If you are planning a trip to France then Carolyn Boyd’s new book Amuse Bouche is the just the thing for you and if you had not thought of going there you may well after reading it. To my great disappointment I have just had to cancel a six day break in Normandy, but actually it may be a blessing in disguise as I have learned so such more about where to go and what to do to thoroughly appreciate the culinary delights of the region.
This book is better than any ordinary guide book. It takes you deep into the countryside and down hidden alleyways to meet the most amazing artisan producers and the best eateries in which to sample their produce. Michelin star restaurants nestle beside local cafes and specialist food shops pop up in all sorts of out of sight locations.
In Normandy I now know where to find the best examples of specialities such as Calvados, Pont L’Eveque and Livarot cheeses, creme fraiche and butter from D’Isigny, not to mention Boudin Noir. But I have also learnt about lesser known dishes such as Caneton de la Rouen a la presse, a whole duck prepared in a particularly complicated manner, Honfleur Teurgoule, a slow cooked very creamy rice pudding and Mirliton, a delicious praline filled biscuit from Pont Audemer.
Every region of France, including Corsica, gets the same in depth treatment so wherever you want to go the book offers a feast of information.