I haven’t had a chance to update the blog in awhile and I’ve been doing a pretty good amount of baking recently, so I have a lot of catching up to do. But as of yesterday, I will be living in Toulouse, a city in the south of France for the next two months and there have been so many exciting pastries already I felt I needed to start here.

Why aren’t I back in Ithaca doing research and working on finishing my PhD? Well, I’m actually in Toulouse to continue research on a bacterial pathogen that causes a disease called black rot of crucifers. This is a huge problem for cabbage production in New York, but also around the world. France produces a lot of vegetables and black rot of cabbage and cauliflower is also a problem here. Although you wouldn’t know it from these gorgeous brassicas I saw at the open air market today.

I’ll be working with our colaborators at LIPM (The Laboratory of Plant Microbe Interactions) located just outside Toulouse to figure out what genes are making cabbage and cauliflower susceptible to disease. So stay tuned for updates and lots more pictures of cabbage and cabbage themed baking. I’m really looking forward to pushing this research forwards while getting to experience new cultures, meet new people and try all the new foods!

Often called La ville rose for its rosy colored brick buildings, Toulouse is known for regional foods including Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, and lots of duck. I’ve yet to try cassoulet, which is a sort of stew made of beans, duck, and other meat, but I’m excited to try it and all the other French foods. Of course, I’m especially ready for all of the pastries. Its incredible how many boulangeries, chocolatiers, and pâtisseries there are here, all selling the most delicious looking goods. I’m going to pace myself and slowly try everything. Although, I’ve only been here a day and I’ve already tried Ile flottante (floating island), a dessert I’ve wanted for years!

Also notice the sun shining on the ile flottante. I ate it outside a cafe in sunny 70 degree weather (in February!), I love the south of France already.

I have an adorable apartment, complete with an oven for baking, and the cutest little balcony. This afternoon I enjoyed a brioche roll with pearl sugar flavored with orange zest and a nice cup of vanilla tea while sitting out at the balcony table. The brioche was from Au Poisson Bleu, which is supposed to be one the best bakeries in Toulouse. It just looked so poofy, I had to try it, and it certainly didn’t disappoint!

Looking forward to all the new experiences here, so stay tuned for more French pastries, science, and past baking updates!