An American in Sologne

When a Toadstool is not just a toadstool

   The trees are have started their annual fireworks here in Sologne Loire Valley.  Among the dark green leaves  the are bursts of blazing yellows and gorgeous reds and oranges.

 

And while  I am amidst such tapestry searching for chanterelles and ceps I keep finding those lovely red toadstools  so well known from our childhood fairy tales.  And, speaking of… while searching for a photo I came across some very fascinating information on Wikipedia.  Now we are talking about
a toadstool that every child and adult has seen once,  at least in some fairy tale or another.  

 

The Amanita muscaria  is known as the fly agaric in English or the “tue-mouche” (fly killer) in French.  Have you ever given thought as to why such a strange name; not me. I just always believed that it was mortal and not to touch.  I did always wondered why they choose this particular one for the fairy tales. Unfortunately Wikipedia doesn’t explain the fairy tale position.  However, what it does explain is “époustiflant”  (absolutely amazing).

The French name “tue-mouche” (fly killer) says it best.

Albertus Magnus commented sometime before 1256, “it is called the fly killer mushroom because, when sprinkled in milk it kills flies”. This was later refuted by French mycologist Pierre Bulliard in 1784 when he tried, without success to replicate its fly-killing properties.  So much for replacing the fly swatter!

 

But more astonishing, at least for me,  is the fact  it is thought to one of the most potent hallucinogenic mushroom on the planet! The practice of ingesting this entheogen during religious ceremonies  was introduced by the Siberian Shamans centuries ago and apparently still traditionally used today despite Government suppression.

 

 

But in spite of all this amazing knowledge I will keep seeing just this  and I will still not touch it!

 

By the way if you know why it used in fairy tales or winter scenes so often please let me know!

 

Kristi Anderson

Bed & Breakfast

Dinner

Saint Jacques le coin perdu

15 place de l’église

45240 Ligny le Ribault

06.83.18.42.31

[email protected]

www.TheAmericanFrog.com

French blog :  TheAmericanFrog.typepad.fr/lecoinperdu

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where or where have all the mushrooms gone?

The end of the mushroom season is coming upon us quickly now, but, where or where were the mushrooms? The fact is that this has been a terrible no-mushroom mushroom season.  I have been living in Sologne – Loire Valley since 2000 and this is the worst year for fungus lovers.

Generally speaking from May to November Sologne Loire Valley is a Mecca for mushroom enthusiasts. In a “grand cru” year I have found not just the stellar  standards such as “girolles” (chanterelles) and “cepes” (ceps) but also “pieds du mouton”  (hedgehog fungus),  “rosé des près” (field mushrooms), “coprins” (shaggy ink caps), “trompettes de mort” (black trumpets), “coulemelle” (parasol mushrooms) and the list goes on.

Just to name a few of the more exotic species that I have had the luck to find and savour:

“langue de boeuf” (beefsteak fungus) – this mushroom is well named in both   languages.  Beef’s tongue in French and beefsteak in English it is, indeed, shaped like a cow’s tongue and the size, roughly the same.  And I cook it like a beefsteak, sliced thickly and grilled quickly.

“Chou-fleur” (cauliflower fungus) This large sponge-like mushroom is delicious cut into morsels, dipped in batter than lightly sautéed.

“Pézize”
(orange peel fungus) The great thing about this funny looking one is that is lovely to see it’s brightly coloured orange on a drab winter’s in the forest!  I throw it into whatever mushroom dish I am making to give colour and add just a bit of difference to the taste.

As for recipes here is one of my favorites, it is unusual, easy and parasol mushrooms (“coullemelle”) grow all over France!  Collect just the caps of this mushroom after they have flattened out. They usually need very little cleaning. Depending on how many you will be cooking you will need one or two beaten eggs in a shallow dish.  In another shallow dish mix breadcrumbs, herbs of your choice and Parmesan.  Dip the whole caps first into the egg then into the herb cheese mixture.  Lightly sauté them in olive oil.  I serve them like small pizzas as an appetiser or as a side dish with dinner. In the French and English reference guides there are marked differences in the culinary appreciation of certain mushrooms. 

It may not be too late this season, who knows, with just a little rain and sun…we might still have a season.

If you can’t find an expert to go with you take a reference book.  I usually take both a French and an English one with me. Do not go racing through the forest picking every mushroom you see, most will be of no culinary interest or toxic.  Pick only those that match what you find in the reference book. If you are picking ones that you do not know be sure to put each type in different bags so there will no contamination from a potentially toxic mushroom.

 Here in France each pharmacist is equipped to be able to confirm your pickings during the season.  This service is offered free so remember, if the pharmacist is busy please go back later. Michel, our pharmacist is very knowledgeable but once in awhile one of my finds has searching in his  mushroom enclypedia and sometimes even then there are times he is not sure!

 But remember not all mushrooms are edible and never never eat one if there is the least doubt.

