I pass Gaby and Pierette’s farm on my daily walk and scurrying out of my path two days ago were a platoon of ducks and geese.
December the first today. They must be new arrivals in time for Christmas.
Les pauvres!
December the first….
DAY ONE, in the early 1950’s, on the advent calendar and the agonisingly slow build-up to the big day.
Sweet torture!
The decorations are up in our little village of Lautrec and outside Monoprix in the town of Castres, the little carrousel and its prancing horses is doing its rounds.
What to buy so-and-so and and mustn’t forget thing-a-ma-jig….
Christmas is now inevitable and the pressure is on.
Well, I have a suggestion….
I know what it says on the cover but the recipes a healthy and delicious–good for everyone–and Meredith’s photos are sensational.
If your local bookstore doesn’t have it (in the UK), it’s available on Amazon–and only Amazon or other online book dealers in the USA. It’s also available for Kindle.
Here’s a look behind the scenes!
Robin Ellis 
Here in Holland we don’t have many Christmas decorations untill after Sinterklaas which is 5 December, that’s when St Nicolaas with his helpers (black Pete’s .. which have caused a lot of racial discussion in the last couple of years) comes from Spain and gives the children their presents. After that Christmas starts to be visible. I remember getting a LOT of turkey’s ready (killing and cleaning !!!) for the auction before Christmas … a nightmare !!! Enjoy the Christmas break whatever your beliefs or wherever you are. A chance to rest and recharge the batteries.
Robin–
I want that black and white “Dalmatian” goose in the back of the gosling crowd—what a cutie! Would also like to rescue it, les pauvres indeed.
I think I’ll order your lovely book for Christmas. Thanks, Stevie de Longmont
Wonderful video with background songs—please say what they are so I can buy them. Thank you.
Charles Trenet–Douce France, Pic Pic Pic, and the Jardin de
–Meredith has forgotten.
Robin,
A great montage including memories for me. We’ve been using your book since it came out- our ‘go to’ book full of delicious recipes and great photos.
Merry Christmas to you and Meredith!
Rod Lipman
Same to you and Teri, Rod. I enjoyed being reminded of your excellent workshop.
Oh dear I already treated myself to your lovely book. On a rainy Uk day I often look wistfully at Meredith’s wonderful photographs, stunning vistas, fields of sunflowers, your beautiful cats, gardens and trees! Not to mention your recipes!! Think we need a Volume Deux!
Thanks, Sally–I am working towards a second.
It’s in my 🎅🎄wish list……the book, of course! 😃
Thanks, Simonetta and thank you for the links–I enjoyed learning about lardo.
That makes me happy! 😄
Hello Robin, surely you know that, but my mom – she is a bit apprehensive 😁- would like to suggest you using a wooden pestle with the basil, she says the marble one is more suited to hard foods like walnuts, pine nuts, coarse salt etc.
Please thank your Mom for this tip. I will follow her advice.
Hi Robin, I’ve bought your book for my husband for Christmas, he is a keen cook and likes to eat healthily. Looking forward to enjoying your recipes in the new year 😋😋😀
Thanks, Barbara–trust he’ll find lots to enjoy.
Watching “Robin Ellis Cooking World Display” video was SUCH a TREAT! Especially on this chilly, dark and rainy Adirondack Mountain night! The photography is luscious. The lovely French music is so sweet and having a glimpse of the things you both love, really, the best of the earth, is appreciated. Thank you for this pleasant visual trip to France — and — it was lots of fun seeing Captain McNeil’s photos, too! I always had a little “crush” on him!
PS – Please don’t eat the beautiful geese, let them have a Happy Christmas!
We won’t eat the geese but I will tell Donald about your “little crush”!
I blush, Sir!
Robin, I already have your marvellous book and have cooked several of the recipes – all of which have been delicious. Happy Christmas to you and Meredith. Good health throughout 2017. Pauline, Casey, Gibbs
Pareillement, Pauline.
Toujours une joie de recevoir une poste de Lautrec – et cette fois ci avec de la musique! Merci beaucoup. Keep ’em coming.
Nancy
Santa Fe
Love the book!
Bless you–thanks.
Dear Robin & Meredith, I think you need a few geese running around in your yard!! They’d keep the cats in line, and keep strangers out of the yard!!
Sauve-les!!
Hey Robin!!!! This is Rosaria writing!!!!! From Italy!!!! Sorry for not writing to you for such a long time 😊 but Giuseppe and I were very busy at cooking our Italian soups!!!! But they are never as good as yours!!!! As we do every year, we want to give you and Meredith the best wishes for an amazing Christmas time!!!!! And remember…..we could never forget you!!!! All the best and lots of love Rosaria and Giuseppe!!!!!
Thanks and the same to you both, Rosaria and Guiseppi!
Good heavens, I am the hypocrite of them all! Had New Year’s feast at a local winery and with guilt ate GOOSE! However, Happy New Year 2017 to all!