Okay, here I am, with February in full swing. As I look out the window today I see blue sky and forsythia buds. The tulips sprouting have pushed over a few of my garden sculptures overwintering outside.
It doesn’t seem like stew is what I should be thinking of for dinner, but that’s where my head is at. Am I giving in, or is it right to be wary of winter’s deceptive nature?
Most of the year I am an optimist, but in February I need a boost. The chocolate of Valentine’s Day helps, and donuts or pancakes at Mardi Gras generally carry me through till the Girl Guide cookies arrive in March. As these bones get older however, they feel the cold more often and don’t warm up as fast.
Maybe I’m moping because I’m missing the wonderful Wine Festival this weekend. Vancouver hosts the International Playhouse Wine Festival at the end of February, and it used to be one of my yearly calendar appointments. 
I had hoped to get back this year, but it wasn’t meant to be. I shall be drinking my French wine at home this weekend.
So, that’s settled then. I’ll dig up a few old favourite recipes in my French folder and open something suitably decadent and heartwarming to pour in a glass. If all goes well, my pairing will not only warm the cockles of my heart but also the tips of my toes.
Got any French recipes that you want to share? I’m always looking for a new classic to add to my list… Have a favourite wine? I’d love to try something new.
Ideas so far:
- Soupe à l’oignon (Decadent French Onion Soup) with a bit of Champagne
- Pot au Feu (Beef Stew) with an aged Bordeaux
- Poulet Chasseur (Hunter Chicken) with an elegant red Burgundy
Or maybe you’ll try one of these recipes, and if it’s your thing, a glass of wine to accompany it. In which case, Cheers! Thanks for virtually joining my table.
(I’m feeling a bit like the Galloping Gourmet on television, looking for some unsuspecting audience member to join him for the meal. Ah well, virtual company is better then no kindred souls at all.)
