A New Obsession

I have developed a new obsession.

This obsession is justified I believe in the following description:

"For most people in France, the day begins with breakfast, which is known as le petit déjeuner. This usually consists of coffee or hot chocolate which is drunk from a bowl, and pehaps a freshly-baked croissant which is made of a flaky, butter-based pastry or bread. Pain au chocolat is similar but has a chocolate filling. Lunch is traditionally a leisurely affair, and can have several courses. The first course, or hors d'oeuvre, is often a salad, or in winter a bowl of soup. A main dish of meat or fish follows, and the meal ends with cheese, fruit, or sometimes a dessert. At around four o'clock, children who have just returned from school might have some bread with jam or chocolate, and a glass of milk. This afternoon snack is known as le goûter. For many French people, the evening meal is a time for the whole family to gather together and talk about their day. Again, this often consists of several courses (depending on how big lunch was), and for the adults, might be accompanied by a glass or two of wine."
CAre you kidding me??

Reading this and MANY, MANY other French (and other country) descriptions of how they live out their day leads me to one very crucial realization about myself....

I NEVER EVER EVER EVER SLOW DOWN! EVER!

For the past few days I have made myself aware of how fast paced and hurried my life is. I know I have to children who are fast paced in themselves, but I have noticed a deeper rooted need to HURRY down deep in my soul.

Without the detailed reasoning about how this came about or where it came from I have decided to stop. Just like that. Stop hurrying. Slow down. Take one breath at a time. Eat, drink and be merry.

That being said the area in which I have taken ABSOLUTELY NO PLEASURE in is food. I hear wonderful descriptions of French food and how long their extravagant eating affairs are with conversation, delectable food, wine and more conversation. I salivate at the thought of this. I get all giddy to think that someone where in the world loads of people are enjoying a 2-3 hour lunch with their family and Friends chatting and eating and drinking.

Without further ado here I go with yet another start to something, however, this one has staying power...

Each month I am taking a different region and I am making recipes from that particular place.

THIS MONTH FRANCE.

Seeing as how I need to slow down and enjoy what better place to start learning this from other than the French.

Today marks the beginning of slowing down and enjoying FOOD.

For breakfast I made EGGS BENEDICT .....and it was FABULOUS....I mean FABULOUS...

I attempted my first "poached egg" - without Vinegar!
I then grew in knowledge and used VINEGAR (about 1/4 cup) before dropping the egg in...thank you YOU TUBE....and my "poached" eggs looked MUCH better!

Homemade Hollandaise sauce....FREAKING GOOD SAUCE is what is should be called :)

The END product....EGGS BENEDICT....and let me tell you its one AMAZING BREAKFAST!
I actually had my sister over and we talked and chatted while eating our eggs, drinking coffee - it was one delightful morning....

If you want to try here is the recipe:
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/eggs-benedict/Detail.aspx

I can't WAIT to try another FRENCH DISH and I am thinking it will be....

Coq au Vin is chicken in red wine with small braised onions, mushrooms, and lardons of pork - an elaboration on the far more elementary preceding ragout, coq au vin involves more hand work since you have lardons of bacon to prepare for the special flavor they give to the sauce. Then there is the traditional garnish of small braised onions and sautéed mushrooms. This combination makes a wonderfully satisfying dish, and a fine one for company.

P.S. Still working on those unfinished projects....maybe a little wine will help me get started :)