What does autumn look like in France? Yes I grew up with 4 seasons BUT in North America most things are available all year round so aside from the weather, you might not feel the seasons quite the same, except in your own garden. But here you won’t find produce in stores all year round and so you get used to a new rhythm. We’re really fortunate to live next to the Forest of Fontainebleau which is bigger than Paris itself and it can feel pretty magical all year round but there is something about the light in Autumn and seeing others out at various seasons to gather mushrooms, berries, wild garlic or when it’s fall… Chestnuts and always with the lovely scent of pines! I’ll be honest that I didn’t even like chestnuts at first but every year they grow on me and now I look forward to them. The first year I picked several kilos worth and made a sweet chestnut cream/spread that I preserved and we ate for the next year. I may or may not have even melted a piece of my mixer trying to get it to the perfect texture (thankfully it was under warranty and was replaced free of charge) but I haven’t quite had the nerve to try that many again. If you’ve ever had to peel any amount of chestnuts you might know the chore it can be or the state of your hands afterwards But I love wild food, I love good seasonal living and the opportunity to eat from our backyard not to mention the chestnut and the forest make for beautiful subjects! Have you ever gone foraging for chestnuts or do you have something delicious near you? Tell me about it! #frenchforaging #photographeculinaire #chestnutseason #wildfoods #frenchliving

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Vine and the Olive

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