stephmodo: Walnut Wine and Truffle Groves + Lunch with Danièle

Walnut Wine and Truffle Groves + Lunch with Danièle

• 17 May 2010























Just a couple of weeks ago this book was released much to our delight! It not only features one of our favorite Frenchies, but it showcases the best elements of the Dordogne region--the day markets, the night markets, the sights, the best restaurants, and of course...recipes! It's a delightful book for anyone who is interested in simple Southwestern French cooking or who has stayed, or is going to stay, at La Maisonnette in the future (note: we left a copy at the cottage for guests to peruse).

A week and a half ago, Danièle (the aforementioned favorite "Frenchie") invited us to lunch at her rustic home in the country. I've been there several times in the past, but always just to say "hello" or to attend one of her fantastic cooking classes (mentioned here and here). It's not every day that a former palace chef invites you to a meal! We were instantly excited with the invitation and I forecasted it to be one of the highlights of our trip. Danièle is one of the most amazing people I've ever met and her energy and drive is most inspiring. Not being a fluent French speaker, I always appreciate that she speaks fluent English. In fact, this is what's made her cooking classes possible in the past!

p.s. I recently discovered a great article about Danièle and the Dordogne over at Travel & Leisure's site. Although I don't agree with all of their recommendations, their description of Danièle is spot-on and the article really gives you a taste of what country life in France is all about.






















1- A simple, country French place setting.










2-If Danièle isn't cooking on an open fire, she is using it to warm the cottage. She is one industrious lady!

3-White asparagus, fava beans and a poached egg smothered in black truffle sauce made from truffles found on her own property. One of the best dishes I've ever consumed in my life.























4- Fussing over us like a mother hen while she told us tales of truffle farming. Of course she first made sure we were warm with herbal tea, blankets and chairs near the fire. An amazing hostess indeed.


11 comments:

  1. great meal everything looks delicious!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Can I borrow all the fantasy bits of your life? Please? This looks like a dream come true.

    What an amazing lady to be connected with.

    ReplyDelete
  3. {sigh} What a fabulous post, Steph... and I'm sure it only barely touches on the beauty of the memory. Simply wonderful. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Starr: It did feel like a fantasy life...for ONE WEEK! Now it's back to work, laundry and one heckuva time potty-training my toddler. It's amazing how "real life" creeps up so fast after a vacation!

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  5. I loved the original posts you did about your time with Daniele--what a treat to be able to visit with her again!! Loved this post.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh my goodness...I'm going to shut down the computer RIGHT NOW and go dream about that dish....WOW!

    P.S. Perhaps if you conquer the potty-training, you can share some tips! I'm in need in a BIG way ~ my 27 month old is not having it. She prefers her diapers!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love that woman. Meeting her and spending the night at her farm was my ABSOLUTE favorite part of our trip. I remember every little detail...!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Snap, next time we are in France together I would love to meet her! It looks so cozy and like such a treat.

    ReplyDelete
  9. It was a 5-hour lunch never to be forgotten complete with a kitten trying to nurse it's surrogate puppy mom, the crispiest tastiest duck in the world, the most entertaining and admirable woman with amazing life experiences and a refreshingly progressive attitude, and snowfall in May! We were soooo lucky to be your tag-along friends on this exclusive invitation.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This book is a treasure!!
    It is so beautifully illustrated, with wonderful stories,and the most fabulous recipe's.
    This book capture's you, and makes you feel as if you are right in the Dordogne, you can almost smell the duck fat, and lavender.
    I'm in love!!
    It is a must have, buy two, one for you, and one to share.
    ~ Delinda

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking the time to drop a line. I really appreciate it!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
 

stephmodo © All rights reserved · Theme by Blog Milk · Blogger