Let them eat... soup?!

Dear Reader,

Hi, my name is Lisa and I'm an unabashed Francophile; resistance is futile in the face of anything French.

In exchange for the fabulous food, culture and Champagne (with a capital C!) I entertain them by destroying their beautiful language with "my NY accented french."  Think: Bone Jour.

Many years ago, my pastry training took me to France. Not to reveal my age, but they were still on the Franc when I visited *ahem* and I quickly fell in love with the country.

Though Marie Antoinette never uttered the famous line about cake that is often attributed to her, the court of Versailles did influence the cuisine of France and by extension, the world.

As the story goes, Marie Antoinette was required to appear in public for meals, she actually preferred much simpler fare in the quite of her chambers.

One of her purported 'favorite' soups has also become a favorite of mine and is wonderful during the summer when you find yourself wanting something besides a cold salad and don't want to turn the stove on for too long.

Marie Antoinette's favorite cauliflower soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower cut into chunks
• 6 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
• splash of cream (approximately 1/4 cup)
• 1 tablespoon herbes de provence (optional)
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook cauliflower in broth until tender and use a stick blender, upright blender or potato masher to mash the cauliflower to desired consistency. Add the cream and season to taste. 

Èt voilà!  It is that simple.  

This soup is also delicious served cold and when paired with a salad makes and wonderful, light summer meal and leaves you with plenty of room for dessert.

Stay sweet!

Lisa