Le déjeuner.

Lunch is my favorite meal of the day after dinner and breakfast, and what I’m saying is I really don’t much like lunch. Tucking into a plate of huevos rancheros, and then having to excuse myself to go to the bathroom and take a three hour nap is a sad state of affairs at 1 pm. Pepito, on the other hand, loves a hefty mid-day spread, and Giselle earns her paycheck.

When it comes to meals, I try to provide my loving husband with fresh food straight from the garden because he’ll eat thirty sticks of beef jerky or two pounds of kale. There’s no discriminating. Last night I opened the fridge to get out ingredients for Coq au Vin. The Coq had been eaten, the Vin had been drunk, and that chicken was RAW. Thanks for nothing, bull fighter.

For today’s déjeuner I instructed Giselle that I wanted a simple farm-to-table sandwich. It’s so easy and will amaze anyone visiting your château. Get some arugula and whip up a fresh batch of mozzarella. It only takes a day. Really! Prosciutto di Parma is the secret ingredient, and although I’m not fond of Italy, they’ve got cured ham locked DOWN. Combine a slice of cheese, a handful of greens and a bit of meat between grilled bread. (I drizzle a touch of olive oil and sprinkle some fresh thyme before baking because I’m Madeline). Lunch is served and you’re welcome, loves.