Kristi Anderson

Bed & Breakfast

Dinner

Saint Jacques-le coin perdu

15 place de l’église

45240 Ligny le Ribault

www.TheAmericanFrog.com

02.38.45.41.54

 I am not even seeing those lovely red toadstools so well known from our childhood fairy tales. And, speaking of… while searching for a photo of one for this article I came across some very fascinating information on Wikipedia.

 

There are more than just Castles in Loire Valley Sologne

The days are still warmed by the last rays of Summer's Sun, and the cool nights are heralding Winter's arrival. It is Autumn in France. And it is not too late to enjoy an Autumn Week end in Sologne/Loire Valley.  The "brame" or the Stag's Song is still going strong.   You can hear it from every window in our B&B. Find out more at the "Maison du Cerf" (Stag's House)  www.coeur-de-france.com/maisonducerf.html  

 

But that is not all, don't forget the RENAISSAINCE BAL at Chambord.  Saturday, October 10th come and dress as one of François Premier's queens, ducs, or jester.  Dancing and feasting like him will be the order of the evening! The evening is sold out but we still have tickets left just call 06.83.18.42.31.

  www.cameleon45.fr/.../BAL%20RENAISSANCE.doc

 

Another magical moment to be spent here i n Sologne is to take a full day or half day learning about FALCONRY. Brigitte and Francis Cohu share their passion for this centuries-old art.  You will learn the history and have hands-on experience working with their wonderful hawks, owls and eagles.  http://www.fauconsolognot.com ; And Brigitte is bilingual!

 

 

But there are so many things to do and see year around here in sologne/loire valley.  Visit my blog:  http://TheAmericanFrog.typepad.fr/an-american-in-sologne to find out more!

 

kristi anderson
Saint Jacques - le coin perdu

Bed and Breakfast

Dinner possible
15, place de l'église
45240 Ligny le Ribault

02.38.45.41.54
www.TheAmericanFrog.com

French blog:  http://TheAmericanFrog.typepad.fr/lecoinperdu
[email protected]

Pumpkins, chestnuts, apples and more in Sologne and Loire Valley

WHAT IS HAPPENING SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER NEAR ME (Sologne and Loire Valley)

 

19-20 september

20 september - Journées Patrimoines - This is when numerous historic sites, either public or private, open their doors to everyone. Just a few here in Sologne...

La Tulierie de la Brétèche - Ligny le Ribault  - Come and discover a working brickoven, the last in France to wood fire their terre cuites.  www.tuilerie-de-la-breteche.fr

La Station de Radioastronomie de Nançay The Observatory at Nançay opens the doors of it's new Radioastronomy with displays and conferences.  www.obs-nancay.fr    

Romorantin - Come and discover the church Saint Etienne  and the history of its organ, or find out the  archéologique history of Romorantin at their muséee archéoligique Marcel de Marchéville. 

 

 26-27 september - Chaumont sur Tharonne "L'automne en fête"

  Chaumont sur Tharonne is a lovely Solognot village just to walk around but this Fall Festival offers much more. vide-grenier, artists (there will even be a woman who sculptures wood with a chain saw! And the results are amazing) and, of course, lots of locals products. 

I am American so I can't say what happens in autumn in other countries but "chez nous" 

 in the states we start the "Autumn party" around pumpkins, then around turkeys and then around holly!  So it is not so different here then when I was in the states.  Ok, ok france tried out Halloween and it wasn't a match but they still have a great pumpkin festival this week end in Millançay! 

 

26-27 september Millançay  "Foire à la Citrouille"

I have been  going to this pumpkin festival for the last 7 years and I love it.  I find my pumpkins (all shapes, sizes and prices) and I find all those lovely little squashes (coloquintes) that are fun to decorate with.  There is one, exactly like a miniature pumpkin that is edible. I cook it whole in the oven with just some butter.  I have no idea the name in English, nor in French. If you see a perfect tiny pumpkin ask if it is edible first. Then, enjoy.

26 september Ligny le Ribault "La Nuit du Cerf" 19h30

A yearly event, this evening will welcome you with a French hunting horn concert followed by a typical autumn Solognot dinner animated by Jean-Claude and Diane. Afterwards a nature guide will lead you into the forest where, without much doubt, you hear the Stag's Song (le brâme).  Hopefully Mother Nature will let you glimpse one of these magnificant stags "singing" to win the love of a doe.

27 september Nuan-le-Fuzelier - "brocante, Vide-grenier"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Autumn in the Loire Valley and Sologne

Beaugency

 Beaugency... a lovely

village situated on the banks of the Loire river just 15 minutes from us, dates from the
Middle Ages when the Lords of Beaugency played an important part in French history. 

It was here in the 12th century that a special Papal Council annuled the marriage between Eléanor de Aquitaine (one of my most preferred French personalities) and Louis VII.  Among other interesting and unusual facets of her life; she accompanied her first husband Louis V11 on his Middle Age crusades. Something no other "lady" had done before. To shorten a long and very interesting story, Eleanor quickly tired of her boring French husband and fell in love with Henri Platagentet. It was here at Beaugency that the papal council took place to annule her marriage with Louis which would enable her to marry Henri.

