Jeromy Young and the Brittany Art ExcursionsWe are thrilled to present another captivating story in our Breizh Amerika Profiles series, spotlighting individuals who forge connections between the United States and Brittany. Today, we are delighted to introduce Jeromy Young, a professional artist residing in Lafayette, Louisiana. Read on to discover our interview with Jeromy, as he shares his experience with the Brittany Art Excursions, artistic expeditions throughout Brittany. [Breizh Amerika] Can you tell us about yourself? [Jeromy] I am a professional artist living in Lafayette, Louisiana. I mostly work with oil paint, but I love to draw and dabble in different mediums. I also own a frame shop, which is next door to the studio that I share with my wife, Jessica Moore. She is also a professional artist who owns an art school where we both teach various types of art lessons. What are the Brittany Art Excursions? The Brittany Art Excursions are just that, a series of excursions out to different areas of Brittany to sketch and capture its unique beauty. Our home base this time is the Manoir Cache in Merdrignac. From there we will journey out to the rocky coast, medieval Dinan, Carnac, to Rennes for a printmaking workshop, to ancient megaliths and forests. We will enjoy the culture, guided by Sarah Castille, who lives in Brittany and put together the itinerary for us. Why did you pick Brittany? We picked Brittany for many reasons: The cajuns have so much Breton ancestry, the natural beauty and wild landscapes are perfect for sketching and painting plein air, and artists such as Monet and Gauguin painted in Brittany, it is like a place in a dream. Plus we heard that the best crêpes and butter are there.
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Tout savoir sur les bières IPA: définition, styles et accordsLes bières IPA (Indian Pale Ale) ont littéralement révolutionné le monde de la bière craft ces dernières années. Avec leurs saveurs intenses et houblonnées à souhait, elles ont séduit les amateurs de bières de caractère. Mais au fait, qu'est-ce qu'une bière IPA exactement ? D'où vient ce style unique ? Et quelles sont ses principales caractéristiques ? Cet article vous dira tout sur la définition et les spécificités des IPA. Qu'est-ce qu'une bière IPA ?Origines de la bière IPA L'histoire des IPA remonte au 18ème siècle, quand les brasseurs anglais devaient trouver une solution pour que leurs bières supportent mieux les longs voyages maritimes vers les Indes. Pour éviter qu'elles ne tournent, ils ont augmenté les quantités de houblon, qui a des propriétés naturelles de conservation. Ces bières très houblonnées et fortement alcoolisées ont été baptisées "India Pale Ale" (pale ale des Indes). Elles ont connu un grand succès auprès des colons, appréciant cette bière corsée sous les climats chauds et humides. Définition de l'IPA (Indian Pale Ale)De nos jours, une IPA se définit comme une bière d'ale (à fermentation haute) très houblonnée, ce qui lui confère à la fois une amertume marquée et des notes aromatiques intenses de houblons. Son degré d'alcool est généralement plus élevé que les bières classiques, variant de 5,5% à 7,5% la plupart du temps. Le style IPA laisse une grande place à la créativité des brasseurs, qui jouent sur les différentes variétés de houblon pour obtenir une large palette d'arômes, de l'agrume au fruité en passant par les notes herbacées, épicées ou résineuses. Les caractéristiques d'une bière IPANiveau d'amertume et houblons L'amertume franche est la principale caractéristique qui définit une IPA digne de ce nom. Celle-ci provient de fortes doses de houblon ajoutées pendant le brassage. L'amertume des IPA est mesurée en IBU (International Bitterness Units) et se situe généralement entre 40 et 100 IBU, voire plus pour les versions plus intenses. Les houblons apportent non seulement de l'amertume, mais aussi une grande diversité d'arômes selon les variétés utilisées. Les IPA mettent en avant des houblons réputés pour leurs notes citronnées, agrumes, florales, épicées ou herbacées marquées. Profil aromatique Au-delà de leur amertume distinctive, les IPA se distinguent par leur riche profil aromatique. On y retrouve généralement des arômes fruités intenses (agrumes, fruits de la passion, ananas, mangue, etc.), parfois complétés par des notes herbacées, épicées, florales ou encore résineuses et boisées. Ce bouquet aromatique complexe et prononcé provient de l'utilisation généreuse de houblons aromatiques pendant le brassage, ainsi que du dry-hopping (ajout de houblon à froid en fin de brassage). Couleur et corps Si les IPA sont réputées pour leur amertume et leurs arômes houblonnés, elles ont également une palette de couleurs et de corps assez variée. La plupart ont une robe ambrée à orangée plus ou moins soutenue, mais quelques versions peuvent tirer sur le blond, le cuivré ou même l'ambré foncé. Côté corps, les IPA sont généralement des bières de corps moyen à corsé, apportant une certaine rondeur en bouche pour