Summer in Midelt encompasses various traditions and activities. As vacations commence en masse, Midelt experiences a tranquil emptiness reminiscent of bliss. It's a time when even the bustling streets of Midelt take on a serene quality, reminiscent of an August evening when the city slows down as everyone ventures elsewhere. This is also the time when prices tend to ascend, coinciding with the exodus of residents, creating a peculiar rhythm to the city.
However, amidst this seasonal shift, the charm of Midelt truly shines through its vide-greniers and brocantes, akin to flea markets found elsewhere. These bustling markets offer a treasure trove of eclectic finds, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Venturing into the countryside unveils a whole new world of brocantes, each offering unique delights waiting to be discovered.
Moreover, tucked away in the quaint corners of Midelt, one can stumble upon charming antique shops. These hidden gems beckon with their timeless allure, inviting visitors to explore their offerings. And with the convenience of a station wagon, the opportunities for exploration become endless, with each excursion promising surprises both delightful and voluminous.
In one of the shops, I stumbled upon a collection of exquisite vintage linen sheets, each priced at a reasonable €10 by the friendly shopkeeper. Without hesitation, I seized the opportunity and acquired every piece available. After a thorough cleansing with OxiClean, they emerged even more splendid than before. It's as though they transcended their original beauty, surpassing any new counterparts, which would have undoubtedly cost tenfold.
As I prepared to leave, a small glass pitcher caught my eye, tucked away in the far corner of the window display, adorned with a price tag of €9. With a gracious nod from the owner, I secured it at half the marked price. Immediately, the idea of using it for serving sangria flooded my thoughts, adding a touch of elegance to the upcoming summer soirées.
I might be in a bit of a pickle for opting for rosé instead of the traditional red wine, but let me explain. The rosé I had tucked away was surprisingly dark, almost reminiscent of a deep maroon hue. So, theoretically, I might just get away with it. Nevertheless, the most crucial point is that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the outcome.
Using that forgotten bottle of dark rosé before the summer slipped away brought me immense satisfaction. Pairing it with my new pitcher, which performed flawlessly, added an extra layer of delight to the occasion. Imagine me, contentedly drifting off to sleep on fresh, new sheets. Or perhaps, it's better to focus solely on the charm of the pitcher itself.
Embracing the essence of summer, I decided to enhance the sangria with a medley of freshly peeled and sliced peaches, juicy strawberries, and plump grapes sourced from the vibrant markets of Italy. However, the possibilities are endless; one could easily substitute these with other fruits like sliced oranges, tart apples, succulent cherries, or even chunks of pineapple.
While I opted for rosé, guests are welcome to switch to red wine if they so desire—just not at my place. You see, I take great pride in my nice, pristine sheets, and I'm not willing to risk any potential stains. Not that I make a habit of drinking wine in bed, mind you. But once you catch a glimpse of these sheets, the temptation to indulge in such luxury knows no bounds.
WOULD YOU LIKE A Rose Sangria :
For those seeking a twist on tradition, some opt for sparkling lemonade or a subtly sweet soda instead of the typical sparkling water. But fear not the choice of wine; as my chef friend from a renowned Bordeaux château insists, for fortified wine-based concoctions, inexpensive varieties are a must.
Now, if you're feeling a bit extravagant, consider substituting sparkling water with a splash of sparkling wine—a cava, prosecco, or cremant would elevate the sangria beautifully. As for chilling, I took a shortcut by adding a few ice cubes directly into the pitcher. You see, I may have forgotten to chill the rosé beforehand, and I was eager to serve it posthaste. However, for optimal flavor infusion, it's best to allow the fruit to meld and macerate in the mixture for a few hours before adding ice to individual glasses.
Here's the recipe:
Ingredients:
- - 1 bottle of chilled rosé
- - 1/4 cup (60ml) Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, or Cointreau
- - 2 tablespoons of brandy
- - 1 cup (200g) of halved seedless grapes
- - 1 cup (180g) of quartered strawberries
- - 1-2 peaches or nectarines, sliced and peeled
- - Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of sugar
- - 1 cup (250ml) of chilled sparkling water
Instructions:
- 1. Pour the rosé into a pitcher.
- 2. Stir in the Triple Sec, brandy, and the assorted fruits. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding sugar if desired.
- 3. Chill the mixture for a few hours to allow the flavors to mingle.
- 4. Just before serving, add the chilled sparkling water to the pitcher.
- 5. Pour the sangria into glasses over ice cubes, and enjoy the refreshing burst of flavors.
