papilles en éveil

Those of you who have read this blog in the past may remember that Anna belongs to a cooking (and eating!) group called “papilles en éveil” - roughly translated as “awaking tastebuds.”  This is

some of the group taking a break

another AVF-sponsored group organized by Brigitte, an incredible ball of energy, action, and smiles.  Each month eight women in the group (first come, first served) get together at a member’s home to prepare and then eat an entrée (1^st course), plat (main course), and dessert.  They take turns hosting and taking the lead in the various courses. 

Normally, the group meets at homes within the range of public transportation in and around Lyon, but In June they met at Viviane’s home, out away from it all in Beaujolais country. Viviane and her husband built their dream house on a secluded acre of land that was (20 years ago) a mere 20 minute non-rush hour drive from Lyon.  It is a lovely home, still away from it all, but no longer 20 minutes from Lyon.  The weather was lovely, and drive through the contryside was pleasant.

First you twist and remove the tail...

Finished entrée

Dawn was in charge of the entrée and chose “Langoustines, justes sautées, vinaigrette à la orange". (Langoustines are large prawns.)  Dawn had just completed a six week cooking course at the Institute Paul Bocuse. Anyway, Dawn was soon showing some of them how to prepare the langoustines (removing tail, head, and shell with legs).  Others were preparing the vinaigrette.  It came together as a beautiful and delicious first course.

Meanwhile, Viviane was leading a group preparing the main dish, Rôti de Porc au Nougat (pork roast

The plat

wrapped around a bar of nougat) with potatoes, apricot chutney, and apricots with spices.  As you can imagine, this kept the rest of the group quite busy.  Luckily, Viviane has a fairly large kitchen that is well-suited for many preparations going on at once.  It certainly looks lovely!


For dessert, Viviane chose Panna Cotta Chocolat Blanc garnished with sugared strawberries and tomatoes.  Also, very delicious!

The group happily ate a leisurely lunch, savoring the fruits of their labor.   They discussed their next monthly papilles en éveil gathering after réentre (return from vacations and to school and normal life in the fall).

Then, after cleaning the kitchen and taking a leisurely tour of Viviane's lovely yard and garden, they got into cars and headed back to Lyon.  It was rush hour and took a good deal more than 20 minuites, but after that lovely day and repast, no one cared.

Author's note:  Brigitte's creation, papilles en éveil, will celebrate its 5th anniversary in the

fall.  What a fun way to meet people from all over the world, learn new recipes, and dine on amazing preparations!  Merci, Brigitte!