Bonjour French Market Friends,
In France this week there are rumblings of a new political crises as current PM Francois Bayrou calls for a snap 
vote in Parliament on 8Sep on his unpopular, but necessary proposal, of an “Austerity” budget to reduce a E44bn public debt. One of his most unpopular recommendations is to cut 2 of France’s 11 public holidays to save costs, the outcome may lead to the collapse of the government. I don’t think anyone in S. Africa has even thought of r
educing our 13 public holidays to help reduce our E3trillion debt.
At least our week started well with our rugby team proving they had not completely lost the plot against Australia, with a strong win in a rain-soaked Cape Town, and Barbara, our transport minister has signed off on the inclusion of private investment in Train Operating Companies for our national rail structure, which will help get our mining stocks rolling again.
And in our beautiful store this week, as Spring comes, the first of the season’s globe artichokes arrived and flew 
out the door. We have organic broad beans as well. We will bring them in from the farm every week until the season ends. Fresh from the organic certified farm in Montagu we have pasture-raised duck’s
eggs and super-jumbo sized chicken’s eggs from a farm in the Worcester area. In addition, we have sourced quails’ eggs and will start to have them in the shop soon, let me know if you would like to pre-order.
In our French cheese range, we have a wide variety of tastes and textures to tempt you. From the mountains of France, where the sleepy cows munch on the deep, grassy pastures in the warm summer sunshine
, we have a selection of cheeses to tempt you. A Tomme is the name for a small wheel of cheese (usually up to 2kgs) from the alps, some have dry crusts to protect them during the winter, more modern ones have flavours added to their crusts. We have the Tomme Crayeuse from the Haute Savoie, it has a dry crust and crumbly texture with a smooth, rounded flavour.
We have the Tomme Croquant 
which is a small tomme that has been washed in the Liqueur of Walnuts from Sarlat, the centre has a smooth texture and a delicious walnut flavour.
The Tomme Jurassienne has a smooth texture and is flecked with dried black summer truffles whic
h gives the cheese a subtle truffle flavour. Another famous mountain cheese is the raw milk Emmental which has a dense flavour, it is great sliced into a crusty baguette or melted into a beautiful cheese sauce. If you want a more pungent cheese, try some of our St Nectaire, its really strong and appeals to people who like intense flavours. Come in and try a new cheese, you are always welcome to taste the cheese, if you are not sure which one you want to take home and enjoy
In our cold meat range, we have plenty of stock of the French duck liver mousse from the Landes region. This rich, creamy mousse is ideal spread on a baguette or crisp crackers. Pair this with some of our crunchy cornichons (small gherkins). We have salami and prosciutto crudo from Italy and saucisson sec style salamis. Plus, a whole rang
e of flavours of meat pates and coarser textured terrines in jars.
When friends drop in for an “apero” (a quick drink before a meal) you can offer them some of our handmade cheese straws and beautiful olives from Italy, to accompany a glass of French wine, such as the Louis Latour Valmoissine Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay from Burgundy. Do come and have a look at our range of French wines (you can also view them on our online website).
My recipe this week is made with the beautiful lemons that are currently in season in the Western Cape. This Posset recipe harks back to Medieval times, when a hot drink was 
made with milk or ale and spices, and was often served as a medicinal drink to help one sleep. From the 16th century Possets were made with cream and lemons and have stayed the same ever since. This is an ancient but simple recipe for a delicious, thick creamy dessert. It can be served in an attractive cocktail glass or shot glass. It is easy to prepare and has a wonderful texture with a fresh, lemon flavour from our organic lemons. It can be served on its own or accompanied by sweet biscuits such as our Biscuits Roses from Rheims. Pair with a glass of Louis Roederer Rose champagne.
I hope you enjoy your weekend, surrounded by friends and family sharing great French cheese and wine.
Regards
Suzanne and The French Market Team