CULINARY TOUR DE FRANCE – HAUT DE FRANCE – (PICARDIE)
It is a region of large agricultural land and rich in history, thanks to the role it played in repelling invasions from the North and East during the war.
The Baie de Somme, which has been awarded the label of the most beautiful bay in the world, is a must-see in the region where hikers can observe migratory birds and a colony of seals.
If you go to any cities like Beauvais, Noyon or Amiens, you will find the great cathedrals of the region, one of which, Amiens, has been classified as a UNESCO heritage since 1981.
The culinary specialties I will propose to you today are :
* macaroons from Amiens (almond macaroons),
* Flamiche (leeks pie),
* ficelle Picarde (stuffed pancakes).
This particular macaroon made with almonds had been created in the sixteen century and popularized by the confectionery “Jean Trogneux” (which overlooked the magnificent Cathedral of Amiens). Nowadays, “Trogneux” still sells his wonderful macaroons (more than 2 millions per year, that’s absolutely amazing!!!).
Find the recipe : macaroons from Amiens HERE
Flamiche ? You said flamiche? What is it actually? It is a kind of pie from the Picardy and Nord-Pas-de-Calais regions, normally made with leeks, but also with onions, endives or maroilles cheese.
The word Flamiche in Flemish means “cake” and seems to be from medieval origins. Formerly, it was a pancake of bread dough that was eaten hot, drizzled with melted butter. Having become a kind of tart, salty or sweet, some vegetables or strong cheese such as Maroilles were added…
Find the recipe : Flamiche HERE
The creation of La Ficelle picarde (Picardy string if you wish to translate it), dates back to the 50s. It was a cook, Marcel Lefèvre, who was the creator, on the occasion of a fair in Amiens during which a meal was served to the notables of the department. For this event, the restaurateurs of Amiens had to participate in the development of the menu, each bringing their knowledge and imagination. This is where the Picardy String was born.
Find the recipe : Picardy string HERE