During the 100 years war Beaugency was captured by the English numerous times.  In 1429 the English gave up Beaugency to Joan of Arc who then latter battled the English in Orleans.

Beaugency was bombed twice during World War II and it was on the bridge that the German General Elster surrendered his troops to US General Macon on September 14, 1944.

                                                                            Rising over 36 meters in height with a commanding view of the Loire river and its surroundings the Tower Cesar is the last vestige of a castle built in the XI century by the Lords of Beaugency and where Dunois (The same that accompanied Joan of Arc on her crusade against the English) chose to construct the present castle.

 The first Abby  dating from the 12th century was destroyed by a fire in the 16th. Rebuilt in the 17th century the Beaugency Abby was inhabit by the Chanoine for over 800 years or just into the  first part of the 20th century when it was converted into  a hotel de luxe.

Other sights to see:

 Saint Firmin Bell Tower is the last Roman vestige dating from the XI century.

Saturdays there is the village market. And, as in many of the French villages,  is a noisy, colorful and enriching visit.  After the market be sure to lunch in one of the many Beaugency restaurants.

 

 

village festival in sologne/loire valley july 24, 25, & 26

It is my village's festival and you should come! It is in my bar Le Coin Perdu  that the happenings are going to start Friday evening July 24th. It is a great local band who is going to warm up our terrasse with their cool jazz.

 

Saturday take the time to visit Chambord, or Cheverny or just try out the great wines in Cheverny.  If you want to be a more sportive and learn something try falconry, Brigitte from www.faucon-solognot.free.fr, is passionate about this art; it is really a magical moment to spend the afternoon with Brigitte and her birds of prey.

Saturday at 8pm we opening Le Coin Perdu and Feargal, our preferred Irish guitarist will be keeping the tempo going with folk.

And, Sunday, it is the Street Sale (vide-grenier), don't forget someone is looking for that long lost treasure which is probably sitting in the bottom of your closet!!  This year's theme is the "Basque Country" so there should be a great lunch at 10€ waiting for you at the village "buvette".  Or, try out the merguez & frys that they usually have at the Colvert, or a traditional lunch at the Sainte anne across the street.

Or, come to the Coin Perdu, Feargal will be there all day strumming on his guitar, some of the locals have promised to join.  Me?  I'am preparing a special menu for the day. I think, cold salmon with a nice green sauce, or....come and find out yourself!

In addition to our B&B there is another nice one just outside of the village, and it is lucky enough to have a great view of our "petit chambord".  Le Bon Hotel is a 19th century chateau that has the look and feel of Chambord but smaller. (I still wouldn't want to be the one who cleans the windows!)It is called the Communs du Bon Hotel. www.communsdebonhotel.fr

But don't forget ours!

Saint Jacques

www.TheAmericanFrog.com

june & july in the loire valley/sologne

There are so many events happening that I don't know where to begin.  Just to give you a few....for further details look on the sites that I give or just ask me.

 

"Fête de la Musique" Saturday June 20

Ligny le Ribault at the Auberge Sainte Anne à partir du 19h - Maud'tet et les Jimmies,

Moules Frites - 7,00 €
Bavette Frites - 9,00 €

Week end du 27/28 juin

Dimanche 28 juin

 

Vide Grenier - la Ferté-Imbault

Lailly en Val
Concert et animations médiévales
Festival Rock et animations médiévales. 3 euros par jour, restauration sur place.

Marché aux Cerises - Saint Hilaire Saint Mesmin

Foire à la Brocante - Mer

Samedi 27 juin

Une exposition-vente d'art au profit de l'association Handi'Chiens - Lailly-en-Val

Lailly en Val
Concert et animations médiévales
Festival Rock et animations médiévales. 3 euros par jour, restauration sur place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn and Live the Renaissance October 9th, 10th, and 11th 2009!

 

Chambord, The "Prince of the Renaissance" 

 

 

Go beyond just learning the history -  live the Renaissance this October 9^th, 10^th and 11^th.

 

A one of kind workshop; not only will you discover the French Renaissance with it’s intriguing Italien beginnings you will also enjoy the Renaissance itself Saturday October 10 with an authentic dinner and ball at Chambord – Francois 1^st’s hunting castle.

 

Christine Rolland, Licenced Guide-interpreter, and Ph.D. Art History will use Chambord as the royal example to describe the arrival of the Renaissance in France and its relationship to European culture.

 

October 10^th, the clock strikes 8pm and you’re at Francois 1^st’s court dancing a pavan! Dressed for the occasion (Costumes for rent either at Chambord or Ligny).  The The Company “Outre measure” will be teaching several of the Renaissance dances such as the branle, gaillards and others from the epoque.

 

A buffet supper will be offered featuring dishes served at the King’s table.

 

Sunday morning during breakfast Christine will be available to discuss further the influence of Italy on the French renaissance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quoi neuf in Sologne

La Sologne est belle à toute season!

Les petits sont prèsque prêtents pour partir.