The holiday season is a hectic time for many families. It’s a time to gather together, share good food, and make memories that will last a lifetime. For some families, those memories come in the form of beloved holiday recipes passed down from generation to generation. The Grosse Pointe Historical Society is excited to host their French holiday tea on December 13th at the beautiful Provencal-Weir House in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. The event will raise money to restore the historic Ribbon Farm House. Still, it will also allow attendees to indulge in some delicious French treats, including a recipe passed down from Madame Provencal and her family. With so much history and tradition behind it, there’s no doubt this holiday recipe will be a hit with all in attendance.
Madame Provencal is a name that carries much weight in French culinary traditions, especially in the community of Grosse Pointe Farms. Her family has lived in the area for generations and is well-respected for their cooking expertise. One dish that has been a staple in their holiday celebrations is tourtiere. This savory pie is a delectable combination of beef and pork seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, and sage. Those who have enjoyed savoring tourtiere typically serve it during Christmas and are enthusiastic about its flavor. Madame Provencal’s tourtiere recipe is just one of the many cherished traditions her family has imparted to their community, making their presence at Grosse Pointe Farms an invaluable contribution to the region’s culinary heritage.
Tourtiere, a savory meat pie famous in French-Canadian cuisine, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. Madame Provencal, a family member with deep roots in Michigan’s French-Canadian community, proudly states that her family’s tourtiere recipe has been passed down through generations, originating from those first settlers who brought the flavors and traditions of France and Canada. In every bite of this delicious dish, a taste of history and cultural heritage can be savored, making it an excellent example of how food connects us to our past and ancestors.
Madame Provencal’s family recipe for tourtiere is a well-guarded secret, but she has graciously agreed to share some tips on how to make the perfect pie. According to her, the key to a delicious tourtiere is seasoning. She recommends combining cinnamon, cloves, and sage, which gives the pie a unique flavor. She also suggests making the crust from scratch, which is simple but requires patience.
You are in luck if you want to taste Madame Provencal’s tourtiere. You can attend the French holiday tea event at the Provencal-Weir House and indulge in this delicious pie. The Grosse Pointe Historical Society is organizing the event, and all proceeds will go towards restoring the historic Ribbon Farm House. The event also features tea and treats, Christmas shopping at the Vintage Store, and a visit from Pierre and Euphemia Provencal.
Visitors to the Provencal-Weir House’s French holiday tea event are in for a delightful encounter with French-Canadian culinary tradition while contributing to preserving a historical gem. The signature tourtiere, baked following Madame Provencal’s heirloom recipe, is a delicious tribute to the enduring influence of French-Canadian settlers in Michigan. Participants can savor their tea and pie slices, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
