Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table by Carole Bumpus
Description
Join Carole Bumpus as she continues the culinary journey of Book One in Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table, with her incomparable guide, Josiane, as they head north from Paris to Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Normandy, and Brittany, then drop into the Loire Valley before ending in the Auvergne.
Sample family favorites and regional delights such as Flemish Potjevlesh, Algerian-influenced chicken tagine, moules (mussels) in cider and cream, salt-encrusted Lamb Grevin, Far Brêton, and Pâté de Pomme de Terre. Enjoy the music and antics of local festivals like La Bande de Pecheur (Gang of Fisherman), Feast of St. John, and the Blessing of the Fleet. Discover the wonder of troglodyte caves, wineries, and truffle farms in the Loire Valley. Then travel to Josiane’s family home, where you, too, can discover why food and family time are considered sacred in the Auvergne. And, all along the route, witness the impact WWI and WWII on the families profiled. Even seventy-five years later, the legacy of war remains—and yet, incredibly, the gift that each generation has handed down has been gratitude and a deep understanding of the importance of family.
A compilation of personal stories, memorable moments, family secrets, and mouth-watering recipes, this French culinary travelogue is sure to find a prized place on the bookshelf of readers who love France—its food, its people, and its history.
A Note From the Publisher
Carole Bumpus began writing about food and travel when she stumbled upon the amazing stories of women and war in France. Her historical novel, A Cup of Redemption, was published in October 2014, and her unique companion cookbook, Recipes for Redemption: A Companion Cookbook to A Cup of Redemption, was released in August 2015. Book One, of her Savoring the Olde Ways Series, called Seaching for Family and Traditions at the French Table was published August 2019. Her second of this series is due to be published August 2020, and the third book, Searching for Family and Traditions at the Italian Table is due to be released in April 2021. She has also had three short stories published in the Fault Zone anthologies: Words from the Edge, Stepping up to the Edge, and Over the Edge. A retired family therapist, Bumpus lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Advance Praise
Selected praise for
Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table, Book One
by Carole Bumpus
“Both a regional history and a cooking memoir, this is even more than the sum of its parts, and a celebration of living life every moment. Francophiles, history fans, and foodies will love this book.”—Booklist
“…engaging…. A culinary adventure that’s enhanced by familial and regional histories.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Warning: Do not read this book if you are hungry or within reach of a credit card. You will end up cooking (and eating) all of the included recipes, or buying a ticket for the next flight to France, or both – all while devouring this book. Because, much like the dishes and stories she describes, Carole Bumpus’ writing is simply delectable.”—Pink Pangea
My Review
I'm all about everything French so it was a no brainer to pick this book up and give it a try! Bumpus went above and beyond bringing more than the food to the table! I cook for the people I love and pour that love into what I make. I really do find pleasure in creating a dish that everyone loves. Not only do you feel connected to the author's experiences but you'll learn about French history and traditions as well!
It's a must read if you love food and even more so if you love French cooking!