Marlene van der Westhuizen
Food, friendship and a glass of excellent wine are, for me, the most important ingredients of a life worth living. The gentle early morning debate about a possible dinner menu, picking arms full of wild flowers in the fields around the achingly beautiful village of Charroux, filling a basket with fresh asparagus, sun warmed tomatoes and purple hearted artichokes. From winter fires to steaming soups, brisk walks in the icy winter’s mist along the well loved Sea Point promenade, endless conversations around the kitchen table whilst a pot of tender-as-marrow oxtail is cooking away on the stove.
All of these and the sharing of another meal, laughter or journey with the people around me.
What’s not to love?
Description
Crisp light, a profusion of wildflowers, and an astonishing choice of fresh produce – it is spring in the medieval village of Charroux in the Allier department of France, where Marlene van der Westhuizen invites you to steal a glimpse into the inner workings of her fiftieth cooking class. Along with 80 new recipes (including Fillets de sole Bonne Femme, Early Autumn chicken and Apple blinis) follow Marlene and her class as they lift the veil on the understated glamour of French country cooking, eating and living. Learn how to navigate food markets, bargain for beautiful antiques, cook and present glorious meals, and enjoy every aspect of life in a French village with grace and charm.
