Doing the Continental on French Connection trip full of cook fun
Au revoir! I am going to the Continent this week. It is such an old-fashioned phrase I think – “the Continent” – but, nonetheless, I like the sound of it. There was a time pre-Bake Off when I spent more time in France than I did at home so I do miss it.
I was working in France for a holiday company back then, taking care of the accommodation and doing my bit to ensure everyone enjoyed their holidays.
This time it is me on holiday, courtesy of Eurocamp, the UKs leading camping specialist.
John and I are driving to Normandy and then spending a week self-catering in a mobile home on a holiday parc.
We chose this destination as it is within easy driving distance of Calais and there are loads of things to do both on and off the parc.
I love to cook, especially on holiday, as it is fabulous to see what the local dishes are and to try to create them myself.
I know that apples, cider, Calvados and cheese are the classic ingredients of the area so I am excited to see what I can serve up.
To get me in the mood I made a Normandy tarte au pomme apple pie last week.
Such an easy thing to do and it was delicious. I baked a sweet shortcrust pastry case and filled it with frangipane.
Frangipane is the mixture you find in a Bakewell tart.It is just a mixture of ground almonds, butter, sugar and eggs.
That is spread into the pastry case and then some slices of eating apples are placed on top.
Baked in the oven for about half an hour and, voila, it is ready to serve.
We will dine out a few times during the trip and that will be a rare treat for me.
There is a good restaurant on the holiday parc. But I am sure we will venture further afield too to see what hidden gems we can find.
I will report back next week and let you know how we got on.
A bientot!