Spring in Les Bassacs

 In these unprecedented times and without the usual pressure to get the houses up and running for the start of the season, David and I have had the luxury of being able to take regular walks in the countryside around Les Bassacs.  It is a great pleasure to notice the changes that take place each day.  At the moment the pathways and banks are clothed in an impressive display of dense wild thyme, the scent filling the air as we brush past.

#from the les bassacs kitchen

 Vanilla custard with cherry compote

1 litre of milk
1 organic orange
1 organic lemon
1 vanilla pod
135g of caster sugar
8 egg yolks
5 tbsp cornflour

Pour 750 ml of the milk into a saucepan. 
Grate into it the zest of the orange and lemon, the vanilla pod split and with the seeds scraped into the milk and the sugar. 
Heat it gently stirring from time to time until it is just below boiling point. 
Leave to one side to cool off. 
In a large bowl whisk the remaining 250 ml of milk into the egg yolks.
Add the cornflour.
Pour the hot milk onto this mixture, whisking hard to make sure that the yolks don't cook.
Pour back into the saucepan and heat gently, stirring all the time until it begins to thicken.
This should take 3-4 minutes.
Once thickened, transfer to ramekins and place in the fridge.

Serving suggestions;
Sprinkle the top of the custard lightly with caster sugar and carmelise under the grill.
Serve from the fridge.  If the ramekins are heated slightly in warm water the custard will turn out.
We served it with a cherry compote.
Gluten-free!

Start of 2019 Season

We have been working hard on the old house this winter, repairing the crepi (render) on the front, and simplifying the entrance to give it a smarter look.  We used the traditional materials of chaux (lime) and sand with local ochre mixed in to give it the creamy yellow colour. 

I recently found this photo of the back of the house when the openings onto the terrace were newly made; then the swimming pool was just an idea! The pool actually sits in the cellar of a ruined house.  Its a long way from how it looks today.

Les Bassacs Aprons and Tea Towels

Jane Revitt, a Les Bassacs regular has produced this excellent apron which is for sale at her online shop. The apron is printed with a vintage map of the Vaucluse. It shows Apt, Roussillon, St Saturnin les Apt, Les Bassacs and many more villages. The original map was published in the Encyclopedie de France in 1904. She has matching tea towels.

I test drove this apron last summer and it held up beautifully to the hard wear in my kitchen. 

Snow on the 1st December what the heck?

More Weather

This morning we woke up to rain, the first rainy morning for months.

David took everyone to Roussillon for a sketching trip. By the afternoon

the rain had gone and we were treated to some very dramatic skies signally

the arrival of a mistral!

Works in Progress

The work to bury the electricity and telephone cables has ground to a halt.  The next stage is for the old telegraph poles to come down.  The new street lighting give a more atmospheric feel to the street at night.

At this time of year the sunsets are spectacular, especially when reflected in the pool.

Oppede le vieux

Ancient graffiti spotted at Oppede le vieux.

Night painting

A beautiful still evening with a hint of autumn.
After such a hot summer it feels good to have a cooler spell.

Rebecca Hind

We are very sad to learn that Rebecca Hind, who taught here at Les Bassacs for many years, has died.  She was a popular and talented teacher who will be missed by all who knew her.

She died in the early hours of Tuesday the 4th of July. Our thoughts are with her son and daughter and her partner Brian Catling, who will all feel her loss keenly.

Her funeral will be at 11 am on Friday the  14th of July at Dorchester Abbey , Dorchester on Thames  OX10 7HH
There will be a collection in aid of AGBI instead of flowers.
The service will be followed by refreshments in the Abbey and cloister gardens.
All those attending  are encouraged to wear colour.