A bit of nostalgia.

We don't often get to use these large serving dishes; they are reserved for when we are 6 or more around the table. 

Many years ago I used to buy these very simple, tin glazed, peasant-ware dishes, as often as I could. I somehow knew they would disappear as being 'unfashionable', so I bought lots. These days they are a rarity at antique or boot sales, and demand good prices.

We used the two above last night; one to hold a large pile of roasted Chicken, the other to contain roasted potatoes and green beans. They have an almost medieval simplicity about them; especially when piled high with good food.

They always remind me of my lovely neighbour Madame D (now sadly departed), who would load a table with lots of them, all groaning with beautifully prepared dishes. Madame D was a classic Perigordian peasant cook. Nothing gave her more pleasure than seeing people enjoy what she had lovingly prepared. She would serve plates of Confit, Sausages, two different styles of Chicken, and green Beans, along with salads tomatoes and whatever was fresh in the garden. She taught me so much about traditional local cuisine, preserving, and so much more. I still occasionally think how I would love to ask her advice about something or other.

Those days have now gone; along with Madame D. So much has changed since she was my next door neighbour. Kitchen technology has certainly advanced, the fruit and vegs in the shops are now far more exotic, and 'convenience' now dominates all aspects of cooking. The standard of French home cooking (and restaurant cooking) has certainly decreased, whereas I think in the UK it has advanced considerably.

I myself no longer make my own paté, I no longer salt my own hams or bacon, and our fruit/jam production is very limited. I was extremely happy to use the above dishes again, they remind me of better times, of wonderful occasions, and of many lovely people.