or "A French Canadian Kitchen?" On our annual return to France every spring, certain "rituals" must be observed. Among the most enjoyable rituals are those concerning the re-stocking of the pantry. Soon after arrival, homage must be paid to the weekly farmers market, where currently, local strawberries and asparagus are placed highest on the podium. But other local fare deserves to be respected as well. Farm fresh butter and lavender honey are among the most celebrated embellishments for a warm from the oven (local Patisserie, not mine) baguette. I have been told that the confitures (jams) also work! Even with the cool, wet weather that has been hanging on in the region, the "gariguettes" (first strawberries of the season) are sweet and flavourful. They make for a lovely dessert after a lunch of cheeses and olives. Once the "gods of the market" have been appeased, respects must be paid to the makers of the olive oil. A few kilometer