verser eau dans un chaudron et chauffer sur la cuisinière jusqu'à bouillant
hacher un poivron, une olives, un origan, et les tomates
mettre farfalle pâtes dans un chaudron et cuisiner jusqu'à doux
mettre un poivron, une olives, un origan, et les tomates dans un chaudron pour dernier peu de minutes
ajouter un sel et un poivre si nécessaire
quand finir, placer les pâtes dans un bol et déployer les fromages sur sommet
voila!
Even though I had to leave early, I enjoyed hanging out and cooking with everyone. It was a fun experience to be able to cook a dish that we don't normally cook in America. I hated that I had to leave and wasn't able to see the finished product of all the dishes. But it is what it is. I found a small amount of cultural information on pasta.... Monsieur Bertrand contributed a lot to the French pasta industry. His factories reached their highest point in the beginning of the twentieth century. Marseilles held a lot of pasta factories and the main ingredient was durum wheat. One company in Marseilles produces up to 2.2 tons of pasta every day (770 tons a year). That is about the same amount as one-tenth of Italian exports. Lyons also held a lot of factories, the oldest dating from 1809. Pasta never had the same effect on France as it did in Italy, but it was introduced early and the production rate is still high.
Experience: I had a lot of fun making the tarte (excluding the sour cream part). It was easier than I thought it would be. The most difficult part of making it was when we had to put the mixture inside of the pie crust, considering you had to be extremely careful when spreading it so that the crust did not break. My crust broke in three different places. But, after everything was complete, I don't think the broken pie crust was noticeable. It tasted pretty good too! I enjoyed this culture project a lot because I think that we, as a class, ended up having a lot of fun together!
Cultural Information: As I'm sure many of you already are aware of, Tarte Aux Fraises is one of the most popular desserts in French culture. It seems to be portrayed that way in many French "stereotypes", for lack of better word. The recipe is quite simple and quickly completed.
Recipe:
-8 oz. de fromage à la crème
-une demi-tasse de crème sure
-deux pâtés à la tartes
-trois à soupe de sucre
-une cuillère à soupevanille
-mascarpone
Aplatirle pouletà1/4-in.épaisseuret garnirchacune avecjambon et fromage.Rouler etborderextrémités;fixé avecdes cure-dents.
Placer dans un bol peu profond.Dans un autre bolpeu profond, mélangerla chapelure, le selet le paprika.Tremper le pouletdans le beurrepuis les rouler dansle mélange de chapelure.
Transférer dans un platgraissé allant au four.Cuire au four à350 °pendant 40-45 minutesou jusqu'à ce quele poulet ne soitplus rose.Jeterdes cure-dents.
Cultural Information: Chicken cordon bleu is a French-inspired poultry dish, although evidence suggests that it was actually developed in the United States by chefs imitating other stuffed meat dishes from Europe. The name of the dish is clearly of French origin: cordon bleu means “blue ribbon” in French, and in French culinary tradition, it is awarded to food or chefs of particularly high quality.
Personal Experience, Morgan: I really enjoyed making the chicken Cordon Bleu with Madison. It got kind of messy when we had to roll the chicken with cups. I was nervous that the chicken would cook to long and get dry, but it turned out just perfect. I honestly think our dish was better than Rue de Jean because we had more to eat!
Personal Experience, Madison:
Making the chicken Cordon Bleu was actaully really fun. Morgan and I flatened out the chicken(with a cup since we didnt have a meat hammer!) My hands were covered in butter and bread crums after we folled the chicken and cheese and ham into the crumbs. The chicken turned out so delicious and moist. It was the perfect size, and very yummy. I would definetly cook this dish again at home with my family!
