Does the Francophile mother in your life have an appreciation for products from the continent? Here are my top three picks for Mother's Day, ranging from $80.00 to $500 and a must-have extra for under $20.
Sleeping with Yves Delorme
Since we spend a third of our lives in bed, this is justifiable reasoning for splurging on French couture for the boudoir. Yves Delorme epitomizes luxury, timelessness and durability with their Egyptian long-staple cotton collection. Dress up her bed with their latest spring addition: A Balade duvet cover in lavender. Befitting for all sorts of décor, Francophile mothers will have no regrets bedding down with Yves. Twin ($340), Full/Queen ($410) & King ($500) Made in France (Note: For a bit of savings on discontinued items, visit one of Yves Delorme brick & mortar outlet stores in VA, TN, VT & TX or online, where they offer free ground shipping on orders over $150 until 5/14/12.)
It's all About the Grinding
First unveiled in 1874, Peugeot's famous pepper machines are de rigueur in top chefs' kitchens making them a hot commodity. The finely crafted Chateauneuf 12.25 model is irresistibly elegant with the utmost in functionality. When the mother in your life wraps her hands around the polished and fluid French beech wood mill, her inner Julia Child will come alive. Equally at home on the farm table or the elegantly dressed table top, this little luxury's hardened steel is known for its exacting machinery and long term performance. ($80.00 at Williams-Sonoma)
Bubble and Flip
Le Creuset's cast iron crêpe pan prepares and creates this French specialty perfectly with its black enamel finished interior and sloped sides. Don't be intimidated, crêpes are surprisingly easy to make. The key in whipping up heavenly delicious crêpes browned and crisp on the outside and super soft on the inside is using only a small amount of batter. Cover the bottom of the 1" pan with a thin layer and when bubbles appear, it's time to flip. (Watch Jacques Pépin tell you how.) The ergonomically angled handle and even heat distribution makes this crêpe pan a real treat to use. And after only a few uses, the pan's surface forms a non-stick coating resulting in easy crêpe release. An 8" wooden crêpe dough spreader (rateau) is included. Available in red/cherry and blue/Marseille- Dishwasher safe ($105) Made in France
The Big O
The Francophile in your life will be charmed and enthralled with the in-depth Markets of Paris (now in its second edition). This small and decidedly delightful pocket book is an indispensable guide to visiting farm-fresh markets in Paris. In fact, you can plan a trip to Paris with the sole focus on visiting markets. Authors Dixon Long and Marjorie R. Williams both of whom have lived in Paris don't hold back in handing you a platter of information. Perusing the markets that are at the same centuries-old addresses is a favorite Paris pastime, but now the focus is on the big O, as in organic. A new generation of vendors brings a fresh theme to the city's market tradition. For those of you who wish to take a peek at markets close to your temporary Paris digs, the authors direct you to what's close and accessible. Each page features a market with tightly written prose and a candid photograph. Updated and additional restaurant listings are also included. Little Bookroom Publishing 304 pages $18.95 (Online sale price $14.21)