Patricia Sands

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Sweet or savoury?

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By Patricia Sands February 2, 2021

It may be Groundhog Day where you are, but in France today it is all about crêpes!

Sweet or savoury?

Now that we’ve finished celebrating January in France by eating la galette des rois, the king’s cake, it’s time to sweep away those crumbs and haul out the crêpes pan!

French-Candlemas-La-Chandeleur-Crêpe-Day

February 2nd, is La Chandeleur, Fête des Lumières,  Jour des Crêpes. You might know it as Candlemas.

Churches will celebrate the tradition of the lighting of candles.

Then it will be all about … what else, this IS France … food!

Crêpes and cidre. Unlike our apple cider, this drink has a touch of alcohol.

The day is often accompanied by fortune telling and in many kitchens, crêpes are flipped in the air with the pan in one hand and a coin in the other. If the crêpe lands back in the pan, the year will be a prosperous one. Children hold their breath in anticipation!

Similar to our North American, Groundhog Day, there’s a prediction about winter. “Rosée à la Chandeleur, hiver à sa dernière heure.” If  there is dew at dawn, winter will soon be over.

As the French do so well, the day is a fun-filled, family time. If you’re tempted to celebrate your own Jour des Crêpes, they are delicious and light  and easy to make. Click right here for a recipe.

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There are crêpe stands or crêperies everywhere in France and today, as well as through the weekend, there will be few people not enjoying this simple and delicious food with a filling of choice ~ sweet or savoury.  Crêpes have a history that goes back to Biblical times and in France, Britanny is said to have established the true crêpe recipe.

Get in line right here! Bon appétit!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gypy4R2hj00?feature=oembed

If you are in Paris today, visit Craig Carlson’s Breakfast in America Diner, @pancakesinparis on Instagram, where I bet he is whipping up crêpes for takeout! 🇫🇷

Have you ever made crêpes? Which do you prefer, the French crêpe or it’s slightly heavier English cousin, the pancake? Are you a fan of sweet or savoury?

Here’s what  The Good Life France has to say about French traditions on February 2nd.

Bon appétit!

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Comments

  2. Today in Naples it is only going to be 60 degrees. We have decided to celebrate La Chandeleur by having pancakes with the apple topping for supper tonight. Thanks for the idea.

    • Bonjour Evelyn ~ How lovely to hear from you! I think of you and Francis often. 🙂 That’s chilly for Naples! Enjoy your meal today. Bon appétit!

  3. Sounds like fun. I have made crepes. I prefer savory but my husband likes sweet. Either are fine. I sometimes make them for breakfast here at the inn. I like to provide different things once in awhile. I would never serve them to French guests though. I’s sure they’d be horrified at mine.

    Always enjoy learning about the French culture here on your blog.

    Patricia Rickrode
    w/a Jansen Schmidt

  4. I always go for the savory ones. It’s been awhile since I’ve had them. I remember making them when I lived at home. I was in my teens. When I see them on the menu, I order the savory ones.