What is St Barbe?
The 4th of December, Sainte-Barbe, marks the beginning of Christmas in Provence known as Calendale (from the Provençal word Calèndo meaning Christmas). This is a festive period that runs from 4th December to Chandeleur on 2nd February. Traditional Christmas celebrations last almost two months here.
What is a Calendale?
In Provence, the Christmas period is called “La Calendale“, and starts on 4 December, the day of the patron Sainte Barbe (St. Barbara) (the French calendar attributes most days of the year to a different patron Saint).
Who was Sainte Barbe?
Ursula St Barbe (died 18 June 1602), also known as Ursula, Lady Worsley and Ursula, Lady Walsingham, was a lady at the court of Queen Elizabeth I of England.
Why are 13 desserts served at Christmas dinner in the Provence region?
The thirteen desserts are in reference to Jesus and his twelve apostles at the Last Supper. As tradition goes, there must be at least thirteen sweets available. They are all served at once, and each guest must have at least a small bite of each dessert.
What are some foods typically served for Christmas in France?
The dishes that make a real French Christmas feast
- CAVIAR.
- OYSTERS.
- LOBSTER.
- FOIE GRAS.
- ESCARGOTS.
- COQUILLES SAINT JACQUES.
- ROAST TURKEY WITH CHESTNUT STUFFING.
- ALL KINDS OF BIRDS AND WILD FOWL.
What is the traditional French candy eaten on Christmas & New Year?
Macarons. Again, the world famous and unmissable french macarons are a must-try treat any time of the year – but come Christmas time they just get that much more colorful and festive.
What do the French drink at Christmas?
Festive French cocktails include Kir Royale, a gorgeous ruby-hued drink made from Champagne and Crème de Cassis or blackcurrant liqueur. Another classic is a Sidecar made with citrusy Cointreau and Cognac.
What are 3 traditional French Christmas foods?
What is a traditional French Christmas Eve dinner?
Huîtres, or oysters, are a classic French Christmas tradition (if you have the money to afford them), served with lemon and a shallot mignonette. In fact, seafood in general is pretty popular for the Christmas Eve meal, as it is in Italy where on Christmas Eve many celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Why do the French eat 13 desserts?
Do the French eat Christmas pudding?
Food for thought It is a mark of France’s civilisation that the nation has never embraced the Christmas pudding. The French prefer a fancy log – of ice cream or sponge and chocolate.
How do you harvest lentils for beans?
Harvest lentils when the plant begin to turn yellow and the pods become brown. Lentils are commonly used as dry beans or peas. For dried seeds, harvest pods when they have matured and hardened. Leave lentils unshelled until you are ready to use them.
How do you plant lentils for beginners?
Prepare the planting bed by removing any weeds, clumps or rocks. Although lentils can grow in poor soil, they prefer loose soil with plenty of organic matter. Check the soil’s pH; lentils thrive best in soil that has a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 but can do well in soil with pH levels from 6.0 to 8.0.
What are lentils?
Lentils are a pulse crop, a grain legume. Lentils are believed to be one of the first agricultural crops, grow more than 8,000 years ago. Lentils were first grown in the Near East region of the Mediterranean.
What type of soil do lentils like?
Lentils prefer loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Lentils will grow in poor soil but the yield will be reduced. Lentils will not grow well in water-logged soil. Lentils grow best in a soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Add aged compost to planting beds before sowing. Lentils grow best in cool weather.