridicule = I look ridiculous
le repas de chasse = hunter's meal
un epagneul = English springer
un apéritif = usually refers to a drink, but can also refer to a snack, such as an amuse-bouche that preceeds a meal
la verrine = a little see-through glass or cup in which one layers mousse or other savory or sweet "pureed things", topped or mixed, with non-pureed items, too
le potage = a thick soup
le foie gras = a kind of pâté made of duck or goose liver
les petits fours = little snacks or hors d'oeuvres, made of puff pastry
les fruits de mer = seafood
la crème fraîche = sour cream
le lièvre = hare
un convive = guest (see the convive post, here, and hear the word spoken)
Some of the Rhône wines that were served: Domaine la Soumade, in the village of Rasteau.
Domaine Rouge-Bleu, in Sainte Cécile-les-Vignes.
Blossoming in Provence is the perfect gift for a traveler, Francophile, or language lover, and the stories, with their in-context French vocabulary, make learning effective and easy! Click here to buy a book, and thank you!
I wish I'd gotten a photo of the lovely Roseline (always too shy to ask to take a photo of the hostess. Will work on this!). Here is a beautiful landscape picture, taken not far from their home. Notice the galets that surround the vine trunks. In the distance, the Baronnies is a favorite area for hiking, horse-riding, hang gliding, and cycling.
A snapshot from the archives. Smokey's sisters "les soeurettes". Would you like to add a caption to this photo?
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Everyone of your posts appeal to me and provide something to contemplate … but this one touched on a particular love of appetizers which I will now call verrines. Forget the big American meals. This is how I’d eat all the time if it were not for my hungry husband. Can’t wait to try out some of these new combinations. So lovely … like you. Ellen Sue now in Boulder CO wher it is 15 degrees today.
Everyone of your posts appeal to me and provide something to contemplate … but this one touched on a particular love of appetizers which I will now call verrines. Forget the big American meals. This is how I’d eat all the time if it were not for my hungry husband. Can’t wait to try out some of these new combinations. So lovely … like you. Ellen Sue now in Boulder CO wher it is 15 degrees today.
Yaayyy for the news from the determatologist! (so to speak)
Creme fraiche is not the same as sour cream, though. Sour cream (even “low-fat” sour cream, an oxymoron if ever I heard one) is quite thick, while creme fraiche is on the thin side. Next time you are in the U.S., go to a fine market where you can get creme fraiche (here in Berkeley there are three such) and do a tasting. (I’ll come help you out if you insist.) You’ll see the difference right away.
Tschao!
Susan K
Yaayyy for the news from the determatologist! (so to speak)
Creme fraiche is not the same as sour cream, though. Sour cream (even “low-fat” sour cream, an oxymoron if ever I heard one) is quite thick, while creme fraiche is on the thin side. Next time you are in the U.S., go to a fine market where you can get creme fraiche (here in Berkeley there are three such) and do a tasting. (I’ll come help you out if you insist.) You’ll see the difference right away.
Tschao!
Susan K
I can sympathize. I had a basal cell carcinoma the size of a dime removed from my nostril. Not pleasant feeling or looking. There wasn’t enough skin to stitch together so had to have a skin graft. In a little over 1 month it’s looking almost normal. That’s not such a bad price to pay, but why did I sit out in the sun every summer when I was a kid?
I can sympathize. I had a basal cell carcinoma the size of a dime removed from my nostril. Not pleasant feeling or looking. There wasn’t enough skin to stitch together so had to have a skin graft. In a little over 1 month it’s looking almost normal. That’s not such a bad price to pay, but why did I sit out in the sun every summer when I was a kid?
Read this before the previous one so didn’t know about your nose–lots of positive thoughts coming your way. this post made me very hungry & the dejeuner sounds marvelous.
Read this before the previous one so didn’t know about your nose–lots of positive thoughts coming your way. this post made me very hungry & the dejeuner sounds marvelous.
Posted the previous comment before reading your follow up with the dermatologist (I have an appointment tomorrow) – I’m so glad it was benign. You’re on a new road now!
Posted the previous comment before reading your follow up with the dermatologist (I have an appointment tomorrow) – I’m so glad it was benign. You’re on a new road now!
Chere Kristin:
I am so happy with your good dermatology results. What a relief for you and your family!!
