Your musing on onions brings to mind the old French expression for "mind your own business," which is "[t'occupes de] tes propres oignons!" (more or less, I've only heard it said, not seen it written). I also find it interesting that the onions here in Portugal tend to go soggy and slumpy, à la your description, quite rapidly. And that leeks are called "alho francês." BTW, I've long associated "French onion soup" with the tourist version of Paris. And "French" restaurants in the USA. But it is good comfort food. Are you still finding fresh thyme in mid-winter?
I LOVE learning the French for 'mind your own business'! I have a little pot of fresh thyme outside against a protective wall which, while it does thin out, provides a small bunch of flavour now and then.
Great stuff- the evening walk round the block with the dog will conjure images never before imagined!
Hi Julia, from Washington, DC…
"Responsible dog walkers will know the sensation.”
I never thought I would read such a phrase, or conjure such a colorful image, in a food column.
But there it was—and it was perfect.
Love reading your stuff. Looking forward to trying the soup recipe. Baci, Frank Van Riper
Hi Julia Alexandra (née Burt) here. Saw your post. email address is alnwink@btinternet.com Would love to hear news from you and Sophie 👍 xx
I managed to find it - then got this note...Have emailed you! x
Your musing on onions brings to mind the old French expression for "mind your own business," which is "[t'occupes de] tes propres oignons!" (more or less, I've only heard it said, not seen it written). I also find it interesting that the onions here in Portugal tend to go soggy and slumpy, à la your description, quite rapidly. And that leeks are called "alho francês." BTW, I've long associated "French onion soup" with the tourist version of Paris. And "French" restaurants in the USA. But it is good comfort food. Are you still finding fresh thyme in mid-winter?
I LOVE learning the French for 'mind your own business'! I have a little pot of fresh thyme outside against a protective wall which, while it does thin out, provides a small bunch of flavour now and then.