Ratatouille

France is renowned for its cuisine. French vegetarian dishes include tomato croque, mushroom tomato quiche, zucchini casserole with red peppers, creamed cauliflower casserole, and the traditional Provencal Ratatouille. Ratatouille is a stewed vegetable side dish that originated in Nice. You can also serve it as a main course. Key ingredients include tomatoes, zucchini, garlic, onions, and herbs. French cooking strives to make the most of locally grown food. This is a great way to use late summer produce. Chefs debate the best way to make this recipe. Some cooks insist on layering the vegetables, sautéing them separately, and then baking them in the oven, while others use the stovetop method. I used the stovetop method.

Remember Remy, the rat who aspires to become a French chef in the movie Ratatouille? I really enjoyed this movie so much that I even purchased it. It's a heartwarming story with many humorous moments.

Cook's notes: This recipe is my version of the classic French dish. Many variations exist, depending on what veggies you use and how you prepare it. I wanted a healthy dish that was packed with flavor. It makes a great side dish. You can serve ratatouille by itself, over pasta, or over rice. Recipe serves 4.
Cooking tip: Dice onions, garlic, and veggies. Place on a plate for easy assembly.
Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano Plum Style Tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1-cup sweet onion, diced yellow onion
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups medium diced eggplant (skin on) that has been salted after cutting, rinsed, and drained so there is no bitterness, or 2 cups asparagus, diced into 2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup each red and green peppers
• 1 large zucchini, sliced thin
• 1 cup yellow squash, sliced thin
• 1-1/2 cups chopped tomatoes, patted dry on paper towels
• 3 teaspoons herbes de Provence, divided
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

• Make the sauce the day before or early in the day for flavors to meld. In a saucepan, add canned plum tomatoes, sugar, and 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence. Break up the tomatoes with a fork. Over low heat, simmer sauce for 30 minutes. Cool and refrigerate.
• Set oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place zucchini, squash, eggplant, or asparagus on the baking sheet. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over veggies and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence. Roast for 15 minutes.
• In a large fry pan, heat oil and sauté onions, peppers, and garlic until they are lightly caramelized, 5-7 minutes
• Add in diced tomatoes. roasted vegetables, the rest of the seasonings, and 1-1/2 cups tomato sauce (room temperature). Save the rest of the sauce for another dish.
• Simmer on low, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top to serve.

Cook's Notes: I always enjoy reading and trying recipes from skinnytaste.com. The author posts points for the recipes based on the Weight Watchers program.

Rouen, France

 Rouen flourished as a major European city from the 11th century to the 15th century , largely due to the French origins of the English dynasty. Nearly half of th city was destroyed during the the Second World War . Further damage occurred during the Battle of Normandy. Until the city was finally liberated by Canadian troops on August 30, 1944. Joan of Arc was a legendary figure in French history. She was put on trial for heresy, found guilty, and burned at the stake in Rouen on May 30, 1431. 25 years later, a new investigation overturned the verdict and declared the trial unjust. Joan was canonized as a saint of the Catholic Church in 1920. She is now one of France's most revered national symbols for her extraordinary courage and faith. 

A recommended book about St. Joan of Arc

Rouen Cathedral is a Catholic church in Rouen, Normandy, France. It is the archiepiscopal seat of the Archbishop of Rouen, Primate of Normandy. It is famous for its three towers, each in a different style. 

At night, they had a light show projected on the cathedral, which made for  a stunning sight.

The town is a popular destination and was quite crowded. 

The Gros-Horloge (English: Great Clock) is a 14th-century astronomical clock.
The clock is installed in a Renaissance arch crossing the Rue du Gros Horloge. The mechanism is one of the oldest in France, with the movement made in 1389. Construction of the clock was started by Jourdain del Leche who lacked the necessary expertise to finish the task, so the work was completed by Jean de Felain, 
The clock was originally constructed without a dial, with one revolution of the hour-hand representing twenty-four hours. The movement is cast in wrought iron and, at about twice the size of the Wells Cathedral clock, is perhaps the largest such mechanism still extant. A facade was added in 1529 when the clock was moved to its current position. The mechanism was electrified in the 1920s and it was restored in 1997. As of 17 September 2025, the clock movement itself is fully functional. An electrical solenoid rings one of the two bells in the tower on the 1/4 hr.

Indoor market photo posted by Bob Goldie

The dessert of the day was absolutely a stunning presentation of chocolate cake and ice cream.

Chicken in a red wine sauce served with potatoes.[

D Day Omaha Beach and National Cemetery

Omaha Beach was one of five Allied beach landing sectors of the amphibious assault component of Operation Overlord during the Second World War.

