Tartelette aux framboises

We all have 5 senses: touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste.

I want to talk about one of them: taste. Maybe because I am a true epicurienne, I search for pleasure in my life in many ways, including eating. I enjoy that – way too much – according to my fashion sense and shrinking wardrobe… but for me, the pleasure of eating is linked to particular memories and moments of my life.

Take the tartelette aux framboises (photo above from last week) as an example. You will probably agree with me, that simply by looking at it – it seems delicious (if you like raspberries). And yes, when I saw it, with those beautiful red summery fruits and that icing sugar, my mouth watered. But it’s the taste that did it for me – it managed to transport me through time and space.

I was tasting my memories – from the first bite, I saw myself buying this classic French dessert in Strasbourg. There I was, an exchange student from Australia in her year abroad  in France. I was young and the world was my oyster! Ah, I was going to enjoy this year, and I truly did.

I discovered this boulangerie/patisserie next to the flat I rented with an Aussie colleague. And I made good use of it 🙂 As soon as summer approached, so did their desserts diversify and the summer fruits, which I enjoy so much, were putting on a show in the window display.

This was the first desert I bought from there and it stayed for many years, my favourite. I like the freshness and sweetness, it’s simple and unpretencious, yet honest. It gives me a feeling of fulfilment and happiness. And that was probably my mood the first time I tried it.

Am I reading too much into it? Maybe… maybe not. As I am not only tasting a tartelette aux framboises, I am tasting an entire year of discoveries, first times, freedom, adventure and fun!

That year, I fell in love with Strasbourg, its mixed culture and influences, its wine route and chateau ruins, its cobbled streets, colourful villages and warm and generous people.

That year, I fell in love with France and although our relationship wasn’t always easy and straightforward, I am blessed to call this place home (even if I now live in the South).

To many more tartelettes and to new deserts and new memories here in Nice.

What senses are you most connected with and what do they remind you of?