Serving Fresh Figs

September 08, 2019 by Janet Carpenter in September

The season for figs is short. For a couple of weeks in mid-September I devour as many as I can. Sweet, fragrant and juicy, figs team up very well with other ingredients: honey, yoghurt and toasted nuts; fresh young goat's cheese; salty prosciutto; tangy blue cheeses and even anchovies.

You can buys figs in the market but it is best to eat them fresh from the tree if you can find one. Watch the country roads as they grow like weeds in Provence.

Wild blackberries!

La Raffine

August 31, 2019 by Janet Carpenter in September, August

Wild blackberry bushes can be found on many country roads in the region. We have a hedge the full length of the property and each year we enjoy the wild berries at the end of August. Smaller and less sweet than the commercially cultivated varieties, I prefer the taste and feel a primal satisfaction each year as I collect my daily rations. In the 15th century they were served as an hors d’oeuvre with sugar for dipping. Today a blackberry crumble is easy and delicious way to serve