When I lived in Southern France my friends told me to say “Merci, j’ai bien mange to mean that I had had enough to eat. My French Mom agreed that it was a good way to express thanks as well. Janine Cortell
Chere Kristin:
I am so happy with your good dermatology results. What a relief for you and your family!!
When I lived in Southern France my friends told me to say “Merci, j’ai bien mange to mean that I had had enough to eat. My French Mom agreed that it was a good way to express thanks as well. Janine Cortell
Thanks for writing your wonderful good news from the “dermo” so quickly. Did you ever think that you would have hundreds of people worrying about you at the same time? You have become so endeared to all of us, your readers/admirers.
Your description of the “déjeuner” was great. I know that the French frown upon eating in between meals, but it occurs to me that they have little temptation to snack when lunch or an evening meal can easily last four or more hours! This is not a criticism…just a thought. Best always, Cynthia
Thanks for writing your wonderful good news from the “dermo” so quickly. Did you ever think that you would have hundreds of people worrying about you at the same time? You have become so endeared to all of us, your readers/admirers.
Your description of the “déjeuner” was great. I know that the French frown upon eating in between meals, but it occurs to me that they have little temptation to snack when lunch or an evening meal can easily last four or more hours! This is not a criticism…just a thought. Best always, Cynthia
OUF – OUF ! ! ! Nos prières ont été exaucées. AMEN.
Merci, Kristin, de nous donner ces bonnes nouvelles aussitôt reçues.
Très bonne continuation et allez donc célébrer cette nouvelle victoire.
Cynthia : le dermato ….
nadine, Napa, CA
OUF – OUF ! ! ! Nos prières ont été exaucées. AMEN.
Merci, Kristin, de nous donner ces bonnes nouvelles aussitôt reçues.
Très bonne continuation et allez donc célébrer cette nouvelle victoire.
Cynthia : le dermato ….
nadine, Napa, CA
Glad to hear that it is benign . We hope that you don’t have to go through another cutting in the near future.
The dinner sounds fantastic. Wish that we could have joined you.
Kathleen
Glad to hear that it is benign . We hope that you don’t have to go through another cutting in the near future.
The dinner sounds fantastic. Wish that we could have joined you.
Kathleen
Merci a Dieu.
Great news. I checked back before going to sleep to see how your biopsy went and, like others, marvel at the lack of distance between you and all of your readers. Two dozen might write back, but I bet thousands of us marvel at your courage and ability to wear your heart and fears on your sleeve. Merci pour les nouvelles, et bonne annee!
Merci a Dieu.
Great news. I checked back before going to sleep to see how your biopsy went and, like others, marvel at the lack of distance between you and all of your readers. Two dozen might write back, but I bet thousands of us marvel at your courage and ability to wear your heart and fears on your sleeve. Merci pour les nouvelles, et bonne annee!
Hi, Kristin, SO glad to hear the good news from the dermatologist!
As for that idyllic lunch, my knees went weak as I read your description of it! Even more so when I checked out the VERRINES link. 🙂 It reminded me of “Babette’s Feast”, but in a more pleasant clime. You are so lucky, in so many ways!
Que Dieu te benisse, et bonne année à toute la famille!
Augusta
Hi, Kristin, SO glad to hear the good news from the dermatologist!
As for that idyllic lunch, my knees went weak as I read your description of it! Even more so when I checked out the VERRINES link. 🙂 It reminded me of “Babette’s Feast”, but in a more pleasant clime. You are so lucky, in so many ways!
Que Dieu te benisse, et bonne année à toute la famille!
Augusta
So glad to hear the good news. Now you to hope the incision heals as well as the others did.
Glad I checked the comments a secod time.
So glad to hear the good news. Now you to hope the incision heals as well as the others did.
Glad I checked the comments a secod time.
Please stop promoting foie gras! It is the dish of pain, vanity and agony!
Please stop promoting foie gras! It is the dish of pain, vanity and agony!
Nancy, re cream cheese — some of the big supermarkets are now selling Philadelphia cream cheese (I think Carrefour–and maybe LeClerc, too. Would mascarpone be the nearest equivalent? Maybe someone else reading has a tip!
Nancy, re cream cheese — some of the big supermarkets are now selling Philadelphia cream cheese (I think Carrefour–and maybe LeClerc, too. Would mascarpone be the nearest equivalent? Maybe someone else reading has a tip!