A native of Paris, France, Thomas Pradeau is one of the numerous unknowns, just beginning a prospective career as an artist who revolutionizes the concept of French music. Born on the eleventh of March in 1984 (in Bohemia), Pradeau grew up with his mother and artistic father (a painter) in Montmartre, a place known for its artists. According to the younger singer, living there as a child gave him opportunities to express himself openly. By the age of five, Thomas was singing in a childrens' choirs and participating in small musicals. He eventually mastered both the drums, guitar, and by ear alone, the piano. As a teenager, he even started a rock band, influences by both both, "Queen" and Mozart in his unique work. In a place where the arts were heavily cultivated, it only seemed expected that Pradeau pursue a successful career as a songwriter, although it did not begin as expected..
Despite his avid learning in music and love of the arts, Pradeau eventually knew he had to, "grow up" so to speak, although he wouldn't dare give up his dream of performing. He became a hotel clerk, working nights and writing song music in his free time, which he posted on his "myspace" account. However, as with most talent, the unique writer and musician could not have been left in the dark for long.When My Master Company offered Thomas a record deal after discovering his page, who wouldn't have jumped at the chance? Although new to the French music scene, his fresh take on folk music has quickly become pleasurable to thousands, no matter where they are from. Referring to one of his influences, "Mozart," Thomas reflects that he was the first "punk," so to speak. The style he used was both drastic and impacting, as Pradeau wants be one day. Known for his musical spontaneity, it is no surprise that Thomas has accumulated many fans in only two years, even releasing his first album, "À deux pas de ma rue." Although the musical entrepreneur has not yet won any awards, it is likely his one of a kind, heartfelt songs will quickly win France over!
Thomas Pradeau's work has been categorized in both the French pop and folk music genre, with a medley of piano playing ballads and those classic string rhythms France is known for. For me, personally, his musical approach is fresh no matter how many times one repeats a song. There is always a cheerful note to his music, while also maintaining a vivid passion that coincides with whatever emotion is presently being portrayed. In, "Audrey" for example, Pradeau's meaningful romantic tone is complimented by the rich flow of French words with which he sings, accenting each one with meaning. It portrays a sickness of heart and uses poetic symbolism to express typically hard to capture feeling.
"Audrey it would be cowardly
Should you not strike us
That you have nothing to do."
His choice of words is both puzzling as well as unique. Constantly, Pradeau uses poetic devices to express his meaning, such as "strike" referred to in the lines above. In consideration, I translate the meaning to reference the striking of a match, or the lighting of flame. As love is often referred to in this way, it is logical to find such simple words deep and meaningful. I listen to such words, and feel that possibly, despite its silliness, love is still blossoming today.No matter one's present thoughts, Thomas Pradeau's ballad creates a new, peaceful, hopeful mindset. Combined with piano, soft toned string instrumentals, and even accordion, Thomas Pradeau woos his own Juliet in as beautiful a manner as Shakespeare himself wrote.
Although love is one of this artist's prime topics, he also sings about his home: Montmartre. As formerly discussed, the area is known for its artistic culture. However, as every, "starving artist" knows, that does not always indicate prosperity. In Thomas' case, the charm of Montmartre still enchants him today for its unique people. Another of his better known songs, "Le pays de Molière," (which roughly translated means, "Welcome to my Land") describes the rise and fall of such a spontaneous lifestyle, as well as its effects on the people that live there. His adoration for its strangeness is expressed in an upbeat manner in both his music and its coinciding video. As always, his feelings are expressed in the way words are said, in the rhythm of the song, and ultimately, the words' meaning. Already displayed in the lyrics above, Thomas Pradeau strives to give the listener a view from his own perspective, and always adds a note of hope to his voice and meaning, no matter the song's topic. It proves that dreamers such as Thomas never cease to find hope and love in the world, even when things seems more like a nightmare. By combining a mixture of classic French medley and modern pop, Pradeau also creates artistic unity in his work, providing the listeners with a personal key to the dream he finds in a world that may seem harsh.
