July Holiday Homework - Map of France

I have chosen to do the region of Limousin. It is located in the south-west of France and is surrounded by

the regions of Poitou-Charentes, Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrénées.

                 Chateau de Brie                     

                                                                                                  Chateau de Montbrun

1. The fresh produce which Limousin is particularly noted for is beef, lamb and pork sourced from farmers who employ traditional farming methods. Chesnuts and apples are also very popular in Limousin.

2. A specialty made from the fresh produce is 'Pâté aux pommes de terre' which is a potato pie. Although the main ingredient in the pie is potato, meat is a common ingredient added to the pie in Limousin. Chesnuts are added to local pâtés for additional texture.

3. A cheese which is particular to the region of Limousin is 'Pas de l'Escalette'. It is an uncooked, pressed, semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. It is widely available in the season of spring and summer. It is a creamy cheese with medium taste.

4. Limousin is not known for its vineyards but there are 3 main wines to enjoy in the region.
     i) 'Mille et Une Pierres' - a rare and expensive wine

    ii) 'Vin de Corrèze' - a tasty and delicate wine

   iii) Limousin 'Oak Barrels" - a flavoursome wine

5. The cuisine of Limousin is not influenced by the sea as it is quite close to the centre of France and not near the border (or close to the sea).

6. A 'Clafoutis' is a traditional cake invented in Limousin. It is traditionally made with cherries, but using apples in the cake is more and more common with the growing success of the popularity of apples in Limousin. (Below is a recipe for Caramelised Apple Clafoutis)

Ingredients:

900g apples, peeled and sliced

50g butter

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup caster sugar
1/3 cup plain flour

1/3 cup self-raising flour

4 eggs lightly beaten

2/3 cup milk

2/3 cup cream
80g butter, melted

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C

2. Fry apples with the butter until browned. Add brown sugar and cook for 5 more minutes.

3. Allow apples to cool and then place in a greased oven proof dish.

4. Whisk the eggs, milk, cream and butter untiul combined. Fold in caster sugar and sifted flours.
5. Pour the batter over the apples and bake in the oven for 40 minutes.

Recipe Notes:

Serve with cream and ice-cream.