Sunday 15 January 2012

The Good Life - Inspired by Our Neighbours in France.

*
The vegetable plot at our country cottage has been temporarily abandoned due to a couple of persistent rabbits and the lack of time we have spent there during the last 12 months. This hiatus won't continue indefinitely even though does fell like it has been forever since we temporally abandoned city life for the fresh air  and call of the kookaburras in the country............. Too much to do.......... so little time!

Despite the war being waged in my city garden, my quest for "the good life in the suburbs" hasn't been forsaken. In attempt to appease my desire  to become more self- sufficient, without renouncing any of the little savoir faire I possess,  this week I decided to turn my hand to cheese making, an action catalysed by having a family-run fromagerie, where fresh milk is turned into cheese, at the bottom of our sloping garden in France.  Maybe any knowledge I gain during this exercise will help me with conversation when we meet our new neighbours ? ......... Point to note: Must improve my French!
So for those of you who are on a quest for "the good life", or  are in a similar situation as moi with your new neighbours in France, here is a quick summary of the process to inspire you into action!

Step 1 - Milk was gently warmed and left standing to curdle, with the curds eventually sinking in the whey.
Step 2 - Curds and whey were separated through an old open-weave cotton cloth - substituting for a muslin cloth.


Step 3 -  Voila the fromage which is quite delish.











Post Script.
1. I won't be going into competition with our new neighbours in France!
2. A few zucchinis, a cucumber and some chard has been picked from my vegetable garden in the city, but sadly the war continues in the tomato plants, lemon tree, roses and camellias.
Possum damage to one of my beloved camellias. Will it recover?
* = Courtesy of Assentis Pasta

11 comments:

Ann said...

Wow!
I am impressed!

I would not even think to make cheese! Keep on and let us know how it goes, ok?

julia said...

I am now inspired, I think I may try cheese-making tomorrow evening since I am starting a "Make It Monday" regular session to explore home-made stuff... cheese is a good start, and so easy? Is it really so easy? Do you flavour the cheese at all? Recipes????

But you see, you have the prefect attitude for life in France where self-sufficiency is second-nature and nothing is wasted and gardens are full of veggies

I am inspired, thank you!

julia said...

PS now you need a goat, you do know that, don't you?

Elizabeth at Eiffel Tells said...

Yes Mouse, it is that easy. You can get the instructions from the internet. AS for the goat - I would love one, but I don't think I could contend with yet another creature destroying my garden!
Warm regards.

martinealison said...

Bonjour,
Merci pour vos gentils commentaires...
Depuis toujours je fabrique au moins le fromage frais ou à la faisselle à la maison... Même après un lourd repas, cela rafraîchit tant!
Avec du sel, du poivre, de la crème fraîche ou encore une bonne confiture maison ou du miel hum!!! quelle délice...
Une très jolie publication...
Gros bisous à vous ma chère.

Karena said...

Elizabeth, that was my question; is it REALLY that easy. If so my imagination is running wild. wrap the little cake of cheese in snipped chives, herbs de Provence, etc!

Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Unknown said...

I have the crispy bread ready sounds and looks yummy !!! JEALOUS fay xx

French Basketeer.com said...

Bravo! Cheese is not something I have tried to make! I sympathize with the garden critters, they sure do know what they like, don't they?

That's Not My Age said...

I can just about make a cheese sandwich - so I'm impressed that you're making your own fromage!

leslie said...

Hi Elizabeth, I've come to your blog through La Fourchette s'est Emballee. I love cheese so I'm thinking I might give this a try.
Your blog is lovely, and I would say your photographs are beautiful so don't worry about your camera.

Carla said...

Oh no rabbits as well you sure sound like you have every pesky varmint known to man in your garden!!! I hope that gorgeous camellia tree does recover. Stick to cheese far less destructive and won't bite you and looks delicious Brava
Carla x