France's Big Day

July has been France's month ever since the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. Actually, Bastille Day didn't become official until some time later. In 1790 the anniversary was simply termed the Fête de la Fédération, and was not referred to as Bastille Day, and adopted as an annual national holiday, until almost a century later, in 1880.

But while this was a defining moment, most people love France just as much on the 364 other days of the year.

Much of this comes down to the national preoccupation with food and wine. And who could blame the French? Their country has some of the best agricultural land and growing conditions, a nation full of food lovers and chefs aplenty.

As far as food goes, while cheese – or rather its 300 or so variations – is a national favourite, so too is bread. Every village has a boulangerie, and most early mornings will see a long queue of customers forming outside to pick up a bundle of fresh baguettes and croissants to go with their morning coffee.

Long, long ago in another career I made bread for the sandwiches every day in my health food takeaway shop, and pretty much all the other food too.

In keeping with the 'healthy' angle I also made wholemeal croissants on Sunday mornings and they were a real hit. At that time croissants weren't available everywhere as they are now, and wholemeal ones (just like now) weren't heard of.

I adapted a recipe which I think came from a US Bon Appetit magazine, and chose it because it looked quicker than the classic recipes which seemed a bit too much trouble. I had small children. I taught cookery classes in the back of the shop. I was more than busy. 

Here is the recipe.....

I hope you like it! Good luck with it.