QUEBEC-Je Me Souviens

                              

 

This week we are studying the Canadian Province of Québec. Nestled into the Eastern part of Canada, Québec is an extremely unique province in many ways. Quebec is the largest Province in Canada, its capital being Québec City. Only about 1.5% of the population speaks English. Over 95% of the population is French speaking. But more than a third of the population can speak both English and French.

 

The name Quebec actually came from the Algonquin world "kepek" meaning "the place where the river narrows." Its largest city is Montreal, its flower the Blue Flag. Quebec has been nicknamed "La Belle Province" because of the diverse landscape and architecture.  Quebec City’s 400th anniversary was celebrated in 2008. It’s the oldest French speaking community in North America. Quebec City is the only walled city north of Mexico. It has 4.6 kilometers of walls. The oldest part of Quebec City was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.  

 

 

                                       

                          

 

The motto of Quebec, "Je me souviens," means "I remember" in French. The words are carved into stone directly beneath the coat of arms of Québec above the entrance to the Parliament Building. The Parliament Building is located on Parliament Hill in Québec City. It is surrounded by 24 statues representing important historical figures who contributed to the city's foundation and development. The motto suggests that the people of Québec remember the past and value their shared lineage, traditions, glories, defeats and ancestral roots. The phrase "Je me souviens" is also used on Remembrance Day ceremonies in Québec to remember and honor fallen soldiers.

 

                                 

 

                   

The Winter Carnival is held in Québec City in February. Activities include winter sports, dances, ice sculptures, dog sled races,  parades and concerts. "Bonhomme" is the snowman mascot.
 

 

 

Researching distinctive cuisine of Quebec was interesting. The only food I had heard of that was very typical to the region was the ultimate comfort food, Poutine. Poutine is very near and dear to the hearts of the people from Quebec. French fries covered in rich gravy and cheese curds, who would not love that? I have never had a cheese curd in my life, and the closest thing to a cheese curd I can possibly imagine finding at our local grocery stores is Indian Paneer cheese. We decided to go with another traditional dish very commonly cooked during Christmas and winter months in Quebec, Tourtière. A Tourtière is the general term used to describe a savory meat pie. There are many versions of Tourtière. We decided to go with the classic. Pork, mushrooms, onions, spices, clove, and breadcrumbs. Baked in a flaky savory crust. What a delight! We cooked this on a very damp and rainy day which was perfect. We served it with a spicy relish and it was heavenly. This will definitely be a cold weather treat come December!

 

                                                   

                           

 

Here is the recipe we used for our Tourtiere  from Canadian Living:

 

http://www.canadianliving.com/food/cooking_school/tourtiere_recipe_and_instructions.php