France will always have a place in my heart not only because ma souer is French, but because the culture itself greatly influenced my appreciation for food, most notably cheese. Before studying there, I liked cheese, but I could've done without. It wasn't until I got into the habit of having a cheese course every evening before dessert that I fell in love with brie, chévre, and more.
France also inspired my love of fresh, bitter greens. A few weekends ago, Katie brought a fennel salad to Leslie's fabulous bloggie brunch. I absolutely loved it and vowed to make a similar one as soon as I got a chance to run to farmer's market. The other day I had that chance. With Heidi Swanson's Shaved Fennel Salad to lead me, I created my new favorite summer salad.
It is too amazing not be shared, even if it is more Greek-like than French. Not to mention that I figured a post about salad would be a good follow-up to an ode to booze ;). Also, speaking of Greece, I received this Santorini Villa offer in my inbox today. Sounds like another country needs a visit soon! Perhaps I will take that vacation I've been musing about in October instead...