Julie, re book placement — what an honor! And thank you for buying more Blossoming in Provence books!
Julie, re book placement — what an honor! And thank you for buying more Blossoming in Provence books!
One word. Hallelujah!!!!
One word. Hallelujah!!!!
As appealing as the personal details, accolades, etc. are, this forum would be more useful if there were more comments about French language and culture. Just saying.
As appealing as the personal details, accolades, etc. are, this forum would be more useful if there were more comments about French language and culture. Just saying.
Do I take it from some of the previous comments that it is good news re the biopsy ? If so Great news !!
Caption for the photo of the puppies ” A Bucket full of trouble ?!”
Do I take it from some of the previous comments that it is good news re the biopsy ? If so Great news !!
Caption for the photo of the puppies ” A Bucket full of trouble ?!”
attention !!! creme fraiche is NOT sour cream !!!
attention !!! creme fraiche is NOT sour cream !!!
Thanks, Odile. I have some cornbread in the oven and the recipe called for sour cream. Does anyone know the French equivalent? (I used crème liquide instead… just this one time. Off to check that bread before it burns!)
Thanks, Odile. I have some cornbread in the oven and the recipe called for sour cream. Does anyone know the French equivalent? (I used crème liquide instead… just this one time. Off to check that bread before it burns!)
Praise God for the good news, Kristi! Hope the incision heals quickly, but glad it’s not keeping you down. The lunch sounds amazing!! The French sure know how to relax and enjoy friends and good food!
Praise God for the good news, Kristi! Hope the incision heals quickly, but glad it’s not keeping you down. The lunch sounds amazing!! The French sure know how to relax and enjoy friends and good food!
I use marscapone all the time in place of cream cheese….I just like it better. And……I am still salivating over that meal. My kind of food. We can no longer get fois gras here in the states. Just before the law went into effect (yes a law banning fois gras) many of the restaurants who had it on their menus were giving it away in appetizer dishes. I am sure there are a few clandestine places that have some tucked away. Just like you cannot buy the true Camembert cheese from Normandie. All having to do with how long it has been aged. I certainly haven’t heard of any out breaks of Camembert poisioning. Yet we have had problems with spinach locally. Although I hear if one knows the right people you can find the cheese.
So glad you did go. And truthfully, I am sure the guests were far more interested in Kristi the person, not Kristi with the bandaged nose.
I use marscapone all the time in place of cream cheese….I just like it better. And……I am still salivating over that meal. My kind of food. We can no longer get fois gras here in the states. Just before the law went into effect (yes a law banning fois gras) many of the restaurants who had it on their menus were giving it away in appetizer dishes. I am sure there are a few clandestine places that have some tucked away. Just like you cannot buy the true Camembert cheese from Normandie. All having to do with how long it has been aged. I certainly haven’t heard of any out breaks of Camembert poisioning. Yet we have had problems with spinach locally. Although I hear if one knows the right people you can find the cheese.
So glad you did go. And truthfully, I am sure the guests were far more interested in Kristi the person, not Kristi with the bandaged nose.
I came to France over the weekend, and while unpacking, I noticed that I needed a loop on the lauffa scrubb so I could hang it in the shower. Not to woory- remembering the lavendar wand story- I hunted through my clothing until I found a sweater with the ribbons inside. This one had delicate clear, plastic ribbon- perfect for hanging something in the shower! One never knows when information will come in handy!
I came to France over the weekend, and while unpacking, I noticed that I needed a loop on the lauffa scrubb so I could hang it in the shower. Not to woory- remembering the lavendar wand story- I hunted through my clothing until I found a sweater with the ribbons inside. This one had delicate clear, plastic ribbon- perfect for hanging something in the shower! One never knows when information will come in handy!
I can’t even imagine eating for 4 hours! I guess you take very small portions of everything? I am not one for buffets either, I don’t get my money’s worth. HA HA I hope all goes well at the doctor.
I can’t even imagine eating for 4 hours! I guess you take very small portions of everything? I am not one for buffets either, I don’t get my money’s worth. HA HA I hope all goes well at the doctor.
Kristin: the closest cheese to cream cheese would be “Samos” if they still make it in France. try that and let me know!
Kristin: the closest cheese to cream cheese would be “Samos” if they still make it in France. try that and let me know!