All summer the girls have been doing "home summer school". We decided that we would study France yesterday. We had a lot of fun checking out the books at the library, reading about france, and writing reports. Ok, Emily was the only one who actually WROTE her report; which consisted of french fashion and art. I MADE my report. I made ratatouille. I really enjoyed the lengthy process of the recipe I chose. I actually chose the official recipe from the movie. I know, I didn't know there was one either! I started at 10am and finished it at 3pm! Although it was one of the longest recipes I have ever made, it was one of my most enjoyed! I taught the girls how to mince, chop, sauté and make beautiful food. We listened to Choral music from the Baroque Period and had a wonderfully pleasant morning of reading and cooking. We then shared the feast and reports with some friends. The ratatouille was a huge hit and will definitely be on the menu in the future, however I will use a more simple "stew" recipe from now on!
Step One: Beginning of the Piperade
Finished Piperade (after roasted red, yellow, & orange peppers are diced up and simmered with tomato, garlic, onion, herb mix)
Intricately layered eggplant, yellow squash, zucchini, and Roma tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil, fresh thyme, and salt.
Produit fini! I served the ratatouille over some delicious hot and crispy french bread, which soaked up the delicious piperade, sprinkled with fresh grated PARMIGIANO-REGGIANO, and a special vinaigrette (part of the recipe).
(Colors have not been enhanced, only the lighting!)