Despite his fresh take on typical French pop, many people throughout both the U.S., Great Britain, and France have found his music inspirational and quirky. Because he has yet to enter through the door of massive fame, such as the well known names one would find on a tabloid, Thomas has not encountered any "Youtube" hecklers. In fact, a flurry of different languages makes up the comments under his videos including both French and English. For example, his song, "Bain de mousse" or, "Bath Foam," (a rant about fame and society corruption preventing simple pleasures) included positive comments and wishes. One American subscriber said: "I hope he comes to the U.S. one day." Another French youth exclaimed: "On est complètement absorbé par la chanson!!" or "I am completely absorbed in this song!!" Many, as I, have discovered the blooming artist by complete mistake, and now feel ever so glad that they did! Altogether, Thomas has a hopeful future, not because he is a seeker or fame, but because he is self-expressive in all his music, something many will be able to relate to and love as his popularity inevitably escalates. For more information on Thomas Pradeau, see the following links: 1) http://www.nrj.fr/artistes-thomas-pradeau.html 2) http://www.frenchmusicblog.com/thomas-pradeau-sings-lovers-paris 3) http://www.greatsong.net/BIOGRAPHIE-THOMAS-PRADEAU,9999583198.html For lyrics to some of his music, see the following links: 1) http://lyricstranslate.com/en/audrey-audrey.html 2) http://www.lyricsmania.com/bain_de_mousse_lyrics_thomas_pradeau.html 3) http://www.parolesmania.com/paroles_thomas_pradeau_66105/paroles_le_pays_de_moliere_1132895.html For links to other music videos by Thomas Pradeau and his affiliates, see the following links:
Tarte aux fraises is a favorite desert for many French families. Affordable ingredients and a simple recipe make it easy and quick to whip up, without any hassle. It probably started out as a farmer's dish, with fresh strawberries, cream, and homemade pie crusts. Now it's a staple at mostpâtisserie and a classic French desert. I found making a tarte aux fraises a surprisingly easy and enjoyable experience. I had always thought that French recipes were extremely complicated and required nothing but gourmet ingredients. In reality, we could get everything we needed at the grocery store. Thankfully, the recipe was also veryeasy to follow, and definitely wasn't the long and drawn out process I'd imagined. The most difficult part for me was arranging the strawberry slices on the tarte. While I had pictured it in the style of Martha Stewart, with perfectly symmetrical slices in some sort of pretty pattern, in the end realized all I really wanted to do was hurry up and try some of it. We sprinkled it with sugar (I wasn't adventurous enough to try mascarpone) and tasted our creation.While our tartes might not have looked perfect, they were absolutely divine!
La Recette:
Deux pâtes à tartes 8 oz de fromage à la crème une demi-tasse de crème sure trois à soupe de sucre une cuillère à soupevanille mascarpone (goûter) Instructions: 1. Mélanger le , la crème sure, le sucre et la vanille dans un mélangeur électrique. 2.Remplir la pâtes à tartes avec cette mélange. 3.Lavent et coupent les fraises, sans les sommets. 4.Organiser les fraises et parseme le sucre et la mascarpone sur la tarte.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Edith Piaf: The Little Sparrow
Background
Edith was the daughter of Louis Gassion a street acrobat performer and Annetta Malliard a cafe singer. According to legend she was born on the pavement of Rue de Belleville 72, but her birth certificate lists a local hospital. Her parents abandoned her and after living with her grandmother for a short period of time, she was left at a Brothel and raised by prostitutes. She had her only child at age 17 named Marcelle who died at age 2. Her career started when Lois Leplee started her singing at his nightclub. This led to gigs that led to her first two records. A year later Leplee was murdered by some mobsters previously associated with Edith. This threatened her career. So she changed her stage name to Edith Piaf and began writing songs reflecting her earlier life on the streets. She made friendships with prominent composers and during the early 1940s became very successful as France's most popular performer. She toured South America, the United States and Europe becoming internationally known. In 1945 she wrote "La vie en rose which was voted a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1998. Many of her songs are used today in major motion pictures. She died a early death at age 47 of liver cancer. "Every d*** fool thing you do in this life, you pay for" were her last words. This reflected her adventurous and wild lifestyle.
