Whitney

March 2, 2007

We have been in France for almost a month now.  Time has been flying!  Our days have been filled with numerous adventures of all different sorts.  Not a day goes by without our being introduced to new vocabulary or products of Alsace.  Most recently, our group has been experiencing the Alsatian cuisine.  Two items we have encountered are kugelhopf and foie gras.

Kugelhopf is an Alsatian staple. It is a leavened bread baked in a cake mold, sometimes sprinkled with almonds or powdered sugar.  We often find ourselves munching on this delicious bread.  Just the other day, we were given the opportunity to bake our own kugelhopfs!  We split into groups and were taught the secrets to their creation.  I must say that the experiment was a success because it wasn’t a complicated process.  All six groups produced wonderful kugelhopf that was part of our breakfast for several days following.

One of the more interesting experiences, though for some of us it was difficult, was the day we visited the foie gras restaurant and farm.  First, we were treated to a wonderful meal of foie gras and duck by the owner himself.  The meal was an experience for some of us who had never tasted foie gras; it is an acquired taste.  Then the owner proudly gave us a tour of his facilities.  We were shown the ducks, and he explained the processes he goes through to create this French delicacy.  Though the process is a bit controversial, most of us found it to be quite interesting.  It is not every day one can take a peek into the world behind French cuisine!