Mon Dieu! I was so carried away with the MacTweets Fruity Challenge that I forgot this sequel to the Loire Valley post! Et voici, mes amis – enfin…
Remember recently I asked you what this tree was? It’s a French Tilleul. In English, it’s Linden Blossom but after Sue of Tales from the Giantswood asked if it was a lime tree, I realised that Tilleul is linden blossom or lime blossom. Thank you, Sue.
We had our breakfast under this tree at the B&B just around the corner from the Château of Azay-le-Rideau in the Loire. What a civilised haven, with classical music coming out from the dining room as we ate – somehow Lady Gaga wouldn’t have been right.
As the weather was warm, we ate under this tree outside so the breakfast room was used as the buffet – filled with brioches, baguettes and goat cheeses. It’s the first time in my life that I’ve eaten goat cheese for breakfast. What an experience.
The perfect pot of café crème with a plate ranging from the freshest goat cheese, to the most matured and piquant; as the word implies, it almost pierced the taste buds and the sticky honey put out the “fire”.
I wouldn’t have this every day, but I shall never forget such a waking revelation to the taste buds. At home, we’re more likely to have our favourite salad in the summer as a main course: Salade de chèvre chaud (warm goat’s cheese salad).
Tilleul / Linden Blossom
Back to that linden blossom tree. When we first arrived, Antoine greeted the B&B owners as I secretly hid behind the tree and tried to straighten out my back. I had turned into a chair after 3 hours of lying flat out in the passenger seat from Paris, so it was slightly embarrassing attempting a transformation from a crooked old woman to a 40-something on a romantic weekend..
The owner had her basket out, ready to laden it with linden blossoms. This was the perfect time to dry them as they were in full bloom.
In France this is particularly popular as a herbal infusion: infusion de tilleul, which is relaxing and caffeine free before bedtime. An infusion of lime blossom is also said to soothe tension headaches.
Linden blossom au château d'Azay le Rideau, Loire
As we took a walk around the Château of Azay-le-Rideau, linden blossom trees surrounded us and we were mesmorised by the perfumes and the views.
Back at the B&B, Madame hadn’t got around to collecting the blossoms yet. Meanwhile, someone had a better idea for her basket.
Sun in all its glory, blossoms perfuming the air, Vivaldi out of the speakers - it’s time for a cat-nap.
And time for some linden/lime blossom macarons with a hint of lemon for something light and gluten free on a summer’s day…
Not just for night-time infusions, my macaronivore friends…
Wishing you a summer of lazy cat-naps and dreams
under the shade of your favourite tree.
The Party Times!
Shhh. The macaron secret is out…
Come and join us at The Party Times Online, where Pippa Middleton is sharing some macaron recipes from the book, courtesy of Waverley Books.
Stay tuned, as she is also planning a great Mad About Macarons! competition on the Party Times site…(UK residents)
"Mad about Macarons! Make Macarons like the French"
thank you so much for sharing those lovely images with us, it has been too long since I have walked under the French sun….sigh, what a wonderful place to relax and just enjoy life, thanks so much for taking us along with you.
lovely pictures looks wonderful
What a wonderful post. It looks like it was a beautiful B&B! I hope it was a nice, lazy weekend for you with time to mend your back! The macarons, along with all of your pictures, are just beautiful! : )
So tickled by the kitty taking a nap.
Lime is such a refreshing flavor…esp in the summer. Lovely macarons.
Oh, Jill. You have me simultaneously craving lime and a trip to France! Unfortunately, my bank balance says I’ll just have to stick to limes for now.
Hope your back is feeling better!
I want to go there, but I will have to settle for your lovely pictures. I think I could eat goat cheese for breakfast, no problem! Thanks for this lovely post. I love your stories and your macarons.
Hi Jill! I have never heard of this type of blossom, but it sounds like something I would enjoy! These macaroons are beautiful and they sound as if they have wonderful delicate flavor as well! Love all the photos from this post, especially the one of the cat in the basket
! Hope you have a wonderful week!
-Amy
Beautiful post that made me want spend a lazy day in France! And those macarons!!
Nice frenchy post, nothing beats France in Summer. Lovely pics.
You make me want to pack up and move to France more with every blog post. I’d love to have goat’s cheese for breakfast, as you say what a wake up for the taste buds.
I am green with envy, Jill. Sounds like a wonderful weekend. I love your photo of the “cat nap” – so cute. What a lazy-looking chat indeed. Your lime blossom macarons are inspired!
Your macarons look so pretty and cute!
I’ve always been intimidated by them, but i’ll have to give them a try someday!
I think I know your secret….you have a secret magic macaron orchard !
These look magical and I hope they worked their magic after your car ride x.
These lovely photos take me back to a summer’s day in France – glorious. The lime macaroons look fresh and bright and beautiful. Wonderful post!
How creative to have a lime blossom macaron – sounds like a perfect flavor for summer!
I love these your and your whole story makes me want to revisit France. Lady Gaga would indeed have spoiled the fun.
Your breakfast triggered a memory of mine. A long time ago I stayed with a friend’s family in France. On my first day breakfast was served and my coffee was in what I can best describe as a cereal bowl. They all waited politely for me to start who was sitting with no idea what i was supposed to do. My friend thought my embarrassment was hilarious.
These look oh so good.
