Club De L’Amitie Daglanaise.

An excellent first meal of the year was provided after the Club AGM yesterday, created by Chef Fabrice of La Cantine which is situated in Daglan village.

Of course it is not only the food which draws people, club business, projects, election of new committee members and it is a brilliant chance for a catch up with friends and a great opportunity to meet new people.

 

Excellent service, company, food and wine.
 

Bon Appetit.
 

My main course was a delicious vegetarian option. I must try and get the recipe from Fabrice.
 

The Three Musketeers.
 

Congratulations Elaine for your appointment to the Committee.
 

Presentation of flowers or a bottle of wine for Birthday celebrations.
 

Big hugs.
 

Gorgeous smiles. Look forward to our next meal together.
 
 

Event:-La Chandeleur will be celebrated on the 2nd February. It originates from an ancient Latin and Pagan festival. Later becoming the Christian celebration of Candlemas, bringing hope and warmth in the midst of Winter.

Traditionally in France It is when people make delicious crêpes for everyone to enjoy. You should hold a gold coin in one hand while flipping the crêpe in the pan with the other. If you succeed in flipping the crêpe, you will have a prosperous and fortunate year ahead.
 
 

Laissez vous Tenter.

Sarlat Truffle Festival 2019

They say the woods around Daglan
grow secrets in the ground,
and the Perigord Noir hide the rarest
of truffles to be found.

The truffle may be ugly,
found by pig or dog,
but everyone agrees
its flavour is to savor.

Hundreds of people were tightly packed around a marquee full of truffles in the Medieval Quarter of Sarlat last Saturday morning. After waiting a few minutes a loud sigh was heard from the gathered crowed as the side panels were removed from the marquee and each person breathed the amazing truffle aroma emanating from within.

And this is what it was for, Perigord Black Gold of every size and every price.
 

A close up. The truffles in the basket on the left were grade 1 priced at €900 per kilo.
 

There were also stalls selling delicious Street Food and with demonstrations of truffle based cuisine from Master Chefs.
 

We are very predictable, we looked for the truffle macaroons. Which are delicious. Just had to buy four, for testing purposes of course.
 

A first for us, truffle cheese. Which is rich and creamy with the distinctive flavour of truffle, I can highly recommend it.
 
 

Don’t miss Daglan’s Truffle Market which is open until February.
 
 

Yummy Galette Time.

The word Galette comes from the Norman word ‘gale’ which means flat cake. It is a word used in French cuisine for various types of flat round or free form crusty cakes that are eaten during Epiphany from the 6th January, it symbolises the fertility and renewal of the earth, which is linked to the extension of sun light during the day.

In Christianity it is a symbol of the manifestation of Jesus among men and celebrates three episodes:- the arrival of the Magi, the wedding in Canna and the date of the baptisms of Christ in Jordan.

Inside the galette is a small bean or china gift which dates back to Roman times. It was white or black and was used during the Saturnalia festival to elect the king of the Feast. Today, the person who finds the gift in the galette becomes King or Queen for the day and wears the crown.

Tradition says that the galette is to be shared with guests who are also offered a glass of cider, muscat, sparkling wine or champagne. Which is very popular in South West France.

This particular fragipane filled galette was purchased at Delices De Pito Cénac, complete with the crown and flags. The flags are placed around the galette, it is cut into portions and served. The king or Queen and their guests act out what is written on each flag. For example ‘make a grimace face’, ‘recite the alphabet’ or ‘draw a mustache on your face or a guests face’. The fragipane filling originates from Marie de Medici, Henry IV’s second wife who brought the recipe to France.

If you find a special yellow bean in the galette from Pito, with the words ‘Bravo, vous avez gagne un mug’ written on the bean you take the bean back to Pito to receive a special gift a decorated yellow mug.
 
 

Events:- Truffle Festival in Sarlat this Saturday and Sunday. Also, Daglan truffle market on Sunday at eleven o’clock.
 
 

Why the Perigord Noir?

This question has been asked by friends, family, tourists and house hunters. The appeal to us, is that this part of the Perigord offers the most stunning landscapes as the Dordogne River cuts through the unspoiled countryside. The landscape changes at every bend in the road and there are amazing sights as you drive past the villages clinging to the rock face.

La Roque-Gageac.
 

There are four distinctive seasons from short Winters where temperatures can reach below freezing (-7 this morning) to blooming Spring and gorgeous hot Summers. Which are reflected in the seasonal produce sold in the many markets of the area.

The cuisine is rich in its diversity from duck, mushrooms, truffles, cheeses, wine, fruit and vegetables. To match this there are the amazing food festivals. this month we see the truffle market in Daglan and the Truffle Festival in Sarlat. Summertime brings the night markets where you can enjoy fresh cooked local food in pleasant surroundings.

Historical features include the many Château’s featuring pigeonniers and of course the many wonderful Beaux villages of the area.

A taster for the first time visitor to this area are Milandes, Castlenaud, Beynac, La Roque-Gageac, Domme, Daglan and Sarlat.

Medieval weekend last Summer held at Château de Castelnaud.
 

Included sword fighting demonstrations.
 

La Mairie de Daglan, Such a beautiful building.
 

Le Tour de Daglan takes a short rest in the village square.
 

Most of all it is always the people that make a place worth visiting time and again, and Daglan is no exception to this rule. You will never meet more friendly and welcoming people who are always willing to help and to make your life here a little bit better by their presence.

The weekly Craft Session.