On June 6, 1944, the Allies invaded German-occupied France with the Normandy Landings. "Omaha" refers to a (5 mi) section of the coast of Normandy, France, facing the English Channel. From west of Sainte Honorine des Pertes to east of Vierville-sur-Mer on the right bank of the Douve River estuary. Landings here were necessary to link the British landings to the east at Gold with the American landing to the west at Utah, thus providing a continuous lodgement on the Normandy coast of the Bay of the Seine River. United States Army troops were responsible for taking Omaha by sea, with a naval bombardment force provided mainly by the US Navy and Coast Guard. The British, Canadian, and Free French navies also contributed. 

Bunker

• 

Located along the Normandy coast and overlooking Omaha Beach, the Normandy American Cemetery is one of the most significant World War II commemorative sites in Europe. The cemetery is home to 9387 graves of American soldiers who died during the Second World War, and the names of 1557 missing soldiers are engraved in the Garden of the Missing. Also known as D-Day, the Normandy landings of June 6, 1944, resulted in heavy losses, to which this estate pays tribute.

Did you know the average age of soldiers in World War II was 22?

The Grand Circle Travel Group organized a small tribute to those who have served in the Armed Forces in any year, thanking them for their service. Charley is on the left. 

The magnificence of the cemetery in terms of landscaping and meaningful memorials scattered throughout the grounds was quite impressive, moving, and touching.

Normandy Region Etretat and Honfleur

 Discovery Walk Honfleur 

Created in 1668 as a defensive measure, it was mostly involved in exports to England during the Hundred Years' War. The town owes much of its identity to its geography, situated at the mouth of the Seine. It's a charming town of cobblestone streets and old buildings that offer an authentic Norman atmosphere.

Afternoon

Etretat is a Normandy seaside village famed for its striking white cliffs and long loved by artists, writers, and nobility. They are found along the coast of the English channel. They have been painted by famous artists such as Claude Monet, Eugene Boudin, Gustave Courbe and, Gustave Loiseau.

Painting by Claude Monet, 1885.

Étretat is best known for its chalk cliffs, including three natural arches and a pointed formation called L'Aiguille or the Needle, which rises 70 meters (230 ft) above the sea. Charley walked uphill, and I took a tram, giving us a stunning view.

These photos below taken by Bob Goldie show different views 

Lunch

Salmon

Macaroons with Kiwi
Note: There were other choices, but I picked these two dishes to post based on presentation. 

Dinner

Roasted Veggies with Balsamic Glaze

Turkey Dinner with Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans and Mashed Potatoes

Broiled Fillet of Halibut  

Lava Cakes with Ice Cream

Up Next 

D-Day Beaches of Normandy- American Cemetery 

Honfleur, France

 Honfleur, France, rose to prominence as one of France's most important ports for trade in the New World exploration. The town's harbor is lined with narrow, slate-fronted buildings that overlook fishing boats. This charming and ever-changing seascape has long inspired artists, particularly the Impressionists, including Claude Monet. Grand Circle delivers lots of information through their tours. Even when traveling from one place to another, the program director shared interesting details.  

France is the same size as Texas but has twice the population. Can you name six neighboring countries that border France? 

Gas prices range from 8- to 10 euros, which is somewhat equivalent 1 euro to 1 dollar.

French cookie-biscuits Hailing from the Brittany region in France, Galettes Bretonnes are buttery, crispy cookies made with salted butter and a hint of vanilla. These flat and round cookies are slightly sweet and are a popular choice for tea time or as a snack throughout the day. This biscuit was heart shaped. 

Our first stop before Honfleur was the Peace Museum in Caen, France, in the Normandy region. It is a prelude to our visit later in the week to the beaches of Normandy. Since Charley is a history buff this part of the trip is a highlight for him. 

A visit to the Caen Memorial Museum brings World War II to life through a powerful, immersive experience with an exceptional collection of rare archival documents and artifacts.

In the evening, it was our first night on the ship, and they had a welcome dinner that truly "pulled out all the stops."  The food presentation was beyond amazing. First, we started out with champagne and met the staff. The following courses were served over the course of the next few hours. 

APPETIZERS

 SHRIMP

ROASTED DUCK SALAD

VEAL PORK LION                                      OR

PAN-FRIED COD
 

YOGURT PARFAIT TO CLEANSE THE PALATE

CHEESE PLATE

DESSERT

ICE CUP FRUIT SHERBET

OR

                                                                 CRÈME BRÛLÉE
And glasses of wine that they never seem to stop pouring. 

I don't have recipes to share, but take my word for it: this was beyond amazing!

One could not eat like that every night nor should 😋 

Oh my, what a feast!