We were able to celebrate the 4th of July this year with our
dearest friends here in France. The weather was gloriously cooperative and we tried to show them a good time with an over abundance of food and general lounging about. You know, American-style.
Somehow being gone for American holidays, like Thanksgiving, has seemed even harder than mutual holidays, like Christmas. So we made sure to find a way to celebrate the 4th. It's always more fun with friends.
And while we had a hard time finding certain things (hello, corn on the cob!), we did our best to dish up some summer BBQ grub. Our friends had never roasted anything over a fire before and the kids were particularly keen on cooking up their own hotdogs.
And my beautiful friend dove right into the marshmallow roasting herself, telling me "
It's just like the movies!" That made me smile. She's great like that.
Incidentally, marshmallows here are in the candy aisle. They come in packages, are a bit smaller, always seem to be a mix of white
and pink, and are a bit more soft. They melt
really quickly. Gotta' be on your marshmallow game when it comes to roasting.
While the children played, the menfolk chatted about all measures of things. The Franco-American kinship continuing to flourish ... perhaps because they did help us win our Independence, you may remember!
I'm not quite sure how we always seem to find such quality people to be friends with. In spite of our flaws, neediness, and general gooberish-like qualities ... they seem to appear and stick with us.
And thank goodness for that!
We do miss home. Even though we are loving our adopted nation, being away from the States has reminded us how much we appreciate about our own imperfect country and the fact that we are truly proud and grateful to be Americans. America has a history of sacrifice and bravery that has won and offered up freedoms and alliances for her citizens. In many, many ways, not unlike France! It's a remarkable thing to unite cultures and countries in peace and friendship.
Whether home or abroad, we have much to be thankful for. Today, in particular, American and French friends, alike.
I love how you make the most of what you have, Anna. Also, in South Africa, marshmallows are also sold in the sweets (candy) aisle, in packs of pink and white, and are so yummy and soft. I could go through a bag by myself :) Now I'm curious - how do the Americans sell their marshmallows?
ReplyDeleteHi, Marcia! I think American marshmallows are eaten less like candy and more for baking or making "s'mores" or roasting them over a fire. Ours are more firm, therefore they roast/bake better. But the French "Haribo" brand are tasty for snacking, that's for sure! Were your marshmallows made by Haribo, also?
DeleteAlso, the marshmallows are sold in the food aisle closer to the sugar and flour and not with the candy.
Ours are made by a local "candy" brand, Beacon. Here are some images https://www.google.com/search?q=beacon+marshmallows&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=6cOaVbvFJMLc7Aads6TgAw&ved=0CB0QsAQ&biw=1252&bih=555
DeleteThey look very similar to French! I wonder if they taste the same?!
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the 4th, and with friends. Loved that they were excited to roast over the fire- so fun. But the marshmallows? I'm reading your post and Marcia's above comments- why are the marshmallows so different, I wonder?
ReplyDeleteI know, so funny! The marshmallows here are made by Haribo (the gummy bear company). They are also called "Chamallows" not marshmallows ?!?
DeleteI love meeting your friends, again, and getting to know them a bit better, even if it's just through photos and second-hand words. Next time, in Oregon!
ReplyDelete