Planting Trees & Provence

Cezanne - Pine Tree near Aix

He who plants a tree, plants a hope

~Lucy Larcom, "Plant a Tree"

Reading Carol Drinkwater’s books about establishing an olive tree farm in Provence led me on a jag of reading other books about planting trees in Provence.  I ran across a wonderful allegorical tale by Jean Giono, viz., "The Man Who Planted Trees."  The tale recounts the solitary reforestation efforts of a hermit in Provence.  The short story is beautifully written and was made into an Oscar winning animated film, with Christopher Plummer reading Giono’s inspiring story.  The film is available from Netflix or you can watch it for free in three parts on Youtube.  

Plant a tree & eat some olives!  Below is a favorite tapenade recipe adapted from one of Georgeanne Brennan's recipes.  


Green Olive & Almond Tapenade

4 cups pitted green olives 

4 anchovy fillets

1 cup of toasted chopped almonds

1 1/2 tablespoons of minced garlic 

1 tablespoon of rinsed & drained capers 

1 teaspoon of lemon juice 

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 

Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend.  The tapenade tastes better if made the day prior to serving.