Bonjour et bienvenue to La Marmite! I was thrilled to hear from so many of you after the last issue. The vote for shorter, but more frequent issues was overwhelming. So expect to see just that in the coming months. Please accept my sincere gratitude for participating with your opinion.

There has been lots of fun cooking and exploring food chez nous this spring. Here are some of the highlights:

Camembert Cheese

Camembert cheese is not one of France's oldest cheeses, but it is certainly one of the most popular. I even heard a kid at the grocery store this spring whining to his mom to get some.

Good not only for eating with a slice of bread and a glass of wine, Camembert also makes an excellent melting cheese, perfect for many recipes. Someone has even invented Camembert ice cream!

As with all good French food, there is a legend and quite a bit of history to go along with this flavorful soft cheese. Learn more here: Camembert Cheese

French Cookie Recipes

Here is a new section on Easy French food, and I am hoping it expands rapidly. So far we have madeleines, navettes de Saint Victor, and meringues, but more will be coming soon.

The cookies pictured here are of course French macarons. They have become incredibly popular in recent years, perhaps because they take so easily to different flavorings and colors.

If you are looking for a little sweet mouthful to fill your afternoon, try one of these yummy French Cookie Recipes.

Culinary Adventures in France

Mark Craft and Diane Shaskin are offering cooking tours both in Paris and Provence in the south of France. These are real hands on adventures, with cooking classes, but also visits of the food artisans at work.

In Paris you might take a class at the famed Ritz Hotel, and in Provence you will visit village markets. And of course you will have the chance to eat in some of the best restaurants around.

Take a little trip from Paris to Provence.

French Wine, Champagne and Liqueurs

For a long time I have hesitated to broach the topic of French wine. It is a vast and complex subject, but here you will find a gentle guide for beginners. After all, we almost all have what it takes to be a wine connoisseur: a nose and a bottle opener.

French wine and liquors are also a wonderful way to discover France. Geography and wine tasting go hand in hand in the land where terroir reigns supreme.

Get started on a lifelong adventure and learn some about French Wine, Champagne and Liqueurs.

List of Famous French Food

If you are planning a tip to France (or if you have to write an essay for your high school French class), here is a great introduction to some of the more popular foods. These are things that you will find on restaurant menus all over France.

Along the way are included recipes for those of you bold enough to mettre la main a la pate (put your hand in the dough or try your hand at something).

Enjoy a virtual feast of Famous French Food

Crustless Quiche

This has got to be one of the easiest recipes around. Quiche cooks quite nicely without the crust and you save on fuss, calories, carbohydrates and you can even make this recipe gluten free.

Add whatever you have on hand - leftovers are often just the thing for a quiche - put it in the oven and dinner is ready in less than an hour. I love this recipe.

Try going crust free: Crustless Quiche Recipe.

Easy French Food Gets Listed

I was pleased this past month to be included in the Culinary Arts College's list of top French cooking blogs. If you are interested in pursuing a more serious education in French cooking and other types of cuisine, be sure to have a look at their Guide to Culinary Arts Colleges.

End Notes

If you have any comments or suggestions about La Marmite, please feel free to contact me! (Sorry to all who clicked on that link last issue and found it did not work. I fixed it!)

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I have created a Facebook page where you can view what is new at Easy French Food as it happens. People occasionally ask questions as well - I try to answer all of them. Visit adn subscribe to the page here: Easy French Food on Facebook.

A bientot and remember to enjoy your food!

Your friend in France,

Kim