And why America should

adopt it!

Moving across the Atlantic 20 years ago was, in some way, uncomplicated… After all, I was saying “yes” to building a life with the man of my life! However, the adaptation period took me a surprisingly long time… Besides missing my friends and family immensely, I felt an unexpected cultural void… Until that point, I hadn’t realized that my culture and way of life was deeply ingrained in me, and those cultural rituals were actually giving rhythm to my days… (Let me be clear, when I say “culture” and “way of life”, I am almost solely referring to: food, eating and other related activities and customs, what else?!)

“It took me years to realise that little French custom so essential and distinct that living without it in the United States was one of the hardest parts of my expatriation.”

Have you heard of “Apéritif”? It refers to the time you take with friends or family before a meal for having a cocktail or a beer, along with some snacks. You may have heard words like; “amuses-bouches”, “hors d’œuvres” or “canapés”… Those are names with can give to the various types of snacks served for apéritif (Apéro for short). Ever since I can remember, this ritual has been an essential component of the social habits of the French and Belgians.

Apéritif is perfect for getting to know people. It can be quick or last for hours and it allows friends, family or acquaintances to get together without the pressure and commitment of a tiring, time consuming or expensive lunch or dinner. How convenient!

How it works;

Guest are usually invited a half hour to an hour before lunch or dinner time and the drinks and hors d’œuvres are served in the living room (or patio in the summer). If things go well -and let’s face it after a drink they always go well, the apéritif is extended into the meal hour. The hostess either serves more amuse-bouches or invites the guest to stay for lunch or dinner. Nowadays, it’s very common to invite people over for “apéritif dinatoir”, meaning a food choice so satisfying that it also serves as the meal.

I remember as a little girl, being lost with my family on the roads of southern France... We stopped our Renault5 at a random house to ask for directions. (This was before the internet!) The owners kindly showed us the way, chatted for a few minutes and asked if we wanted to come back the next day for apéritif! Which we did of course!!! I remember they served melon and Port and everyone had a great time! Moments like these build familiarity between people. I miss the ease of making new connections thanks to this tradition…

I have to admit that for a few years after moving to the US, I stopped hosting apéritif … Having to explain over and over to people that you’re inviting them to a casual cocktail hour and being met with wide eyes got a bit…mood sapping. The idea of casual drinking seems to be a turn off in the American culture and frankly, it can also seem very odd here to kick the guests out right before the meal! As it turns out, you’re also not supposed to drink beer on play dates. Oops… I feel like the American binge culture can cloud people’s conception of casual drinking. Think instead that the drink is a means to converse, exchange and enjoy life. Sip slowly, be present and enjoy!

———> KEEP READING FOR RECIPES!

So, next time you have a cocktail before lunch, please just throw some chips on the table so you can call it Apéritif! You can make it as casual or fancy as you’d like but if you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated, here is a fool-proof recipe that is sure you thrill your guests;

Kir Royal and Accras: easy AND fancy.

To prepare this drink, all you need is to pour 1 small tbsp of crème de cassis (black currant syrup) in the bottom of a champagne flute. Fill with champagne or sparkling white wine and voila!

“I like to add a frozen raspberry in the bottom to make it more interesting.”

Santé!

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​​(Here is a link to purchase quality crème de cassis: Creme de Cassis)

Some other drinks you could serve are:

-A strong Belgian beer like La Chouffe or Duvel.

-A sangria

-A rosé (reserve the red wine for meal time)

-A sparkling wine or Champagne

Accras recipe;

As for the canapés, let me share a recipe I love to make when I entertain! They are French fish fritters called: “Accras”. You can make them in advance too!!!

Instructions for making Accras:

Steam some haddock or cod fillets.

Transfer to a bowl and let cool a bit.

Add enough flour, salt, pepper, diced shallot, chopped parsley, paprika and cayenne pepper to have a doughy consistency. You may find you need to add some water from the steamed fish to be able to form 1 inch balls. I use two small spoon to form the balls and drop them directly in hot deep frying oil.

Et voilà!

If you don’t want your guests to arrive to a house that smells like fish, I strongly recommend you make these in advance! Cook them once in the oil first. You can keep them in the fridge and deep fry or air fry them again at the last minute.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s tips, stories and recipes! Talk to you soon!