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Cheeses to try in the French Alps

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Cheeses you must try in the French Alps

While writing our list of foods to try in the Alps we had so many cheese options – and so many cheese based dishes – that we thought it might be best to give French Alp cheeses their own post. There are so many comforting cheese based dishes in the Alps, but it is also an experience in and of itself to taste the different cheeses on their own, for their unique flavor. It is remarkable that with only cow milk (or goat/sheep milk) to start from, so many different varieties of cheeses can be produced.  Here are some of our favorite cheeses to try in the French Alps.

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Medici Fountain at the Luxembourg Garden

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Medici Fountain at the Luxembourg Garden in Paris

When I was 20 I (luckily) spent a few months in Paris, thanks to my uncle who was living there at the time. My cousin and I would spend our days exploring different parts of the city (old fashioned style with a paper guidebook). I remember going to the Jardin du Luxembourg (aka Luxembourg Garden) and trying to find the Medici Fountain. It was late fall and very cold, hardly anyone was in the park, and right as we reached the Lovers statue we saw a cute couple hugging. I think my cousin managed to snap a photo that included them as part of the scene….

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Venetian masquerade masks

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Colorful Venetian masquerade masks in Venice

Today’s travel memory photo of the day was taken during my last trip to Europe. We visited my good friend Rossana in her hometown of Bergamo and took a day trip to Venice. These colorful Venetian masquerade masks were everywhere. Of course, I’m sure most of them are made in China or you will pay a fortune for a real authentic one. Regardless, they are pretty to look at and every time I see them I get the urge to plan and host a Venetian inspired masquerade party. Or to make batch of bellini cocktails – also inspired by that visit to Venice.

Aix-en-Provence Farmers’ Market

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Aix-en-Provence Farmers’ Market

My family and friends know that I have a serious farmers’ market obsession. I especially love visiting markets when we travel, and since my in-laws live in the beautiful sunny Aix-en-Provence – better known as simply Aix (and pronounced like the letter X) it is one of my favorite ones to visit. Of course, since we don’t live there I have to limit my desire to buy everything they’re selling and usually settle for some berries, apricots, cheese and a few other things that we can take back to the in-laws without risk of overstuffing their fridge (which they already have full since they know we love to eat)….

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Candied peanuts in London – Street food

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Candied peanuts in London

If you’ve ever walked around the streets of London, then you’ve probably seen street vendors selling these candied peanuts. One of their most common locations is on or near Tower Bridge. They have little carts and are usually caramelizing the peanuts right in front of you. One of my best friends, Ines, loves these sweet snacks and always insists on getting some. I’m really not a huge sweet + peanut fan (yes, I know that something must be deeply wrong with me), but these are very addictive. Plus, there is something about their smell that brings back memories of when I used to live in London. I think these candied peanuts should be on the to-do list for anyone who visits London.

Candied peanuts - London street food

Candied or caramelized peanuts in London

Lupine flowers in the French Alps

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My husband, Nicolas, spent many childhood summers and holidays in the French Alps. His family used to go to a small town called Albiez and we usually spend a week there when we go to France. This small town is in the middle of nowhere and has cows walking through the streets in the morning and evening – which means you can get fresh milk every day.

It’s very calm and great for hiking. These lupine flowers are everywhere during the summer, I just love their bright colors and thought this would be great for today’s Photo of the Day.
Lupine flowers in the French Alps