Happy, lucky, and healthy and we haven’t even eaten an almond yet! Just goes to show the power of this fuzzy, favorite French fruit. Read on…
Mas la Monaque – Rent this beautifully restored 17-century farmhouse. Click here for more pictures.
une amande (ah-mahnd)
: almond
sugared almond = la dragée
almond paste = la frangipane
almond tree = un amandier
sweet/bitter almond = amande douce/amère
almond tartlet = une amandine
… and have you ever eaten a “Pithivier”? A pie made of puff pastry with almond paste inside.
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Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc read the following sentences from Wikipedia.fr: Download MP3 or Wav
- recouverte d’une peau veloutée au toucher, verte et duveteuse, l’amande est un fruit à coque/ Covered with skin that is velvet to the touch, green and fluffy, the almond is a nut.
- au temps des Romains, on jetait des amandes sur les mariés pour leur garantir bonheur, chance, santé et une belle descendance. In Roman times they threw almonds at newlyweds, guaranteeing them happiness, luck, health, and many descendants
- L’orgeat que l’on consomme de nos jours est une boisson fabriquée à partir d’amandes. The orgeat we drink these days is a beverage made partly from almonds.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
We continue this twice-weekly journal with photos rather than essays. This way I can relax and focus on Mom. Only two more weeks together, time is flying past! Enjoy today’s snapshots of our almond récolte and see you in a few more days, with even more pictures 🙂
Mom and I returned home to a flurry of activity. Jean-Marc and his friends were tackling the almond harvest. We had been wondering how to approach the chore, hemming and hawing about it for days. Then Guillaume, his brother Benjamin, and Eric (all skiers from Serre Chevalier) showed up! In the no-nonsense fashion typical of les montagnards, or mountain men–the guys brought down the fuzzy shelled fruit in a shower of efficiency!
(There’s Mom, kissing Benjamin each time he offers her une amande fraîche.)
Mom’s right, a little show of gratitude leads to even more harvested almonds! That’s Benjamin’s brother, Guillaume, standing on the chair raking in the velvety “fruit.”
But let’s not be too kissy-huggy… not with Chief Grape looking on! Good thing his specialty is wine, or he might be called Chief Nut. Just sayin’.
Back to business. Here’s Eric, ski instructor and pub owner in Serre Chevalier. Looks like he is holding plyers in one hand. Other alternative nut-crackers included those heavy pétanque balls, which were handy for cracking the shells (see first photo of this series, lower right corner)
Trying my luck with the le râteau, or rake. How do you harvest almonds?
More importantly, how do you like your almonds? Roasted, raw and fresh (as devoured here, by the guys), in frangipane (le gâteau des rois…) Comment here, and share ideas on more ways to enjoy almonds!
Favorite photo of Guillaume: The Art of Almond Harvesting
Benjamin, right, was just a kid when I first met him. Last year, after retiring from professional skiing, he coached the French Women’s ski team in Sochi!
In addition to plyers and steel pétanque balls, another alternative to the nutcracker is displayed here. Guillaume, careful with your teeth!
A message from our sponsors, and one more photo to come…
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Did you enjoy the almond harvest? And learn a thing or two? Here’s another tip: A big straw hat makes a charming harvest basket. This one, found at the farmers market, was a gift from my belle-mère, Marsha, and my Dad.
Very excited and grateful for the latest review of Blossoming in Provence:
“I loved this book, and wanted it to go on forever! I’m hoping for a lengthier book from her sometime in the near future.” –LuAnn
If you enjoyed this book or the memoir, First French Essais, and would like to leave a review, please click here. Your ratings are so helpful in getting the word out about these books on French life.
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Even though I had no idea that almonds looked like that at harvesting time, it was the photos of those handsome men that sold me on today’s story. 🙂
Even though I had no idea that almonds looked like that at harvesting time, it was the photos of those handsome men that sold me on today’s story. 🙂
Much fun–and don’t those almond trees have the most beautiful blossoms–they look like snowflakes in the air. Your men are indeed handsome–but then again, they have to match up to you and Jules. All the best!
Much fun–and don’t those almond trees have the most beautiful blossoms–they look like snowflakes in the air. Your men are indeed handsome–but then again, they have to match up to you and Jules. All the best!
Hi Kristin
Are you a little early picking almonds? We’re less than a 100k north of you but ours don’t seem anywhere near ready.
Best
Paul
Hi Kristin
Are you a little early picking almonds? We’re less than a 100k north of you but ours don’t seem anywhere near ready.
Best
Paul
The almonds in the hat look very much like olives on the tree. At least to this untrained American eye.
Enjoy your mom, Kristin! It gives your readers joy, as well.
The almonds in the hat look very much like olives on the tree. At least to this untrained American eye.
Enjoy your mom, Kristin! It gives your readers joy, as well.
What wonderful photos! Looks like you are all having a grand time. Thanks so much for this special treat. Best wishes to everyone.
