Cassoulet in 36 degrees !


It's hot, real hot. The sort of heat that leaves you longing for a darkened room with crisp cool linen sheets by midday and wishing you hadn't a care in the world.

Being married to Bionic Man has changed the routine slightly. Whereas before by the time the village clock struck seven I could sit and ponder the day before me that has now changed completely. Never mind I've the pool to tend to, never mind there are sheets to struggle with on the line His Lordship is tapping his stick impatiently and raring to go up hill and down dale. By the first golden rays this morning I was huffing and puffing alongside the now forlorn sunflowers, weary heads hanging dejected towards the close of the summer season. In their stead the vines are flourishing beautifully, grapes hanging heavy after the recent rains which gave us all rather an unseasonal week.

Along the way we met various neighbours also striding out or tending their vegetables in the pleasant heat of early morning.

You would have thought that the fare for this time of year would be seriously salad based but for some reason Castelnaudary holds its annual Cassoulet fest. Now if you've never tried Cassoulet I would urge you to do so. It is the most delicious concoction of duck, lingot beans and sausages. As if this is not enough to knock you flat out it is best accompanied by glasses of the Malpere red.

I guess these 7.30 starts had better continue for a while longer.........

Comments

Crystal Jigsaw said…
Oooh duck. I absolutely love it. It's not quite so hot here today. A cool breeze and threatening clouds.

Crystal xx
ChrisH said…
Still, must be good to have HL back on his feet. As for lying down in darkened rooms? Close your eyes and think of West Wales - we are blanketed by grey cloud today. Hope you find some time for yourself.
toady said…
Love Cassoulet but in the winter.
We're bright and breezy today, at last no rain for 5 days. This is the summer.
Toady
lampworkbeader said…
I haven't eaten cassoulet for years. I fancy it as an early autumn dish, using just harvested beans. Mmm!
Faith said…
Gosh, I think duck, sausage and beans would give me a tummy ache - and its boiling today too!
No I have never tried it - which is wonderful because now I have something else to look forward to.

Yes I am delighted to hear that HL is up and about.
Exmoorjane said…
Nooooo....have never understood why cassoulet in summer?! Adrian does a reasonable one (providing we have provisions from France) but only in the depths of winter or at least after the first frost.
I feel like that sunflower today!
Blossomcottage said…
I am afraid I don't like cassoulet at any degree and I am not keen on the 36 degrees so for once in all the time I have known you I am quite glad to be here in 20 degrees with a salmon salad!!
Love Blossom
Cait O'Connor said…
I can feel the heat! Early morning and evenings would be all I could stand.
Your Cassoulet sounds lovely, I have eaten it only once and enjoyed it then.
Pondside said…
Haven't ever tried Cassoulet but it sounds delicious. I love food festivals!
Glad to hear that your Bionic Man is well recovered - you'll be in the best of shape with all that hiking!
julie said…
sounds great, I have only eaten it once since arriving here in france but it was very nice, however it was in the depths of winter. It was also very hot in our neck of the woods and we ended up with a wimpy salad. We also often see our neighbours tending their crops in blistering heat and I am amazed how neat there little plots are. I'm sure if it were me and the sun was beating down the weeds would have to fend for themselves.
muddyboots said…
why would you eat a bean & sausage stew in the hot weather? humm, been warm up here too you know, 20'C, enough to tempt the young of the species to jump in the sea.
Mary said…
Love France but hate very hot weather. Must come from being so used to British weather. Oh for a bit of sun here Its a grey day today I know you will know what that means Love your blog and will be back again. Mary

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