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| Saint Jacqueline and the frangipani slice |
I think I have reaffirmed the
belief that I am the ‘slightly bonkers English lady’ in the village on my trip
to the boulangerie today. I am not usually to be found buying cakes on a
Monday, as a Sunday is my day to indulge, so the boulanger was a little
surprised at my request of a frangipani slice this morning.
“You’re being a little greedy
today” he joked with a smile.
“Aah, I’m celebrating, it’s the
feast of Ste Jacqueline today” I replied.
His blank look meant that
although he (and his wife) may make the most flakiest puff pastry, filled with
the most delicious almond frangipani; that shatters and comforts with each
bite, he is a bit lacking in the history of the frangipani.
I explained that Saint Jacqueline was born in 12th Century Rome; she married Gratien Frangipani and was quite an accomplished baker of almond cakes. These cakes, called Frangipani after the family name, were given to the poor, the unhappy and the rich and also bundled into her little chariot to be handed to the other pilgrims she met on her annual pilgrimage walk to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. What a lovely lady she was.
I have to admit to having had a bit of a love/hate relationship with my name when I was growing up. Primary school writing was much harder for me than my friend Emma, but funnily enough I’ve always had a thing for sweet almond desserts. I’m also fascinated (and very tempted) with the Chemins de Saint Jacques, the French routes to Santiago de Compostela that pass very close to where we live. I am no saint, but Ste Jacqueline and I are obviously kindred spirits.
I explained that Saint Jacqueline was born in 12th Century Rome; she married Gratien Frangipani and was quite an accomplished baker of almond cakes. These cakes, called Frangipani after the family name, were given to the poor, the unhappy and the rich and also bundled into her little chariot to be handed to the other pilgrims she met on her annual pilgrimage walk to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. What a lovely lady she was.
I have to admit to having had a bit of a love/hate relationship with my name when I was growing up. Primary school writing was much harder for me than my friend Emma, but funnily enough I’ve always had a thing for sweet almond desserts. I’m also fascinated (and very tempted) with the Chemins de Saint Jacques, the French routes to Santiago de Compostela that pass very close to where we live. I am no saint, but Ste Jacqueline and I are obviously kindred spirits.
I then went on to say that it is
the law that all those named Jacqueline must eat frangipani today in
celebration.
“Oh, really” he said. “That is an
English custom is it?”
“Aah, no, actually it’s just in
my head, but I think it should be the law!”
So, if you are called Jacqueline,
or you know someone who is, please spread the word and indulge in frangipani
today. It certainly brightened up my morning coffee and would make Saint Jacqueline
and me very happy indeed.
I am a Jacqueline and love this silly story.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteMy name is Jacqueline. I am so happy my name is a saint name. Love the story.
ReplyDeleteMy name is also Jacqueline (thanks to a french canadian mother)...I too felt the pain of trying to write out that horribly long name on the first day of school.
ReplyDeleteIt felt so unfair! Our son is Edward, but we enrolled him at nursery as Eddy, just so it was easier to spell!
DeleteI too am Jacqueline, sat in lock down in Leeds going back to relearning French for something to do. I was just looking up if there was a Saint Jacqueline and found your story I shall have two birthdays this year!🎉🎉
ReplyDeleteHappy to share her story with another Jacqueline. Stay safe in lockdown!
DeleteI am a Jacqueline and loved reading this story.
ReplyDeleteI am Jacqueline and was looking if there was a Saint for my name and Voila! Thank you for the amusing story and to me everyday is a good day to have cake! Cheers to all my fellow Jacquelines out there. Salute!
ReplyDeleteAnother Jacqueline here and I didn’t even know we had a saint until today! Kindred spirits already.
ReplyDeleteLoved your story about St. Jacqueline. I chose the name Jacqueline, after St. Jacqueline for my confirmation name. I am going to do some research to see if I can find a recipe for the almond cakes. I feel as though I must bake these cakes and give then out to my neighbors and friends. Happy Holidays! from Sugar Land, Texas.
ReplyDeleteOooh my! Thank you so much. I am a stunch Catholic and my name is Jacqueline and I used to see on the calendar that my feast day is 8th February but I have been itchy to know who this st. Jacqueline was. Now am so blessed with your story. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteI love your story. My twinsisters name is Jacqueline and I am Teresa(after mother teresa). My twinsister Jacqueline loves sweets, so again, thank you for this story!!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jacqueline too and this story made my heart smile ♥
ReplyDeleteJust read this. Love it! I'm Jacqueline as well and a baker
ReplyDeleteI am Tanzanian, me too I am Jacqueline. Very pleased to read this story.Thank you
ReplyDeleteMy Mum never gave me a second name as she thought the name Jacqueline would be hard enough for me to learn! I've never forgiven her as all my school friends had a second name ��
ReplyDelete