Lyonnaise Garlic & Herb Cheese

Another wonderful "non-recipe" dish to be added to the entertaining arsenal.........


Per Nana ~

 In 1996, we were celebrating our 42nd wedding anniversary, so hubby 

and I  decided to rent an apartment in Paris.  We found a place in the 

Montmartre section,  a 4th floor (walk-up) and we were in seventh heaven.

 Surprisingly, the Montmartre is more than just a tourist section of Paris. 

 It is a neighborhood of lovely food markets, restaurants and every day living.

Each morning we went to the boulangerie for our fresh baguette

 or croissant, had our cafe au laite, and planned our day.  Life was good.

We toured Paris in our rental car, and visited the food markets in the area. 

 One day I just had to have fresh flowers for the apartment and since there

 was  a florist at the corner, we bought a lovely mixed bouquet of autumn 

colors.  When  we arrived home,  we realized we did not have a vase ,

 so we improvised with a wine bottle.  As I said, life was good.

We learned how to pay a parking violation, and how to beat the parking 

meters before they expired.  (Obviously a car is not necessary in Paris)

Found the local church, St. Jean de Montmartre, and the local

 liquor store, Nicholas, and lived the dream.

Each day at "happy hour" we went to the various wine bars. I have written 

of this before but our favorite is Le Rubis, near the rue de Rivoli, for our 

daily " kir royale" or "pastis".  A wonderful way to enjoy our retirement.

FYI, every year in the numbered years (even) the first Saturday in October, 

there  is a wine/champagne tasting going on to celebrate the harvesting of 

the grape.  Montmartre has one of the oldest vineyards in Paris,  Many stands

 were set up on the Place Du Tertre, offering glasses of champagne, etc.  

We were so lucky to have witnessed this event.

Point of interest, if you do not want to ride the funicular down from the 

Basilique Sacré Coeur, there are more than 300 steps to the bottom.   

I know,  I counted them on the way down.

This brings me to this week's recipe.

One night we were out to dinner near the apartment, and after dinner 

we normally finish our wine with a plat du fromage. That night I wanted 

something sweet so I ordered creme caramel,  hubby went for the fromage.

 On the menu was fromage blanc.  (White cheese, right?)  Out came this bowl

 of what looked like sour cream.  Absolutely tasteless.    

I was so happy that for my sweet tooth because I really enjoyed it.  

I do not share well.  Ha! Ha! When I saw this week's recipe I had 

to laughed  thinking of our experience. I decided that Wegman's 

was the best choice to find fromage blanc, but it was not to be,

  so I settled for ricotta cheese and it worked beautifully.

 Dorie suggests that you drain the ricotta, but I don't think this is necessary 

 with the type that is sold today.   I  believe  the draining is for very fresh

 ricotta cheese, the type that is made daily.

This is a really great herb cheese  that can be used with chips or spread on

 a cracker.  I used some with an avocado, and also with tomato.

It is a recipe that will definitely replace my sour cream dips for a while.

Merci,  Dorie.

Let me just add that all of this  month's recipes  were  winners and hubby 

and I enjoyed each and every one of them. Looking forward to June~

Per Tricia~

I am taking a bye this week as my older son graduates from High School 

on Saturday and I am enjoying the festivities and the moment.  Soon enough 

I will have lots of time for "Dorie food", even if I am shy a taste tester :)

Happy French Friday

 and Congrats to everyone celebrating Graduations ~

(PS- this October Nana will celebrate her 58th anniversary !)