Skiing The Alps

Just over a month ago now my Mum, Dad, Sister and I took to the slopes. A fresh dump of snow, the sun was shining, and we had a list of great restaurants to visit - all the ingredients for a fantastic week away. 

We stayed in Vallandry which is one of the lower villages in Les Arcs, not only is the village traditional looking, with beautiful chalets (no concrete tower blocks here). It is also perfectly situated for ambitious skiers who want to explore both Les Arcs and La Plagne, as the Cable Car joining the two areas is just 200meters up the road or one ski run away. 

My personal mission for the week was to ski every run... although too much Vin Chaud (hot wine) permitted me from doing so. I gave it my best shot though, and broke in my new ski boots. (now discounted... grrr)

The ski area is vast and varied and probably one of my favourite for skiing, obviously fresh snow makes it all the more enjoyable. 

While I love to ski, another one of my favourite things about coming to France is the food. Wether it's the mountain air, the rustic surroundings, or the fact that you work up quite the appetite skiing all day long... mountain food is the BEST food.

Here are some of my favourite bits from throughout the week;

One of our favourite spots on the mountain is Chalet Sud Verdons; right on the slopes (La Plagne Side) with spectacular views of the mountains, this large rustic chalet serves up all the traditional dishes, and everything tastes fantastic.

I went for the Tartiflette, it's a must do when in the mountains - potatoes, onions, bacon, cream and cheese. Whats not to like? 

 Tartiflette is a traditional alpine dish that changes as you move round the Alps, each restaurants uses local cheeses and meats so you should try them all!! When in Rome... 

I then had the selection of deserts - that's right, i had one of everything as i couldn't decide between them. Creme Brûlée, Chocolate mousse, tiramisu, macaroon, meringue, and apple tart... 

My Sister went for the Larger chocolate mousse.

Another day, another ski area, and another lunch time came: we arrived at the Les Chalets de l'Arc. Otherwise known as the 'Altitude Bakery', as it is the highest bakery in the Alps. Now, I'm not sure if it is scientifically proven that altitude can assist in the quality of bread, but it tastes pretty darn good to me.

leschaletsdelarc.com

We got one of their speciality stuffed breads, this one had mushrooms and local cheese's... delicious and moist, there is just something about bread straight from the oven; 

For main course, I had spiced mince meat wrapped in puff pastry, it was kind of like the French version of a Cornish pasty: a better and tastier version (and I am prone to a cornish pasty).

My sister went for a pasta dish, she is after all the queen of pasta!!

and then we shared a Creme Caramel for desert... just scrummy!!

Definitely worth a visit if your ever in the Alps.

One evening we decided we wanted something nice and simple, of course this meant fondue and other traditional french dishes.

French Onion Soup

Escargots (aka snails in garlic butter... nom nom)

Now for the main event... What is it about cheese that is just sooo good??

Happy families start with happy tummies... 

It is very rare for just the four of us to spend time together, so to have a whole week together was fantastic, I am very lucky to have such a loving family. 

We stayed Here if you are planning a holiday to Les Arc.

The French Way

Last week me and my family took hit the Alps for a week of skiing, there was a fresh dumping of snow, the air was crisp, and the sky was blue, it was a fantastic week. We enjoyed copious amounts of food and wine, which is what we do best, and I will be writing all about it shortly. This post however is about the drive home, and the amazing restaurant we stumbled across.

Driving to the Alps is admittedly not my favourite thing to do, on the way there I am  simply too excited to get on the slopes, and on the way back I am too anxious to get back to my comfy bed, and have cuddles with my doggies. Our lunch stop however did indeed make the journey far more bearable and remind me why I love france their food - the last french supper as it were.

After six hours in the car, cramped legs and rumbling stomaches we pulled off the A1 and drove into the to Saint Denis, and saw a restaurant that was open - one happy family!! Based on the appearance of the town we were not expecting anything too fancy, however to our surprise the place was charming, the tables were simply laid with white table cloths and large wine glasses (which I filled immediately with a large crisp glass of there house Chablis which was just what I needed). The place smelt delicious, which really got our tummies excited.

The waiter brought us a lovely plate of nibbles while we looked at our menus, all of which were exceptionally tasty my favourite were the cheese twists, which I must attempt to make myself.

Next out was an amuse bouche - petit pois with fromage frais (pea and cream cheese). More English restaurants should do this in my opinion.

We decided against starters as we still had a lot of driving to do and skipped straight to the mains.

 

I had the 'Médaillons de Lotte en risotto aux Morilles' - translation, mushroom risotto with monkfish, and it was divine, just what I needed, delicate but filling and definitely hit the spot.

I did however manage to make enough room to pinch a few mouthfuls of my sisters 'Filet de Boeuf cuit selon votre Goût et son beignet de foie gras' and all you need translating from that is - amazing melt in your mouth fillet steak... yum yum!

These little bits of goodness were such a lovely touch, a frozen pallet cleanser of grapefruit and melon, which you then dipped in sugar.

and for the deserts...

Crème au Caramel et Brochette de Banane Flambèe (Flambeed in Rum... nom nom)

Tarte Soufflée au chocolat moelleux, glace vanille - melting chocolate magic in the mouth... I can still taste it now!!

Comme un Paris Brest glace a la noisette, et chocolat chaud - a large profiterole with a twist, the hazelnut ice cream for the centre was delicious.

Fondant de pommes au caramel d'orange Crème cannelle... I didn't actually get to try any of this as my mother had gobbled it up, but it was apparently delicious.

and because we hadn't eaten enough... a tray of homemade goodies (I may have taken some for the road).

If your planning a drive through France, I would recommend Le Moulin Brûlé as a refuelling spot, it is also a B&B incase you eat too much and need to slip into a food coma...

Festive Period

Christmas has always been my favourite time of the year, mainly due to spending three whole weeks at home. Enjoying the fantastic company of family and friends, and of course, ALL THE FOOD... more food and drink than I probably consume throughout the rest of the year, thank goodness baggy Christmas jumpers are fashionably acceptable.

When I first get home for Christmas, I have a ritual that according to my mother started when me and my little sister used to break up from school for the holidays. This ritual includes spending the first day home in our pyjamas, thats right... ALL day. Sat in front of the fire, cuddling our doggies, watching our favourite christmas movies (Miracle of 34th Street and The Santa Clause are compulsory). Whilst drinking copious amounts of hot chocolate (however these days its mums home made mulled wine...) Perfection.

With my duvet day out the way i could finally begin to get into the christmas spirit. The run up to Christmas day always seems like a blur, last minute shopping, hair dying, food prepping, present wrapping, and most importantly mince pie making... I personally could eat mince pies all year round, however I don't for health reasons. So in order to compensate for my depravity throughout the rest of the year, I have one with breakfast, lunch, and dinner over Christmas...

My mothers first batch ran out rather quickly so it was my turn in the kitchen... I am a firm believer when it comes to food, that homemade is best (even if you take some shortcuts...)

Here is my cheat way of doing 24 mince pies;

• Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/400°F
• Grab some ready roll puff pastry
• Using pastry cutters; 24 large (for the bottom) and 24 small (for the lid) and place in a shallow patty tins

• Mix together some mince meat mixed with an extra splash of brandy / cognac
• Fill each with just over a teaspoon of the mix

  

• Pop the lids on
• Egg wash and pierce with a sharp knife
• Then into the oven and wait 15-20 minutes (however stay near the oven to keep and eye on them)
• Once done leave to cool on a wire rack and sprinkle with some icing sugar
• Stick the kettle on and enjoy the lovely taste of Christmas...

Time to whip up another batch before January comes...