Monday, January 24, 2011

The Famed Languedoc Region

French regional food is always the best. It reflects the people and their centuries year old recipes. it also represents the land and waters that fresh veggies, organic meat and newly caught seafood come from. This is certainly true in France's Languedoc area, a beautiful section located on the Mediterranean.

Languedoc has always stood in the shadow of its' more famous neighbor, Provence. Foodies go mad for Provencale cooking,from its' bouillabaisse to its' saffron infused sauces. However Languedoc, the region to Provence's east also has some amazing dishes as well. The most famous is cassoulet, that delicious melange of duck and pork, beans and tomatoes. Wild boar is another popular dish being served in the more mountainous and sometimes chillier areas of the region. Confit du canard is another well loved recipe using duck legs poached in their own fat. Truffles also abound here.as so lives. The Langdociennes make a tapanade using olives form their
hillsides. Seafood is also popular and a fish stew . bourride,is made with aioli , the garlicky mayonnaise.

The region also has some amazing orchards. Cherries, apricots and peaches are in abundance, here thanks to the temperate climate. Clafoutis is a thick buttery flan covering dark sweet cherries. 9thanks to the Spanish influence on the regions' most western border) . Almonds figure big here too,. although most Langdociennes would end their dinners with some fruit and possible blue cheese . Blue cheese originate here and they region is proud of it. France's famed lavender honey is also made in this region and is used in creating sweet, floral infused pastries.

Languedoc is every foodie and gourmet;s destination. it is a quieter version of Provence, Yet it's cuisine packs a punch. It has given France andthe world some of th e best known dishes from cassoulet to clafoutis.