Questions
What about your musician's sound do you like? How does the sound affect your mood? What does the sound remind you of?
She has a beautiful voice full of emotion drawing her audience in. The songs have a simple quality which lulls the listener. As I listen I began to feel the pain she sings about. I experience the heartbreak or the joy of a new found love. Something about the passion heard in her voice reminds me of the modern singer Adele. It reminds me of times in my life when I experienced loss or want.
How does your musician's music reflect his or her time period? Was there anything happening in the world or music industry that influenced the music or sound?
She sang to french prisoners during World War II and helped many escape. Having experienced the war she sung about struggle and abandonment. After the war, she began songs about love and heartbreak reflecting what many were experiencing. People could relate to her topics. The popular french culture at the time was also reflected in her music.
What does your musician sing about? What are some of the major themes or subjects of the songs? If they do not sing, how can you interpret the music or sound?
Edith sings about the fabric of her life. "La Vie En Rose," which means the life in pink, is her most recognized song. It tells of the virtue of french living that the americans were obsessed with in the 60s. "Mon Dieu," which mean my God, is a plea to God to leave a loved one for just a few more days. Her music was simple yet dramatic. Most of her songs are about loss, love and sorrow reflecting the pain in her own life.
On January 17, 1944, Françoise Hardy was born to an about to be single mother in Paris, France. She immediately took on much responsibility when her sister Michèle was born only eighteen months later. These two young girls had a different childhood than many, only seeing their dad a couple times a year. The combination of difficulties sent the children quickly into adulthood. For her sixteenth birthday Françoise got her very first guitar, strangely from her father. About a year later, to kick start her music career, she applied for an ad that was looking for young singers. Then on November 14, 1961, Françoise Hardy was offered a recording contract with Vogue. In April 1962, she recorded her début single. Thanks to her song "Tous les garçons et les filles" Hardy's look completely changed as she was now seen on the cover of many magazines. She has been able to accomplish many things over the years including the recording of many albums, modeling, receiving abundant French titles (including the "French 60s Covergirl"), and starting her very own family with her husband Jacques Dutronc and son Thomas Dutronc. Françoise Hardy is still going strong at the age of sixty-nine today (2013).
Françoise Hardy
What about your musicians sound do you like? How does it affect your mood? What does the sound remind you of? Hardy's folk inspired yet pop music allows for a very unique sound. Its incredibly upbeat tune and beautiful, flowing lyrics give a sense of a happy, soothing sensation. The overall sounds of her voice and her guitar blend very well together. Her tunes make you want to sing along, especially during the choruses. She really found the right combination of sounds for each of her pieces.
How does your musician's music reflect his or her time period? Was there anything happening in the world or music industry that influenced the music or sound?
Hardy started singing many of her own compositions but seemed to embrace
the themes of "young love". She also incorporated the French pop music of the time and progressed to very moody music such as rhythm and blues. The major themes of her songs included ballad type music about young love and the turmoils involved. Playing the guitar at a very early age enabled Hardy to accompany her own songs with her musical talent on the guitar. Her knowledge of music and her love for singing enabled her to progress to almost any style.
What does your musician sing about? What are some of the major themes or subjects of the songs? If they do not sing, how can you interpret the music or sound?
The music that most inspired Hardy were the "chanson" songs, also known as lyric driven songs. This was the music that she steered toward at the beginning of her career. Some of her early musical influences included French chanson stars such as Charles Trenet and Cora Vaucaire and singers Paul Anka, the Everly Brothers, Cliff Richard, Connie Francis and Marty Wilde. This was a time when peace rallies and other antiwar movements were more prevalent. Many songs of love and harmony were circulating. As Hardy became more experienced and well-traveled, she emerged with singers of rhythm and blues in which her voice allowed her to emit the true feelings of her soul. Growing up in a one parent home and attending a strictly run school led to much of the singer's inner feelings being put to music.
