Another supposedly British tradition has been hijacked by those Frenchmen! – This time it is the veritable Black Pudding, previously thought to be the highlight of Scottish and northern breakfasts – but in its guise as Boudin Noir (a well-establshed French delicacy, the French town of Mortagne-sur-Perche (61 Orne, Normandie) is holding a Black Pudding Festival from 20-22 March 2010
Those who thought black pudding was a purely Scottish affair need think again, as the international contest to find the best black pudding takes place next March in the historic French village of Mortagne-au-Perche in the Orne area of Normandy.
The 46th annual black pudding festival will celebrate the culinary traditions of the region, with local cook-offs, celebrity chefs as well as a host of gastronomic stalls and exhibits open to the public.
The main part of the festival is the black pudding competition which sees over 650 competitors from across Europe but there are also two fiercely fought culinary competitions open to professional and amateur chefs who reside in the Orne. They are charged with creating and cooking the best dish – fish-based for the professionals, and a desert for the amateurs – using local produce such as apples, calvados, cider, pommeau, cream, butter and cheese to create their dish.
Specialist butchers and delicatessens will be demonstrating the art of making a black pudding, and visitors may sample and be their own judge of the best recipe.
For more info see www.normandy-ornetourism.com
Where to stay (B&B) in Normandy?
