After having fun at our first lamaze class, my husband decided to treat me to dessert at a local bakery. The bakery is one of my favorite places to go – and not just because I am pregnant!
I could not decide between a strawberry or pear tart, so he got me both. And while I tried with all my might to eat one then and wait to have the other for the evening after dinner… I had them both for lunch! But at least I waited long enough to take a photograph of them.
Before going to France for the first time, I could not understand why someone would want to go to a bakery separately to purchase bread. At that point, I thought bakeries only sold bread. I would just run over to Publix to do my grocery shopping and pick up a loaf of French bread while I was there. The bread was usually crispy on the outside and nice and gooey in the inside. What more could I want?
It does not take long while in France to realize the absolute beauty of these bakeries… and why they should be on every street corner in the USA instead of our typical fast food restaurants. I shudder to think of all my trips to McDonalds, Taco Bell and Burger King. Not only will you find the traditional baguettes at a bakery, but a variety of breads and sandwiches that will make your head spin.
Here are my top 5 reasons why I LOVE France’s bakeries:
1. Desserts. This is probably my favorite part of going to a bakery! Whether I want a tart, cookie or cake – I am in heaven! The amount of time and skill put into their desserts makes them difficult to resist. I can feel my heart race and mouth water just thinking about them. It is the best place to go when you are sad and need a pick-me-up or want to celebrate an achievement.
2. Freshness. There is nothing like the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread. You really hit the jackpot when you arrive just as they take the bread out of the oven!
3. Healthier Meals. Bakeries are France’s form of fast food takeout and can see people eating baguette sandwiches at lunch time on the bus, train or walking down the street. Most bakeries will have a combination of ham and cheese, tuna salad or salmon baguette sandwiches – but with slight variations of ingredients. Most are garnished with lettuce or sliced tomatoes, while others are gourmet with spices and camembert. But if you are going for breakfast, beware of the buttery croissants and pain du chocolat. These are not healthy, but completely addictive!
4. Selection. Whenever I go to a bakery, I am overwhelmed with the choices! I never know if I should try the usual or opt for something different. It’s as if I will not be returning any time soon. It does not matter if I am going to a bakery to find something for breakfast, lunch or dessert; I am always stuck on what to order. I even have asked once for a custom made sandwich when I saw the baker in the back working. I would not recommend doing this as it is not common – but I was noticeable 8 months pregnant so I think they gave me a free pass.
5. Convenience. You will find a bakery within minutes of where you are in most major cities in France. In addition, no village with commerce is complete without its own little bakery. Not all bakeries are created equal. There are bakeries that sell burnt bread or food that is not fresh. If you walk into a bakery that does not look like it has fresh food in its display, do not be too shy to walk out the door. Chances are that you will most likely find somewhere better within a few minutes walk.
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