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A YANKEE IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE

A YANKEE IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE
The French Riviera. Sculpture. The writing of a novel. The Meaning of Life.
Various interests I have.
One day I hope to have a section for each of these on the webpage.
(Note : I have found the meaning of life -- my wife, my six year old son, my family and my friends. It is not at all simple, but there it is.)




THE BEACH IN CANNES DOWN THE HILL FROM OUR APARTMENT

If one would like to visit paradise, here is your chance. An incredible two bedroom, 950 sq.ft. apartment for rent in the south of France. Some places on earth are more spectacular than others -- and this is one of those places. Antique furniture, two and one half baths, marble floors, azure tiled kitchen, private garden with view of the Mediteranean Sea, large swimming pool, acres of gardens and flowers.
The apartment is in a luxury building on the Croix De Guarde -- a hill which overlooks the city of Cannes, France. One kilometer from downtown Cannes, less than a kilometer from the beach, less than a kilometer from two large farmer's markets, but up on this hill with its cool breezes and away from all the noise and pollution of the city of Cannes. Have to speak with my French cousins about prices -- probably around $1000/week or a much better deal if rented for month.
Cannes is a spectacular place with some of the best restaurants in the world, especially seafood, and certainly among the great beaches for people watching, white sand, quiet walks at sunset. Even in the middle of winter, when all the crowds are gone, the weather is incredibly mild and this is a great base for exploring Provence and the magnificent French countryside. Click on the link below to see a few photos of the apartment.

CANNES APARTMENT PHOTOS. NEW ONES, FINALLY.

For a couple looking for a romantic time or just to get away from the troubles our lives sometimes bring us -- this escape to the Cote D'Azur, the Riviera -- can be heaven on earth, rejuvination and nirvana all rolled up into one wonderful time. Plus, you have a personal tour guide here in me to help you along. I'd be happy to help anyone wishing to visit this part of the world plan their vacation. Also, a note about the French. Deep down, somewhere too subtle often, they are okay, in fact, most are quite wonderful folk who care about life and humanity. And, Many still feel quite a love for Americans and thank them for preserving their French culture. My mother lived through the War the German occupation, and she and her generation will never forget the Liberation.


CHILI
The best chili in the world was made by my mother. Not exactly Texas style chili and maybe a bit soupy, but I do miss that stuff. Amazing what a great French cook can do to an American dish. Wish she were still around. Next best chili is probably my father's (I've reconsidered my previous disparaging statement) He thinks he is Chef Paul -- does look a bit like him, and he can cook chili. We've been competing in the North Carolina Chili Championships since its inception, about twelve years or so ago, and done pretty good. It was my father's idea to start the thing in order to raise money for the March of Dimes. Last year the festival attracted over one hundred cooks, over thirty thousand folks attended and we raised $80,000 or so for charity.
Anyway, here's a recipe for something from our chili competition days.



Johnny's North Carolina Chili


1. 1 and 1/2 lbs. ground chuck, or, better yet, sirloin in 1/2 inch cubes
1 onion chopped
3 cloves garlic chopped
salt and pepper

grill in skillet with butter and drain off fat

2. 4 tbsp olive oil
1 large green pepper chopped
1 onion chopped
3 jalapeno peppers chopped
3 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin
2 tbsp onion flakes
3 cloves garlic crushed
1 tsp cayenne
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp whorchester
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
2 tsp sage
2 tsp dijon mustard

grill all in large pot, then simmer for 1/2 hour

3.
Mix 1. and 2. Add 2/3 15 oz. can tomato sauce, one chopped tomato, one cup red wine, and then simmer for 1 and 1/2 hours. May add masa flour to thicken and more wine. Salt and pepper to taste. Last 15 minutes add 4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese. Type of chili powder makes a huge difference. Just have to find one you like. Serve with beer, of course.


CASSOULET -- SOUTHERN JOHNNY STYLE
This is the perfect recipe for a cold winter night sitting by a fire.

1. 1 lb. navy or haricot beans dry -- soak overnight in water.
2. Add to a large pot and bring to a boil with 3 large pork chops (cut in pieces)
Cover all with water, add salt, coarse pepper. Simmer for one hour.
3. Add 1 - 2 lamb shanks or lamb chops cut up, 1 large green pepper in pieces,
4 - 5 carrots in chunks, 4 onions in chunks, 2 tomatoes in chunks,
4 cloves garlic crushed, 1 small can tomato paste, 4 jalapeno peppers diced,
1 - 2 tsp Herbs de Provence, bay leaf. Simmer all for 2 -3 hours.
*** Add red wine (whatever you prefer -- Gallo hearty burgundy works fine
for cooking) 1/2 cup at a time (several times) when liquid cooks down.
5. Grill 1 lb Italien sausage or other spicy sausage in olive oil -- then add to pot for last hour of simmering.
6. Layer in large casserole dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and bake for about
one hour at 375.
Note - have placed online a few of my sculptures - go to link page.

Links of interest

Sculpture photos
Novel - Gentle Water (chapter 1)

Email: gusdon@pol.net