February 2025 Gazette
Galette des Rois, crêpes, treats from Brittany and my favorite French author.
Bonjour Friends,
Welcome back to my monthly gazette - the first for 2025!
I know it’s been a few months, but between holiday season at work and in “real life” I had to put this on the backburner for my own wellbeing. Now, I’m starting to feel a bit more recharged, have a little extra time, and I couldn’t wait to bring the gazette back to you!
I genuinely hope that all my readers had themselves a very happy holiday season. Whether you were alone, with friends or with family, I hope you took time to appreciate all the things that you have in your life and also where you’d like to see it go this coming year and beyond. Did you make any resolutions or promises to yourself, or others? I personally just want to try and take more time for me. Sometimes I allow myself to get overwhelmed by work and the blog, and forget that I am only one person. As much as I love sharing recipes, photos and anecdotes, sometimes I just need to take an extra day or two. Unnecessarily self-imposed deadlines are hopefully gone from my 2025!
Wednesday, January 1st
Marc and I started our New Years in a very, very lowkey way. The eve, we were able to visit the local farmers’ market and decided on some take-out from a local sushi vendor that we’ve been meaning to try for some time now. A beautiful and full platter of wakame (seaweed salad), cabbage salad, spring rolls with shrimp, shrimp fritters and a variety of sushi rolls awaited us. Not at all a typical French meal, I know… But I have to say, it was a really nice change! We used to eat quite a bit of sushi back in Canada, but since moving back to France, we’ve found the options less plentiful and the desire to eat traditional French meals more powerful. But we were really satisfied with our meal.
Sunday, January 5th (Galette des Rois weekend!)
This first weekend of January brought yet another celebration—because in France, the festivities never seem to end. After Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s, I have to admit… I was a bit burned out. But tradition won, as it always does, and I happily invited my parents and two aunts over to celebrate the Epiphany.
Let’s be honest—the Epiphany, for most of us, is really just an excuse to indulge in the utterly delicious Galette des Rois. We had pre-ordered ours from our favorite local bakery, and it was fresh, flaky, and everything I’d hoped for.
Of course, the holiday has deeper roots. Originally a pagan festival, the Epiphany in France marks the day the three wise men are said to have visited baby Jesus. Given France’s strong religious history, this tradition has remained deeply entrenched in the culture.
Now, back to the best part—the galette itself. A golden, buttery puff pastry cake, typically filled with frangipane (my personal favorite), though you can also find versions with apples, pears, or even chocolate. Inside, a tiny fève (a little charm) is hidden, and whoever finds it in their slice is crowned King or Queen for the day. And trust me, no matter your age, everyone wants that crown!
This year though, neither Marc nor I were so lucky—ending Marc’s two-year streak as reigning King. My aunt, on the other hand, was absolutely thrilled to take the crown.
Saturday, January 11th
This month, Marc is heading back to Canada on his own to visit his family for two weeks. Before leaving, he had one special request: a trip to our favorite crêperie in the nearby town of Ploemeur. And of course, I was more than happy to oblige!
So off we went for a little lunch date, indulging in the most delicious crêpes you could imagine. Marc, true to form, went for his usual: a Complète Saucisse (sausage, egg, and cheese) followed by a Chèvre Miel (goat cheese and honey). As for me, I stuck to my favorites—a savory buckwheat crêpe with ham and tomato, and a sweet one with honey and lemon. Simple, but perfect.
We washed it all down, as tradition demands, with a fresh bowl of lait ribot—Brittany’s signature fermented milk, served with spoons. The verdict? 10/10, as always!
Tuesday, January 14th
January brought an unusually cold snap to Brittany, with temperatures dipping below zero—a rare event for us. Mornings were frosty, roads had a thin glaze of ice, and Marc, completely unprepared, found himself scraping his windshield with his fingernails. Neither of us even knew if ice scrapers were sold here, so he had to call my dad for advice.
Seeing locals bundled up in hats, gloves, and scarves still feels strange to me. Marc insists the humidity here makes the cold sink straight to the bones, and honestly, I have to agree. Back in Canada, -20°C (-4°F) was brutal, but somehow, even -2°C (28°F) here feels just as biting.
Wednesday, January 29th
And after the cold, came the rain…
As I sit down to write this gazette today, the rain is still pouring outside—just as it has for the past ten days. It feels relentless. For the first time in years, Brittany is on red alert for flooding, something we usually associate with the south of France, not here.
The Vilaine River, which winds through Rennes and nearby towns, has overflowed its banks. Seeing my old street in Rennes—the one I used to walk every day as a student—completely submerged on TV was surreal and unsettling. It’s strange how a place so familiar can suddenly feel unrecognizable.
