Since my official name is Amanda, but I've always been called Mandy, I frequently have an identity-crisis when it comes to what name to use. Interestingly, I’ve found two desserts in France that are named something really similar to both of my names. Of course I tried them both, and I am happy to report that both of my French dessert namesakes are excellent!

Amanda’s dessert namesake : une tartelette amande

amande = almond

I never realized that my name is pretty much “almond” in French, with the addition of the “ah” sound at the end. I love almonds, so I’m ok with that.

The tartelette amande is the best thing I’ve eaten so far. I discovered it 3 days ago at the little bakery / sandwich shop where I’ve been getting lunch, and I’ve had 2 already.

Mandy’s dessert namesake: a Mandisse from McDonalds

The Mandisse is basically a cupcake full of chocolate chunks, and in the center, it’s full of Nutella. Of course it doesn’t taste nearly as fresh as the tartelette amande, but a chocolate chip cupcake with Nutella in the center -- how could that not be good?

I had another full day of class today -- I'm not complaining -- I like class! And, I'm earning 6 hours credit, so I expected it to be a lot of work. I have an 8-10 page paper due next week, and I want to get it finished before Jacob gets here, so I'll probably start on that tonight.

Mme Bel taught me to make Quiche Lorraine last night, and she kept saying, "Oh, it's so simple, it's so easy!" I had told her that I thought it had such a good, rich flavor when we had it the first week I was here, and I think she was embarassed for me to see how simple it was!

The only ingredients (besides the crust, which is sold here fresh in wax paper, pre-cut the size of a quiche pan -- how nice!) were eggs, ham, gruyère cheese (which is sold shredded in a bag), crème fraiche, and salt and pepper. I think what gives it the unique taste I'm not used to is the crème fraiche, which I don't think we have.

As she was cracking the eggs (brown eggs that were individually stamped saying that they came from chickens that were raised outside -- she's very particular about using very fresh
ingredients!), she said, "Mmmm, these eggs smell very fresh." I was thinking, "How does she know that?!"


Jacob leaves one week from today -- the countdown is on!