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This classic French Strawberry Charlotte Cake "Charlotte aux Fraises" makes the most delicious summer dessert.

Ingredients

Around 30 finger biscuits
1 can of strawberries or other fruit (just for the juice)
250gr or more strawberry (you can also use other fruit and frozen one too)
350ml double cream
50gr sugar

Prepartion steps

  • Clean the strawberries, wash and chop in half.
  • In a bowl, whipp the double cream with the sugar
  • Use a charlotte mold (round mold or tupperware mold), dip each biscuit briefly in the strawberry juice and arrange them in a circle and at the bottom of the bowl.
  • Add a layer of cream, then a layer of strawberries then continue to alternate until you get to the top of the bowl but make sure you finish with a row of biscuits.
  • Cover and put in the freezer for about 3 hours to set
  • Before serving make sure you defrost the Charlotte and turn it over on a plate

Enjoy - Bon Appétit

 

 

 

Following the recent announcement from the UK Government that people will no longer be required to quarantine when returning to the UK from amber destinations, as long as they have had been double vaccinated at least 14 days prior to travelling and children under the age of 18 are exempt. This change will come into effect from 19th July.

As travel slowly starts to open again, we would love to help you plan that much needed last minute summer holiday! We have hundreds of properties to choose in France and believe we have the perfect property for every client go to our website www.frenchconnections.co.uk to find your perfect holiday retreat and if you need assistance please do not hesitate to contact us

 
 
All travellers arriving from an amber list country must present the transport company and border control authorities with a negative PCR test less than 72 hours prior to departure or a negative antigen test less than 48 hours prior to departure. Children aged below eleven years are exempt from testing. Self-administred tests are not considered as valid to travel.

Vaccinated travellers must also provide:

 

We are aware of the constant rumours and concerns whether you can travel to Europe this summer for holidays so we thought that it would be helpful if we set out the position as we understand it and the advice we are giving to holidaymakers enquiring about availability of properties.

Key dates for UK Nationals

For UK nationals the key dates at the moment are:

  • 12th April 2021 - when the UK Government Task Force is expected to announce when travel will re-open
  • 17th May 2021 - based on present UK Government statements this is the earliest date that travel will re-open

EU Nationals and Other

The EU has not been as transparent as the UK but is likely to make its position clear within the same timescale as above for UK nationals.  We anticipate similar clarification for non EU nationals.

What restrictions on travel will there be?

Obviously we cannot be certain but we regard it as highly likely that entry of a foreign national to an EU county will as a minimum require evidence of a negative Covid test at least 72 hours before travel or evidence of vaccination.

We also believe that at least on an EU basis some form of required vaccination passport will become the norm sooner rather than later.   It is also possible that individual countries will negotiate separate gateway conditions between each other for the own nationals.

Pressure on Availability

If you are considering a booking with us, please be aware that in effect two years are being telescoped into one because 2020 was in effect a total write off for many owners and holidaymakers alike.  As the rules on travel come clearer we expect to see real pressure on availability so if you are in a position to book now that may turn out to be a wise move

We expect there to be a constant steam of news concerning travel restrictions in the next few weeks and we will of course keep you informed of any significant changes.  In the meantime, if you have any specific queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch.


? Important information that travellers must be aware off when travelling to Europe this summer (after the 19th July) with children under the age of 18:

4 years and under:
Self-Isolation - ❌
Pre Departure Test – ❌
Day 2 Test – ❌

5-10 years:
Self-Isolation - ❌
Pre Departure Test – ❌
Day 2 Test – ✅

11-17 years:
Self-Isolation - ❌
Pre Departure Test – ✅
Day 2 Test – ✅

We have a range of family properties available this summer so please take a look at the site www.frenchconnections.co.uk

At long last, summer is finally here and travel is now an option! Who’s looking forward to a much needed holiday for the whole family to enjoy?
 
 
Next week on Tuesday 02nd February it is "La Chandeleur" (Le jour des Crêpes) in France but what does La Chandeleur means: It is considered the last cycle of the Christmas celebration. So in religious tradition, Christians were only meant to clear the Christ’s manger scene after la Chandeleur. To find out more about the religious side of things, read our other article on La Chandeleur here.
 
Nowadays, la Chandeleur is mostly known as the day of the crêpes. It’s a day when families and friends all make crêpes and enjoy them together
 
Find below a recipe for your crêpes
 
Ingredients
  • 140g plain flour
  • 200ml whole milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 25g unsalted butter, melted, plus a little extra for greasing

Method

  • Step 1 - Sift the flour with a pinch of salt into a medium-size bowl and make a well in the middle. Mix the milk and 100ml of water together. Break the eggs into the well and start whisking slowly. Add the milk and water in a steady stream, whisking constantly and gradually incorporating the flour as you do so.
  • Step 2 - Whisk until the batter is smooth and all the flour has been incorporated. Set the batter aside to rest for 30 mins, then whisk the melted butter into the batter.
  • Step 3 - Heat the pan over a medium heat. Very lightly grease the pan with melted butter. Using a ladle, pour roughly 2 tbsp of batter into the pan and swirl it around so the bottom of the pan is evenly coated. You want to use just enough batter to make a delicate, lacy pancake. Cook the pancake for about 45 secs on one side until golden and then using a palette knife or fish slice, flip the pancake over and cook the other side for about 30 secs until it freckles.
  • Step 4 - Slide the pancake out of the pan and either serve immediately or stack on a plate with baking parchment in between. Continue until all the batter is used up.