A very happy Bastille Day! Today we celebrate the French, the history, the rich culture, the food, the wine, the art of L'apero, the French way of living. Why not have a glass of Kir Royale, some gourmet canapes while you start la fete (celebrations)!
Today is the 14th of July, the National Day of France. I must admit, I love French history.
Especially the French Revolution and the storming of the Bastille have always fascinated me the most. When I was in school, believe it or not, I used to look forward to the history class as I genuinely enjoyed it.
The 14th of July is celebrated throughout France in style. Fireworks, military parades, music and dance performances and so much more! But no celebration is complete without eating and drinking. And that's why the French invented the L'apero.
What is the l'apero?
I have celebrated many Bastille day's with my family in France and the one thing they do very well is the L'apero. It is an Aperitif taken before a meal, it can go for hours and consists of drinks and canapes.
During family reunions (we have a large family, my grandmother had 13 brothers and sisters!!!) the evening would start with a glass of Kir Royale. We would have a toast, clink glasses and the party would begin!
Shortly after, canapes would be passed around. These used to be Regional delicacies from Nuts, olives, pate, small verrines (not to be mixed with terrine, a "ver-een" is an appetizer or dessert made of components layered in a small glass) smoked fish, vol-au-vent, one tastier than the other, prepared with lots of love and care.
The French, traditionally eat dinner rather late, 8pm at the earliest so there is plenty of time for the L'apero. It doesn't stop there of course. The first bottle of white wine is opened with the first course of dinner and the drinking continues until the "Digestif" (a sweet drink equivalent of the Aperitif) is served at the end of the meal.
L'apero doesn't always have to be with Champagne. Another typical drink is the French Pastis or Ricard, an Anis flavoured spirit from south of France. Typically enjoyed with friends at a local bistro to kick off the weekend!
How to make Kir Royale
A Kir is a classic French cocktail consisting of a black currant liquor called Creme de cassis topped with white wine. Cassis itself is a liqueur made from Brandy, black currants, water, sugar and the buds from the cassis fruit. Though in France, there are a number of Kir variations, the most famous is the one made with Champagne instead of white wine, the Kir Royale.
To make the Kir Royale fill each champagne flute with 2 table spoons of Creme de cassis. Top the glass with chilled champagne or sparkling wine and Voila!! Admire the mixing of beautiful colours before you enjoy the first sip of this fizzy drink.
The popular Kir Royale is perfect when served as the first drink at an Apero or for any special occasion. At our wedding, my mother insisted (rightly so) that we serve a glass of Kir Royale for the toast. it's not only tradition but is super chic and elegant!
Bonne sante!
The line up for our Bastille Day celebrations at home:
Quiche lorraine
Smoked salmon with creme fraiche, lemon and dill
Pork Pate with onion chutney and truffle
Goat cheese with dried muscatels
Other ideas to make on Bastille Day:
Try our recipe for french rice pudding (teurgoule) or the Ile Flottante.
Claude VAUTE
Merci beaucoup pour cet hommage à notre fête nationale. C'est sympa ! Une précision : "Kir" était le nom d'un ecclésiastique qui fut autrefois maire de Dijon, et dont ce breuvage était la boisson favorite. Il a ainsi laissé son nom à la postérité.
admin
These are interesting facts, merci Claude.