What wonderful photos! Looks like you are all having a grand time. Thanks so much for this special treat. Best wishes to everyone.
Hi Kristin,
I didn’t know almonds looked like that either! I bet Guillaume liked your hug. :-)…Benjamin is cute! I love almonds plain but the sugared ones are delicious too! I love the scent of roasting almonds at the European Christmas markets.
Hi Kristin,
I didn’t know almonds looked like that either! I bet Guillaume liked your hug. :-)…Benjamin is cute! I love almonds plain but the sugared ones are delicious too! I love the scent of roasting almonds at the European Christmas markets.
We have lots of almond trees in Haiti, but no one harvests them. They just drop from trees. Available. I hadn’t figured how to get them out of their shells – it looked like a lot of tedious work. But Petanque balls (or similar sized rocks) and pliers are certainly worth trying .
We have lots of almond trees in Haiti, but no one harvests them. They just drop from trees. Available. I hadn’t figured how to get them out of their shells – it looked like a lot of tedious work. But Petanque balls (or similar sized rocks) and pliers are certainly worth trying .
My partner and I listed a vacant house with a pecan tree…just as the nuts were ready to be harvested. We went over to clean one day and had the bright idea of throwing the broom up, up, into the tree to knock down a few pecans… …the broom wedged in the tree. An hour later we finally threw another broom and knocked down the first one … and a paltry few pecans. From then on we were ground harvesters.
My partner and I listed a vacant house with a pecan tree…just as the nuts were ready to be harvested. We went over to clean one day and had the bright idea of throwing the broom up, up, into the tree to knock down a few pecans… …the broom wedged in the tree. An hour later we finally threw another broom and knocked down the first one … and a paltry few pecans. From then on we were ground harvesters.
You guys just look like you are living life and having fun while doing it. Un vrai bon jour!
You guys just look like you are living life and having fun while doing it. Un vrai bon jour!
I mix almonds in a cold salad of tuna, chopped eggs, onions, and bell peppers for the crunch and the extra boost of protein. Sometimes I add them on top of a layered salad of radishes, zucchini strings (love that special tool that does that!), and numerous other salads. You’ve inspired me to look for more ways to use them!
I mix almonds in a cold salad of tuna, chopped eggs, onions, and bell peppers for the crunch and the extra boost of protein. Sometimes I add them on top of a layered salad of radishes, zucchini strings (love that special tool that does that!), and numerous other salads. You’ve inspired me to look for more ways to use them!
fun photos and fine lesson – merci bien, Kristin. enjoy your mom and her visit for the next few days.
fun photos and fine lesson – merci bien, Kristin. enjoy your mom and her visit for the next few days.
Love, love, LOVE all the pictures! You are so right to enjoy this time with your mom. Words can wait until she’ leaves. I have never seen fresh almonds. How do you know when they are ripe? Do you ever make almond milk? Avez une belle journée!
Love, love, LOVE all the pictures! You are so right to enjoy this time with your mom. Words can wait until she’ leaves. I have never seen fresh almonds. How do you know when they are ripe? Do you ever make almond milk? Avez une belle journée!
“A picture is worth a thousand words” ! A very clever way to tell your story, Kristin. Now I better understand the sugar coated almonds I learned about in France many years ago….white for weddings and pink and blue for baptisms, etc. I include almond meal when baking..love it in brother Jacque’s French Yogurt Cake. And almond encrusted fish is yummy.
You could have just taken this time off during your mom’s visit, so your
photo journals are much appreciated!
“A picture is worth a thousand words” ! A very clever way to tell your story, Kristin. Now I better understand the sugar coated almonds I learned about in France many years ago….white for weddings and pink and blue for baptisms, etc. I include almond meal when baking..love it in brother Jacque’s French Yogurt Cake. And almond encrusted fish is yummy.
You could have just taken this time off during your mom’s visit, so your
photo journals are much appreciated!
Kristin,
I love almonds many different ways. Ma vosine runs a test kitchen and uses almond paste for many recipes “Odense.com”.
You are becoming the the horticulturist. Unfortunately we have too many deer, rabbits and no flatland around my house to have a vegetable garden therefore all I can do is grow herbs on my deck and flowers and shrubs around the house, which constantly need spraying to de our age the animals from harvesting them…they love my garden salads.
Great pictures and a great looking guys!
Kathleen
Kristin,
I love almonds many different ways. Ma vosine runs a test kitchen and uses almond paste for many recipes “Odense.com”.
You are becoming the the horticulturist. Unfortunately we have too many deer, rabbits and no flatland around my house to have a vegetable garden therefore all I can do is grow herbs on my deck and flowers and shrubs around the house, which constantly need spraying to de our age the animals from harvesting them…they love my garden salads.
Great pictures and a great looking guys!