I need a trip to France. Your breakfast puts me in mind of when I visited a friends family for a short vacation. On the first day when breakfast was served my coffee was in what I can best describe as a cereal bowl. Everyone was politely waiting for me to start and I had no idea what I was supposed to do this LOL. My friend thought my embarrassed state was hilarious.
Thank you for putting that back in my mind
hmmm relaxing under the tree:)) that sounds really awesome!:) I do that when I go for a run:))) shh
Your macarons look wonderful! I love the color! Awesome post!
Great post. Nice way to relax under a tree.
Lovely! I love Linden… I have an herbal supplement I take at night to help me sleep and drink the tea as a kicker. I love the almost-citrus flavor and the soothing feeling. Once I master these macarons of yours these are going on the list!
I hope you enjoyed your weekend getaway, Jill. What a lovely place, perfect for relaxation. Beautiful macarons. Love those pretty little berries.
I’m so jealous. Green with envy – like your lime macarons! Looks so absolutely gorgeous. And I loved kitty in the basket. Well, I’ll just have to live vicariously through you Jill.
)
Oh, Jill!! You have me dreaming of the French countryside. You really stayed at a castle??? Wow, wow!! Your photos have transported me (along with my morning coffee) to this beautiful place. I’m so happy that the two of you had a few days together, yes, it really does help. Adorable pics of the French kitty… he is living the life!
Your photos are beautiful! That cat is adorable too… once I see a pet I tend to lose focus on everything else lol
Wow…Pippa Middleton is doing a giveaway of your book!? That is wonderful!!! You know, I’ve never been a big fan of macarons (though I wish I was!), but all of your gorgeous posts always make me feel like I am missing out on something and I need to give them another try! Just saw a Groupon thing for a macaron making class…I’m seriously tempted…thanks to you!
I guess that’s like the Italian “tiglio”… lovely flavour!!! I am sure the macarons will have tasted amazing (they sure look perfect!).
Wow!!! Pippa Middleton??? Congrats Jill!!!! <3 I am so happy for you!!! And it is all well deserved!
Fabulous post, Jill!
LOL @ the transformation behind the tree. I know I’m laughing, but I know that couldn’t have been fun! Hope your back is getting better! That infusion de tilleul sounds like something I need! I don’t get headaches much, but I do have a lot of tension 
That cat in the basket is adorable! He has the right idea, obviously! And those macarons – oh, those macarons! I love anything even mildly citrus-y, and these sound divine! 
I love the color too… How I wish I lived closer to you so I could sample some these flavors… Love the post!
What a cuto kitty baby! What a lovely holiday
That goat cheese breakfast sounds like a fantastic way to start your day!
What a pretty colour these macarons are. Get you and your ‘royal’ connections! Well done, you deserve it.
I don’t remember these trees from 20 years ago so thanks for telling me about linden blossom. Amazing what you learn from your children. Wish I had been there but, hey, looking after my grandchildren while you had your “romantic” weekend was just magic for me – even the monopoly.
Hello Jill! Oh I believe I have found a kindred. A fellow France traveler and a macaron lover. I came across your blog while browsing tonight due to llack of sleep because of jet lag. I have just returned from 5 weeks in belle France and 2 in Spain. I loved every moment. I especially loved this ” lime” fragrance that I found coming from this tree which was in full blossom.
- thank you for sharing
-Suzi x
Beautiful post….I had a feeling I was there….macarons are amazing as always…thanks for sharing lovely story:)
Look forward to your post so much Jill – I am so impressed that you are able to make your delicious macarons from such a variety of fruits etc. and photograph the results which look amazing.
It must be all the more difficult when your back is so painful – hope it gets a bit better.
Thanks, Shirley – you’re so sweet. Luckily, there are certain things I’ve made before all this back thing happened recently. Finally on the mend, though!
Gorgeous macarons (which totally goes without saying Jill) and beautiful pictures! And um, Pippa Middleton?!??!!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You were so humble about this! Are we to assume that you’ve been screaming and dancing around your living room alone? I am SO happy and excited for you! Virtual HUGS!
I would if I could have – thanks, Tiffany. Long story but back out with a herniated disc and horrid headaches with infiltration treatment – but yes, I did it inside. Guess you could say I imploded
your pictures are so beautiful, we can feel the relaxed ambiance. Wish I was there !! great macarons (as always)
Your lime macarons look delightful. And what a gorgeous holiday!
Such an evocative post. I’ve never seen nor smelt a linden blossom before but I’d love to. I’m sure the macarons were utterly delicious.
Heard your call @ FB & so here I am! What a beautiful post & love your presentation!
Jill, chk out my latest Angry Birds Onigiri Bento Box!
why do I never find macarons in the grass?
What am I doing wrong?
These are just wonderful. Great flavors and the color – wow. We have a linden tree in our garden. you’ve made me pay new attention to it now!
Interesting idea to transform linden into macaroons. Perhaps some macaroons before bedtime will soothe tension headache:)
What a lovely post as always Jill! The outdoor breakfast with lots of delicious food is such a luxury… and your story is really funny about “hiding” behind the tree! But I know the 3 hour ride in the same position is really painful for someone with back pain! Ugh I can’t imagine. What a cute surprise with a cat in the basket.
The macarons with a hint of lemon? Hmmm I wish I can have a bite! Take good care of your back, Jill!
What a gorgeous getaway and I could love that breakfast too!
The macarons look so good and the photos make me want to take a bite.