My Sunday started with hauling a 4.8-kilo turkey from the market back to my parents’ place. We managed to fit the—dead—bird into the tiny fridge. It will be stuffed and cooked for Christmas.

Much like most French families, discussions these days revolve around the ‘’menu du réveillon“, the food we will eat on Christmas Eve and the day after. French value food, so it’s no wonder that such a major holiday call for special delicacies.

French typically eat a “big bird” at Christmas, such as a turkey, a goose or a capon. It is usually stuffed with foie gras, chestnuts, etc. Oysters, foie gras and smoked salmon are also popular with toast. Seafood is big in Brittany–shrimps, lobster, coquilles saint Jacques are among the favourite.

The market was pretty amazing on Sunday and the food was definitely fancier (and pricier!) than usual.

Roasted Meat
Roasted Meat
Foie Gras
Foie Gras
Meat to Roast
Meat to Roast
Cold Cuts and Deli Food
Cold Cuts and Deli Food
Meat
Meat
Snails
Snails
The Butcher
The Butcher
French Cheese
French Cheese
French Cheese
French Cheese
Hot Wine
Hot Wine

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9 Comments

  1. Christiane December 23, 2013 at 6:19 pm

    Yum!!! I just saw Pate de Campagne, Pate de Lapin, & Foie Gras in your pictures! Great now i am starving lol. What are you cooking pour le reveillon?

    Reply
    1. Zhu December 26, 2013 at 2:32 pm

      We had a bit of everything, turkey, foie gras, nice spreads and nice bread, chestnuts, etc. I ate too much!

      Reply
  2. Eileen December 24, 2013 at 4:51 am

    My boyfriend’s dad is a butcher he sees his working hours skyrocket during the Christmas/New Year week, with so many more people buying meat this week. Not too relaxing for the workers, but it must be good for business! Plus, he often brings home leftovers.

    Reply
    1. Zhu December 26, 2013 at 2:34 pm

      I can imagine it is the busiest season for them!

      Reply
  3. Boeingbleu December 24, 2013 at 5:38 am

    Il manque juste la tourtière!

    Reply
    1. Zhu December 26, 2013 at 2:33 pm

      Ah, pas en France!

      Reply
  4. Crystal December 24, 2013 at 7:59 am

    Merry Christmas! I’m making a traditional turkey dinner for Max and a couple of friends tomorrow (stuffing, Cranberry sauce, etc.). It’s my first time, so I hope it works out!

    Enjoy your French holidays 🙂

    Reply
  5. Jeruen December 25, 2013 at 3:43 am

    Gosh, you just made me crave for some good pate. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Zhu December 26, 2013 at 2:35 pm

      I’m sure you are in the right place for it in Germany!

      Reply

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