Second Semester Fêtes

Sorry that this is turning into a unapologetic food-blog. I have found a lot of comfort in feeding large groups and, luckily, this semester has had plenty to celebrate. First was the Superbowl, which was a chance for us to celebrate American favorites in Paris: football, seven-layer dip, beer. 

Not able to start a party at midnight, we taped the game and watched it the next evening. We had a mix of French and American guests, but the best was how our French cohorts interpreted the event -- they were all adamant about bringing junk food and watching the commercials. They were also very excited about the Puppy Bowl. That was very heart-warming!

Next was Passover. We had 8 guests in our tiny living room, but it actually worked out quite well. We spent about 36 hours cooking/preparing, and even then, there were details unaccounted for and food getting cold, but at that point, though we were only "technically" on glass 1, most people had had their fair share of wine. I don't think anyone noticed or minded our slight disorganization. 

Most of our guests had never been to a Seder, which was both a blessing (I believe it is a mitzvah to invite those who have nowhere to go/did not know they were supposed to go anywhere for the occasion,) and a curse, (I did most, well all, of the singing.) I did get everyone to learn and participate in the frog song, though, which I think was the most entertaining part of the night.

Especially due to the double-entendre of the word frog (=frenchman). Frogs here, frogs there... frogs were jumping everywhere!