Train stations in the region are shut down, cutting off direct connections to Paris. So far, my hometown has been spared, but we’re all holding our breath, hoping the rain finally lets up before things get any worse…
Friday, January 31st
When it comes to the markets in Brittany this month, January was all about hearty, comforting vegetables—cabbage, butternut, potimarron (red kuri squash), and all sorts of other squash. And if you know me, you know how much I adore my winter soups (find all my favorite ones here). These beauties are the secret to making my cozy dinner dreams come true, one steaming bowl at a time.
We’re also still lucky enough to have farm-fresh apples and pears at the market, though the variety is starting to thin out. But honestly, I’ll never stop being grateful for Brittany’s endless supply of crisp, delicious apples—it’s one of the little joys that makes this place feel like home.
Have a lovely February!
In case you missed it…
January was a slower month, where I hunkered down after an exciting, but tiring 2024. My mind was on cozy dishes and baked goods which are great to make on slow weekends spent in the warmth of our homes. Here is a recap of the recipes I shared on the blog and here on Substack.
Caramelized Onion Tart (Tarte à l’Oignon à l’Alsacienne) - No paywall
French Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Choux Farcis) - No paywall
Meatballs à la Provençale - Paid subscribers
Alsatian “Cinnamon Roll” Cake (Schneckekueche) - Paid subscribers
What to cook in February?
February is peak winter, with some absolutely dreary days in Brittany (oh, the rain!). So, I concocted for you seasonal and comforting recipes that feel like a big hug at the end of a long day. We’re talking comforting stews, warming soups and a delicious citrus-infused cake to make on a weekend. Oh, and let’s not forget a few chocolate desserts for Valentine’s Day!
Links & things I’m liking
- Currently reading: “Nothing Can Erase You”, by Michel Bussi. Well, I am actually reading it for the second time in its original French version. Michel Bussi is my all-time favorite French author, often referred to as the "French Harlan Coben." I’ve read every single one of his books, and each one has completely hooked me! Every year, I eagerly await his newest release, so much so that I often re-read one of his earlier works to tide me over. Nothing Can Erase You is a gripping tale about a mother living an idyllic life in the French Basque Country with her son—until the day he disappears. Like all Bussi novels, it’s not just an insanely enthralling thriller; it’s also a journey through the beautiful regions of France. His vivid descriptions make exploring these locales through his stories an absolute delight for anyone eager to discover the charm and diversity of France.
- The Best Bakeries in Paris. This list features Condé Nast Traveller best bakeries and pastries to visit in Paris in 2025. Here is my take on the few spots I visited: Pains et des Idées is a lovely spot to visit even just for the charming façade, but the place is usually very crowded. I absolutely love Cyril Lignac’s pastry shops! The famous pastry chef has 5 locations in Paris. Do try its chocolate-covered bear-shaped marshmallows if you visit one, they are to die for! Poîlane is a great boulangerie for rustic loaves and starter-dough breads, although again, quite a coveted spot for tourists. Aux Merveilleux de Fred is a must! This Flanders-born pastry shop chain specializes in “Merveilleux” pastries which I love! And last but not least, Pierre Hermé’s is in my opinion the one spot you shouldn’t miss in Paris. They create the absolute best, most creative macarons you’ll ever taste. I wasn’t a macaron fan until I tried Pierre Hermé’s… now I always bring a box back home whenever I visit Paris.
- French Pastry stamps. The French Post has unveiled a delightful new stamp collection featuring illustrations of iconic French pastries. From Tarte Tatin and Tarte au Citron to colorful Macarons, these stamps are a treat for the eyes. If you’re a foodie visiting France this year, make sure to stop by a French post office to pick up these charming stamps. They’ll add a touch of sweetness to the postcards you send to friends and family!
- Our best après-ski dishes. February is the month where lots of French people head to the mountains to indulge in skiing, breathtaking views and all the cheesy, après-ski comfort food. We’re not going skiing this year (not really our thing) but I’ll gladly indulge in raclette, tartiflette and cheese fondue any day of the month!
- What Can I cook in a Dutch oven? Everything. Do you also have a beloved Le Creuset Dutch Oven? In the Winter, I use mine on a weekly basis (and dare I say daily on weekends!). From stews to soups and homemade bread, find so many good ideas for it in this article.
I'm so sorry about the flooding. I have been helping two sets of friends who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire in California. Weather has been a real BLEEP lately.
I lived in France for 6 years and miss it so much. Thank you for writing this. Makes me miss France even more. 💛