Kathleen
Raw or roasted, almonds are delicious! I also love almond milk and almond butter, which, as Jeanne mentioned, can be made at home. I have yet to try making my own in a food processor. For now, I enjoy experimenting with making raw, gluten-free tart and pie pastry using almonds, dates, and coconut oil.
Is la frangipane similar to marzipan, at all?
Raw or roasted, almonds are delicious! I also love almond milk and almond butter, which, as Jeanne mentioned, can be made at home. I have yet to try making my own in a food processor. For now, I enjoy experimenting with making raw, gluten-free tart and pie pastry using almonds, dates, and coconut oil.
Is la frangipane similar to marzipan, at all?
How old is Benjamin and is he available not for me but my daughter!
How old is Benjamin and is he available not for me but my daughter!
Thanks for the lovely & happy photos. Enjoy your mom!
Be well!
Thanks for the lovely & happy photos. Enjoy your mom!
Be well!
. Well… ALL the men were good looking and having fun and the women were beautiful too! We like our almonds roasted and lightly salted with a lovely Vodka tonic with extra lime! Cheers, a votre sante! Judi Dunn, Tallahassee, Fl.
. Well… ALL the men were good looking and having fun and the women were beautiful too! We like our almonds roasted and lightly salted with a lovely Vodka tonic with extra lime! Cheers, a votre sante! Judi Dunn, Tallahassee, Fl.
I also love almonds, especially the ones my local green grocer sells: tamari flavoured. A veritable salty/sweet flavour burst!
I also love almonds, especially the ones my local green grocer sells: tamari flavoured. A veritable salty/sweet flavour burst!
Woooweeeeee (<--- since a wolf whistle isn't easily typed) That Benjamin has quite the, ahem, VMOs (vastus medialis obliquus - that charming muscle just above the knee on the inner aspect of the thigh). From the definition of this important (and attractive) muscle, I would've guessed he was a cyclist before a skier. Either way - un "aspirateur des gonzesses" ... is that how you taught us to say "chick magnet"? ;-)
Woooweeeeee (<--- since a wolf whistle isn't easily typed) That Benjamin has quite the, ahem, VMOs (vastus medialis obliquus - that charming muscle just above the knee on the inner aspect of the thigh). From the definition of this important (and attractive) muscle, I would've guessed he was a cyclist before a skier. Either way - un "aspirateur des gonzesses" ... is that how you taught us to say "chick magnet"? ;-)
Looks like you all had a lot of fun and nobody hurt their ankles. I eat 12 raw almonds a day for the crunch, taste and healthy nutrients. Love them especially dipped in dark chocolate or as a paste in a croissant. I especially liked the use of your sun hat because I have a blue one and love it. Thanks for your fun post and sharing a great day with all of us. Nancy
Looks like you all had a lot of fun and nobody hurt their ankles. I eat 12 raw almonds a day for the crunch, taste and healthy nutrients. Love them especially dipped in dark chocolate or as a paste in a croissant. I especially liked the use of your sun hat because I have a blue one and love it. Thanks for your fun post and sharing a great day with all of us. Nancy
Love it! I enjoyed every picture! Looks like a day well spent, and enjoyed!
Love it! I enjoyed every picture! Looks like a day well spent, and enjoyed!
Handsome group and charming activity! Looks like fun.
Handsome group and charming activity! Looks like fun.
There is fun to be had by all (even your readers) via the almond harvest — and good health to boot! Thanks for sharing the photos as the health benefits of smiles and happiness are many! Wow, what a crew 🙂
Speaking of this, Kristi, I don’t know that I’ve ever seen you look so radiantly happy, and therefore, more beautiful. Hugs to Jules. Enjoy!
There is fun to be had by all (even your readers) via the almond harvest — and good health to boot! Thanks for sharing the photos as the health benefits of smiles and happiness are many! Wow, what a crew 🙂
Speaking of this, Kristi, I don’t know that I’ve ever seen you look so radiantly happy, and therefore, more beautiful. Hugs to Jules. Enjoy!
Thanks so much for sharing this joyous day with us very directly via photos, Kristi! The gang’s joie de vivre is palpable across the globe, believe me! Until 2002, I’d never even considered that my beloved almonds actually grew on TREES! That summer, I visited California NW of Sacramento, and found the air filled for miles with the divine scent of almonds roasting … huge almond farms there creating an atmosphere of heaven. May all harvesters have as much fun with their work as your happy crew here — so suits the product and the delight it brings us along with its health benefits: double YUM.
Thanks so much for sharing this joyous day with us very directly via photos, Kristi! The gang’s joie de vivre is palpable across the globe, believe me! Until 2002, I’d never even considered that my beloved almonds actually grew on TREES! That summer, I visited California NW of Sacramento, and found the air filled for miles with the divine scent of almonds roasting … huge almond farms there creating an atmosphere of heaven. May all harvesters have as much fun with their work as your happy crew here — so suits the product and the delight it brings us along with its health benefits: double YUM.