Those French—they really know how to live! The French lifestyle is famous the world over. Truly, there is no “rat race” here. It’s funny, I get right with the French program when I’m in France, but back in the US, I slip back into my harried ways!
So let’s look at 8 ways we can soak up some of that great French lifestyle:
Cherish your leisure time.
We often live to work, while the French work to live.
Be with family, with friends, get outdoors. The concept of not using every single minute of your annual leave would be completely foreign here in France.
Don’t eat: Dine
Life in France revolves around the pleasures of the table. Meals, including breakfast, are long and relaxed and sociable. No snacking, s’il vous plâit, because its better to be really hungry. Anticipation is everything!
Dine en pleine air
The French will dine outside at home or at a restaurant, whenever they possibly can.
Drink good wine
The French have a deep appreciation of, and understanding of, fine wine. Up your quality if you can, and drink it often, in moderation.
Have a Cheese Plate
Un plâteau de fromage, always served after the meal, is one of the great traditions of dining in France. Serve two or three cheeses with some good bread.
Appreciate and revere beauty and good taste
Just one example, albeit a bit of a historical one: at any flea market, you’ll find tons of elegant, artfully embroidered linens. That’s because French women traditionally embellished everything from sheets to towels to tablecloths. It’s all about celebrating the art of living.
Take a Walk with Your Family
It’s a Sunday tradition: after the big Sunday meal, everyone, from Gram to toddlers, take a long stroll together. You see them on country roads, you see them in cities.
Be a good conversationist
The French LOVE to talk! The food at all these leisurely meals is important, but so is debate, discussion, and laughter. Put down the cell phone, raise your glass, and start the conversation.
And let’s keep the conversation going—what tips do you have for adopting the French lifestyle? And why not up your lunch game to start, by making this easy French quiche. Even easier if you have some leftover veggies, ready to add.
RECIPE: Quiche, the French Way
I saw a recipe the other day for a deep dish quiche, made in a cheesecake pan. The French do the opposite: they make their quiches in the thinnest of tart pans.
If making the quiche in a tart pan with removable bottom, pre-bake the crust with pie weights. Then before you fill it, brush with some of the filling and bake again for 5 or 10 minutes more, to seal it. This prevents it from leaking in the oven, but I put a sheet pan under it, just in case.
I like to fill my quiche with vegetables and fresh herbs, but get creative! Smoked salmon is a frequent and interesting addition to French quiches. Photo right: Pile in the veggies as a base for a healthy and delicious quiche.
I am sorry to say I used a prepared crust, and I'm dead impressed if you make your own. Pillsbury makes a good one in the states, you just unroll and go. In France, try a pâte brisée. So here we go:
- 1 piecrust, homemade or store-bought
- Any cooked veggies you like, and/or cooked meat or fish (for this one I sautéed some squash, onions, red peppers, and scallions)
- 1/2 cup of cheese, your choice; I used a mixture of white cheddar and parmesan. Gruyère is the classic.
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- a dash of nutmeg and cayenne pepper
- a handful of fresh herbs, if desired
- Pre-heat over to 375. Mix eggs, milk and spices, plus salt and pepper to taste.
Line the pie crust with foil, add pie weights or rice. Bake about 10 minutes; don't let it get too brown. Remove weights and foil; brush with egg mixture. Cook 5 to 10 minutes more, or until light golden brown. Check often.
Add sautéed vegetables to the pie. Top with grated cheese. Pour egg mixture over all. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until center is set and it starts to puff and turn golden.
In the COMMENTS: Natalia and Suzanne have refinements on our Better Than Sex cake, so be sure to check!
