Annie from Most Lovely Things asked me to be a guest on her Tartine post series. She said, “Since you like French things.” I’m sharing an easy recipe for ham, fig jam, and basil tartine (which is an open-faced sandwich).
More on the ham tartine in a bit. First…
My French Love Affair
Or in other words, my love affair with French things and Paris. Sorry…not the racey story you might have expected 🙂
When I was studying my junior year abroad in Vienna, Austria, my father asked me if I would like to go to Paris with him for my 20th birthday. “Oui oui!” My poor, blessed mom was at home with my younger siblings. Dad talked about her the whole time, but we bought her some gifts and I took in all the sights for the first time.
Do you remember your first time in Paris? If you haven’t been, it’s time you do.
Years later, when Howard was offered the transfer to Paris for work, I wasn’t afraid to go. I know I have my parents to thank for the opportunity of living abroad and being comfortable in new places. I hope our children feel the same way.
Tommy was showing our cousin, Billy how he was becoming French (that was our dining room in Paris–I hate how few photos I have of that cool apartment). In the center, the Pickett’s are out and about. The photo on the right is Tommy as an outlaw Power Ranger as children were not allowed to play in any of the building courtyards in Paris (but we went to the parks a lot).
We’ve gone to Paris almost every year since…even if it’s a short two or three-day layover on the way to someplace else.
A Breakfast Tartine
If you ask for a tartine at breakfast in Paris, you get a demi-baguette, rich butter (butter only comes at breakfast), and jam. It’s wonderful with a café crème.
My Ham, Herbed Cream Cheese, Fig Jam, And Basil Tartine
The idea is to make it trés simple. Just five ingredients.
So I did a little brainstorming and came up with this simple open-faced sandwich using a baguette, Boursin cheese, thinly sliced ham, fig jam, and fresh basil (the basil leaves stick to the jam).
Incidentally, isn’t that a cute linen baguette bag (around $20 on Amazon)? It would make a great gift (a housewarming or hostess) with a baguette in it and a bottle of wine, don’t you think?
For lunch recently, I served the tartine with a simple green salad with a lemon shallot vinaigrette.
Howard and I enjoyed it! You may also like Planning A Paris Trip: Round-up Of Best Posts.
Let’s see what wonderful tartine Annie has cooked up today!
Most Lovely Things
I thought I already left a comment! This looks positively delicious…way too yummy!
Yummy! That looks so delish!!!! You’ve got the best recipes.
Love your tartine idea, the mix of sweet and savory is right up my alley !! Seeing Howard with hair… took me a bit to realize it was him, my first thought was , why Tommy was so grown up back then?
We were so lucky to be able to go to Paris on our Honeymoon 33 years ago. It was my one wish! And then my in-laws surprised us by paying for it! Ooh-la-la!!
Funny story: when we walked out of the underground Metro at the Champs-Élysées station the first person standing next to me on the corner was Christie Brinkley, looking more beautiful in person than in magazines! I was almost hesitant to point her out to my new husband, LOL. Then a limo pulled up and swept her away.
I love France, anywhere, anytime. 💕
Oh and I meant to say that I checked Amazon for the BAGUETTE bag but they were unavailable so I googled and found them at this link for $5.95! So I bought half a dozen to have on hand for hostess gifts, thanks! https://www.sb-designstudio.com/product/Draw-String-Bag-Baguette-F2847
Always love your posts…am trying your tartine for lunch today. Besides your recipes, love your fashion and home decor posts. Any advice for my young niece who is an aspiring interior designer?
Thank you!
Thanks! She should start out as an intern and take photos of any projects she does…post them on instagram and start a blog. That’s how lots of people got started like Shea McGee and Amber Lewis.
Mary Ann, you are the BEST! I’ll pass info along to my niece. BTW, tartines were delicious!!!
When I read your post yesterday I thought that sandwich sounded great and I had most of the same ingredients. I had fresh, sliced ham, little pistolettes
( small, New Orleans style French bread), fresh basil and onion/chive cream cheese spread. No fig jam but I had a peach preserve that is not overly sweet. I put it together for supper. My husband didn’t want one until he tasted mine. It was such an interesting combo. It will be made again very soon.
I almost always have the onion/chive cream cheese spread. I buy it at Trader Joe’s. A great spread on crackers, crostinis, etc. I also use it on bread / buns when I use sliced roast beef.
Thank you for all your tips, ideas and travel experiences. Would love to visit Paris yearly. I have only had the good fortune to go once.
Thanks, Carmie, for the Trader Joe’s spread idea! The Boursin is good but expensive.
The tartine looks so delicious. I’m going to try making it. What a wonderful, memorable experience you had exploring Paris for the first time with your father. I’ve been twice, first time was with girlfriends and the second was with my 2 nieces. I loved both trips, Paris is a beautiful city filled with excitement and dreams.
You are such a good writer and artist, Gail!
Tommy and young Howard are twins!!
I know! But I see a bit of me in Timmy every now and then.
That looks delicious…definitely going to try this! Paris is my favorite city!!
Me too, Doreen!
Mary Ann,
I love France and Paris! I have been going almost every year since I was 15 and studied in Limoges as well. There is always something to see or do even if you never stop foot inside a fashionable restaurant or museum.
Your family photos are so sweet, such a lovely experience for your kids and you as well.
I love your sandwich! To be honest, one of my favorite things in France are the sandwiches, eclair and chocolat chaud.
Yes…the food! So we share a love of France, Elizabeth!
Oh my! That sounds simply delicious! Very elegant presentation for a tasty lunch. Really enjoy the pictures and stories of your time in Paris.
Thanks so much, Deanna!!
Thanks for sharing the baguette bag! I see that they also make bags a loaf of sourdough would fit in. As for a housewarming gift, I remember reading somewhere that salt is a good housewarming gift (probably from the days when it was expensive & necessary for preserving food). So I’d add an interesting salt to the bread & wine.
Excellent idea!
If you saw the movie Its a Wonderful Life, George and Mary Bailey gives a new home owner a loaf of bread, a box of salt and a bottle of wine.
Oh yes…I think I remember that.
I went to Paris for the first time, age 9, in 1967. I did not at the time appreciate how unusual our family travels were. I’ve been back several times and am going again in July. I am so looking forward to it! Thanks for this post, the tartine looks yummy.
So you were about our son’s age when we moved. Have fun in July!!
Mary Ann! I love this! I didn’t know that your dad met you in Paris when you were studying abroad! I love finding out new things! Love seeing those photos…can you imagine if blogging were a thing back then?? You would have soooo many more photos of the apartment, paris and your family enjoying Paris! But the ones you have…what treasures!
I can’t wait to try your tartine!! Thank you so much for joining me on a Thursday for tartines!
Xx
Can’t wait to try YOUR tartine, Annie!