For years, my mom and sister have looked back on their trip to Rouen, France with nostalgia and interest. Although I didn’t have the chance to accompany them, I love that they were able to explore a completely new and unfamiliar foreign country together and make those memories!

It was not a trip without its hardships. They crammed in a bunch of sightseeing in a mere weekend, and Mom missed her flight home (!) which was a major setback! But we look on it now and laugh. One of the things I really felt I missed out on was the experience to see Normandy, especially the coasts that saw the Allied landings in 1944. I truly cannot imagine walking on such hallowed ground, knowing what had happened there. They also got to see the Bayeux tapestry, which Mom speaks of still with such enthusiasm and knowledge! It’s one of those things I wish I got to see with her. Maybe someday, we will go back together!

One of the lighthearted memories they will bring up now and then is the FOOD scene in France! Upon arriving home, Mom insisted that I would LOVE French breakfasts. She remembers being surrounded by assortments of fresh local cheeses, meats, and baked breads and jams — “right up your alley,” she would say to me!

Keeping that in mind, even two years after their trip, I always thought it would be fun to re-create a French breakfast and have them over to enjoy it slowly, in true European fashion. This year on Good Friday, we did it! It was a dream. Leisurely, slow-paced, and all about food and good company!

the menu

• Charcuterie: Le Delice de Borgogne, Fromage de Jacques, Gruyere, Sopressata and Prosicutto

• Sweets: Macarons, chocolate croissants, fresh baked baguettes

• Savories: Open faced sandwiches of two varieties: 1) slow-roasted tomatoes and garlic with burratta cheese and fresh basil 2) goat cheese and fig spread with sliced apple and baby spinach

• Beverages: hot tea and coffee, sparkling Pear wine

How cute is baby Bash!?