HELP for settling and living in France

It's not getting that chilly yet but winter is drawing in and shorter days are upon us... This is a great time to get all our paperwork, admin and procedures in place to ensure we are all set up properly here in France or if you are looking to move here, now's the time to get ready and start enquiring about all there is to know and do once you arrive. The Help is a local company that basically loves to HELP. Read on...

The French Lemon Yoghurt Awesome Cake

The lovely Marie-Claire who used to be here in my place at www.InHossegor.com invited me and a friend over to tea the other afternoon. Afternoon tea with CAKE. I mean, we live in France, there are gorgeous things you can go get at your local Boulangerie but nothing beats a piece of cake with a cuppa. Yes. You know it. I tasted this amazing slurpylicious lemon tangy but sweet cake and it felt like I was eating lemon curd in a loaf. It's hard to describe. Make it and try ok? Here's what to get:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup plain whole-milk yoghurt (OR Lemon yoghurt works too) 1 1/3 cups sugar, divided 3 extra-large eggs 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (2 lemons) ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract ½ cup vegetable oil 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

For the glaze: 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease an medium size loaf pan. Grease and flour the pan. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into one bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the yoghurt, 1 cup sugar, the eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla. Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. With a rubber spatula, fold the vegetable oil into the batter, making sure it’s all incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a cake tester placed in the center of the loaf comes out clean. Meanwhile, cook the 1/3 cup lemon juice and remaining 1/3 cup sugar in a small pan until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear. Set aside. When the cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully place on a baking rack over a sheet pan. While the cake is still warm, pour the lemon-sugar mixture over the cake and allow it to soak in. Cool. For the glaze, combine the confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice and drizzle over the cake. Let sit until the glaze hardens. Stuff your gob and feel serene knowing you have just only eaten yoghurt with a little sugar. Right? Erm. Read on...

Went to a lovely event: I LOVE SATURDAY

In Hossegor… what’s on in South Western France!

I have the beach house, as some of you may know. It's where I feel safe and seek refuge in, often, to escape the cities and bustle and broohaha that I have been exposed to for long periods of my life. InHossegor is a wonderful website where you can find everything that is going on, all the places to be at and some fabulous ideas in South West France, between Biarritz and Hossegor. Come see the dunes, the surf, the gorgeous cuisine and the fresh and vibrant local environment.                       Read on...

French Beach Homes… an old and new venture

I just wanted to speak to you about my new venture that I have in fact been working on for the last couple of years... Frenchbeachhomes is a one stop boutique service for those who are looking to move to France, holiday in France or live here and need help with services or everyday life. Frenchbeachhomes is also a place to book a holiday Read on...

Breakfast cranberry and sesame Flapjacks

I share with you today this beautiful recipe for Cranberry and Sesame breakfast Flapjacks, adapted to what we have available here and without having to spend a fortune on imported golden syrup or porridge oats. These little mamas are great with a cup of Cinamon Tea or a beautiful Soja latte, mmmm..... They take no time to prepare and Read on...