One of the things I have most enjoyed about being in France is the tradition of a day of rest on Sundays. People here tend to gather their families and share a large mid-day meal, play games, take walks and relax. People don’t shop or work. They eat bread and rest.

Having no family here, I have made Sunday a day where I make a special meal and share it with my new friends. I have done Coq Au Vin, Chicken Parmigiana with homemade garlic bread, and most recently a roast chicken dinner complete with squash, mashed potatoes, carrots and stuffing. It felt like a mini Thanksgiving. Lucky for me, my British neighbors contributed Yorkshire pudding and a trifle for dessert.

There is something about taking the time to make food from scratch, gathering herbs, cubing bread, and planning something special. It is really all I try to do on Sundays. This week was extra special because I had my girl visiting from University. It was so nice to host her in my cozy home and share my new friends with her.

I have always been a person who loves to entertain. For me, cooking and making people feel comfortable in my space is extremely rewarding. It is part of my love language and here in France it is a language I share with most everyone I meet. I have had lasagna next door, a roast lamb dinner at Le Houx, and beautiful meals at restaurants. Food and wine here are truly an expression of love.

I know I am in the right place at the right time. I’m gathering, chopping, roasting and braising my heart out.