The first time I went to the grocery store in France, I bought sour milk instead of milk, and cornstarch instead of flour. After that I always took a dictionary. It was an all day affair just to buy the basics. Plus two more days to sort through the cheese and wine.
The first time I had a meal with French husband’s family the silverware line-up was endless. I looked at the table as if it were a piano and the silverware its keys. I have never played the piano. I spent most of my time mimicking the impeccable table manners of my Father-in-law.
A typical French grocery list: Pain, yaourt, fromage, fruits, salade, huile de olive, thon, sel, sucre, farine, chocolat et vin. There is nothing better than the open markets!
As if my being American wasn’t a shock enough for my belle famille (In-laws) I was a vegetarian too. Pas de steak frites?! Tofu was a distant relative that they had a chance to meet.
photos: My Mother-in-law’s table set up for lunch.
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