February 2nd just so happens to be National Crepe Day, a French holiday whose only purpose is dedicated to stuffing oneself full of the scrumptious round treats.
Ok, so that's not the only purpose. Turns out, if your a good little Catholic, you'll know that February 2nd is Candlemass, a feast to commemorate the purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of baby Jesus (Oh you're Catholic and didn't know that? Don't worry, me neither). In France, this holiday is called la Chandeleur, Fête de la Lumière, or Jour Des Crêpes.
Now I'm not sure exactly what crepes have to do with the Virgin Mary, but apparently this day is also a day to celebrate the oncoming of spring, which is why, I'm told, the crepes are so important, as they are symbolic of the sun, you know, being round and yellowish and all. (Note, it's also Groundhogs Day in the U.S.....so maybe some holiday crossover here with the oncoming of Spring idea?)
In any case, I wouldn't have known ANY of this had I not been invited to a crepe party hosted by my lovely French-speaking Belgium friends who couldn't let the day slip away without celebration.
Ok, so that's not the only purpose. Turns out, if your a good little Catholic, you'll know that February 2nd is Candlemass, a feast to commemorate the purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of baby Jesus (Oh you're Catholic and didn't know that? Don't worry, me neither). In France, this holiday is called la Chandeleur, Fête de la Lumière, or Jour Des Crêpes.
Now I'm not sure exactly what crepes have to do with the Virgin Mary, but apparently this day is also a day to celebrate the oncoming of spring, which is why, I'm told, the crepes are so important, as they are symbolic of the sun, you know, being round and yellowish and all. (Note, it's also Groundhogs Day in the U.S.....so maybe some holiday crossover here with the oncoming of Spring idea?)
In any case, I wouldn't have known ANY of this had I not been invited to a crepe party hosted by my lovely French-speaking Belgium friends who couldn't let the day slip away without celebration.
So the evening of Candlemass, we all headed over to Pierre and Anne's place, pans, crepe toppings, and drinks of choice in hand, in order to pay proper respects to this lovely little holiday.
Anne and Pierre of course were master crepe makers.
But most everyone tried their hand at the stove at one time or another during the night.
The real party was going on outside though. That's where Anne and Pierre had set up an entire buffet table of jams, and jellies, nut butters, and chocolates, and fresh fruit. Oh the possibilities!
My crepe had a smiley face. If that's not a sign it's going to be a good night, I don't know what is.
My first and favorite spread: nutella with chinola marmalade.
And now: A series of unflattering photos of us all stuffing our faces with deliciousness.
YUM!
Needless to say, with bellies full of crepes and smiles on our faces, the rest of the night was a smash hit.
Needless to say, with bellies full of crepes and smiles on our faces, the rest of the night was a smash hit.
Nothing like a little crepe making to bring people together and bring out the best in everyone.
Thanks Ann and Pierre!
Thanks Ann and Pierre!
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