In Belgium (whose french part were the French until 1830), we still have the "poulet patate compote" on every family's table on Sundays. And then we have the Waterzooi, which is a poule au pot with cream 🙂
Like Janet, the phrase "a chicken in every pot" is very familiar to me in the U.S. As child, I remember being struck by the idea that having a Sunday chicken dinner--as we did at my French grandmother's house--would be beyond reach for some. Later as I learned more, it would become all too clear. I never knew the origin of the phrase, so love this story.
Merci for this history. I’ll remember to greet Henri in a couple of weeks when I cross Pont Neuf. Bonne chance for the next few months as you work hard for your fortunate tour guests.
As always, Véro, you have brought history alive with this post. The phrase “a chicken in every pot” (or “a chicken for every pot”) was borrowed in the United States in the late 1920s in an ad for Herbert Hoover’s presidential campaign. My mom. Who had grown up during the Depression, was still repeating it in the 1950s when I was a young child. Grâce à Henri IV, the phrase persists when we talk about trying to give everyone the means to feed their families. Thank you for the photos and demo. This will be fun to make! Happy touring.
Loved learning the history of the poule au pot AND Henri IV (I am familiar with him because he lived in Nérac for a time!). Happy Easter to you and good luck with the upcoming tour season!
Loved learning the history of la Poule au pot and best of luck as you head out for the tour season. I really appreciated your sharing that you sometimes have to add to your wardrobe as your travel. As we get ready to head out in 3 weeks, I’m trying to convince myself not to overpack and that I can buy something if I’ve misjudged the weather.
French history is so much more complicated than American history. Truly fascinating but not simple. I'm spending time in Nancy and Metz, trying to learn the complicated history of this region. It goes so much deeper than just French or German occupation. In fact, Metz was sacked by Attila the Hun!!
French history is definitely longer than American history so there are more opportunities for things to get… complicated. Metz took a beating from Attila and his troops but he eventually got pushed back and the Franks took over in this part of Europe.
I loved reading about how Henri IV was portrayed in your French education, and that you can still find "poule au pot" in your area. I don't think I've ever seen it on a menu around here, but I have made the recipe a few times. Might it be more of a north/center of France dish, though?
It was pretty much a French dish - the French national dish - as Good King Henri intended. :-) It’s harder to find these days unlike pot-au-feu. I’ve never made it. Maybe I will give it a try this winter. Happy Easter Betty!
I love the history you teach us, Véro. Gives such an interesting perspective, depth & comprehension of French culture.
I am happy to hear it Michelle. Thank you!
Liked this write up on a King-food connection. Might just have to make Poule au pot this Sunday!
Let us know how that turns out!
Savoureux et instructif !!
Love this. I always learn a lot with Véro.
In Belgium (whose french part were the French until 1830), we still have the "poulet patate compote" on every family's table on Sundays. And then we have the Waterzooi, which is a poule au pot with cream 🙂
I always thought the Belgians were good people Emily :-)
Like Janet, the phrase "a chicken in every pot" is very familiar to me in the U.S. As child, I remember being struck by the idea that having a Sunday chicken dinner--as we did at my French grandmother's house--would be beyond reach for some. Later as I learned more, it would become all too clear. I never knew the origin of the phrase, so love this story.
Happy to hear this. I, too, learned something but about my adopted home, the United States.
Merci for this history. I’ll remember to greet Henri in a couple of weeks when I cross Pont Neuf. Bonne chance for the next few months as you work hard for your fortunate tour guests.
Your posts are a delight.
Thank you very much Debbie. Yes, do greet the Good King Henri whenever you walk past his horse. I am sure he would enjoy that :-)
As always, Véro, you have brought history alive with this post. The phrase “a chicken in every pot” (or “a chicken for every pot”) was borrowed in the United States in the late 1920s in an ad for Herbert Hoover’s presidential campaign. My mom. Who had grown up during the Depression, was still repeating it in the 1950s when I was a young child. Grâce à Henri IV, the phrase persists when we talk about trying to give everyone the means to feed their families. Thank you for the photos and demo. This will be fun to make! Happy touring.
Thank you for the kind words and for enlightening me as well, Janet.
That’s so interesting. Thank you for sharing
Loved learning the history of the poule au pot AND Henri IV (I am familiar with him because he lived in Nérac for a time!). Happy Easter to you and good luck with the upcoming tour season!
Merci beaucoup. I have never been to Nérac. Is it chocolatine country too, like my hometown Toulouse? ;-)
It absolutely is!! We always make sure to tell guests who rent the house to ask for a chocolatine and not a pain au chocolat at the boulangerie!!
Loved learning the history of la Poule au pot and best of luck as you head out for the tour season. I really appreciated your sharing that you sometimes have to add to your wardrobe as your travel. As we get ready to head out in 3 weeks, I’m trying to convince myself not to overpack and that I can buy something if I’ve misjudged the weather.
Exactly. No need to overpack. France will be very happy when you contribute to the local economy to fill your suitcase :-)
French history is so much more complicated than American history. Truly fascinating but not simple. I'm spending time in Nancy and Metz, trying to learn the complicated history of this region. It goes so much deeper than just French or German occupation. In fact, Metz was sacked by Attila the Hun!!
French history is definitely longer than American history so there are more opportunities for things to get… complicated. Metz took a beating from Attila and his troops but he eventually got pushed back and the Franks took over in this part of Europe.
A most delicious and informative slice of French life. Merci !
Avec plaisir Susan.
I loved reading about how Henri IV was portrayed in your French education, and that you can still find "poule au pot" in your area. I don't think I've ever seen it on a menu around here, but I have made the recipe a few times. Might it be more of a north/center of France dish, though?
It was pretty much a French dish - the French national dish - as Good King Henri intended. :-) It’s harder to find these days unlike pot-au-feu. I’ve never made it. Maybe I will give it a try this winter. Happy Easter Betty!
Happy Easter to you!