contrebalancer l'amertume marquée. Leur degré d'alcool est de 5,5% à 7,5% la plupart du temps. Différents styles d'IPALes bières IPA ne se résument pas à un seul et unique style. Au contraire, cette famille regroupe de nombreux courants qui se distinguent par leur profil aromatique, leur amertume et leur robe. Découvrons les principales déclinaisons d'IPA qui ont émergé ces dernières années, des versions West Coast pionnières aux New England tellement tendance actuellement. Qu'il s'agisse d'IPA à la californienne bourreés de houblons citronnés, de Imperial au corps charpenté et aux arômes intenses, ou encore de Session faciles à boire, chaque style a ses spécificités et saura séduire les amateurs de bières houblonnées. Cette diversité permet de déguster l'IPA sous toutes ses formes, du plus classique au plus contemporain, pour satisfaire tous les palais. Voici un tour d'horizon de ces multiples visages de l'IPA. Cette courte introduction replace les différents styles d'IPA dans leur contexte historique, des origines aux développements récents. Elle souligne la diversité et la richesse de cette famille de bières, permettant d'attirer l'attention du lecteur sur les différentes déclinaisons détaillées ensuite. N'hésitez pas à l'ajuster en fonction de vos besoins IPA West CoastNée en Californie dans les années 1970, l'IPA West Coast ou américaine est considérée comme le style originel. Très houblonnée, elle se caractérise par une amertume et des arômes citronnés/agrumes très présents provenant de houblons américains emblématiques comme le Cascade. Les IPA West Coast ont généralement une robe ambrée à orangée soutenue et un corps plutôt corsé. Elles mettent en avant le houblon de manière très affirmée, que ce soit en amertume ou en arômes. IPA New EnglandDéveloppée plus récemment sur la côte Est américaine, l'IPA New England ou North-East IPA marque une rupture avec le style West Coast. Son amertume est plus contenue, mais elle dégage des arômes fruités et houblonnés d'une intensité rare. Ce style se distingue aussi par sa robe voilée, opaque, presque laiteuse et son corps plus soyeux et moelleux. L'utilisation massive de houblons aromatiques, notamment via un dry-hopping généreux, lui confère des notes gourmandes de fruits tropicaux, agrumes, ainsi qu'un côté lisse et onctueux en bouche. Session IPALes Session IPA sont des versions plus légères, faiblement alcoolisées (4-5% d'alcool) pour rester facilement buvables. Elles conservent cependant un niveau d'amertume et d'arômes houblonnés assez marqués mais plus équilibrés qu'une IPA classique. C'est un compromis apprécié pour déguster une bière au profil houblonné sans la "lourdeur" en bouche de certaines IPA plus fortes. La robe est généralement plus pâle, dorée à ambrée claire. Imperial/Double IPAA l'opposé du style Session, la Double ou Imperial IPA est une version très houblonnée et très alcoolisée (7,5% à 10% et plus). L'amertume et les arômes sont ici poussés à leur paroxysme pour des bières d'une rare intensité. Malgré leur forte amertume, ces bières très maltées offrent un bon soutien pour contrebalancer. Leur robe foncée, souvent ambrée ou rougeâtre, et leur corps très charpenté complètent cette impression de bière riche et généreuse. Les IPA en BretagneCes dernières années, la Bretagne a vu fleurir de nombreuses brasseries artisanales sur son territoire. Que ce soit des brasseries historiques reprises ou de nouvelles brasseries, cette dynamique reflète le regain d'intérêt des Bretons pour les bières locales de caractère. Parmi ces brasseries, beaucoup se sont spécialisées dans la production de bières artisanales tendance, à commencer par les désormais incontournables IPA. Avec le terroir breton riche en herbes et plantes aromatiques, de nombreux brasseurs se sont appliqués à créer des IPA très typées. Exemples de bières IPA bretonnesLa Breizh Amerika IPA brassée par Lancelot dans le Morbihan fait figure d'incontournable. Cette bière marie subtilement les traditions bretonnes et américaines. Son amertume franche mais équilibrée est soutenue par un corps ample et une robe cuivrée profonde. Brassée avec du seigle, la Skumenn Rye IPA est une blonde fruitée et finement amère où les saveurs de houblon règnent en maître ! Ses notes agrumes et épicées ainsi que son amertume marquée en font une valeur sûre des IPA bretonnes. Venant de l'île de Groix, la GX IPA de la brasserie éponyme allie la force naturelle d'une bière peu sucrée à l'intensité de houblons aromatiques. Le résultat est une IPA brute de caractère, très houblonnée, à la robe ambrée profonde et aux arômes résineux. La diversité des IPA bretonnes n'a décidément plus de secrets pour satisfaire tous les amateurs de bières houblonnées ! Du fruité à l'amaresque en passant par le malté, il y en a pour tous les goûts. Accords mets et bière avec une IPAAliments à essayer Les IPA sont des bières parfaites pour accompagner de nombreux plats grâce à leur belle amertume et leurs riches arômes houblonnés. Elles se marient à merveille avec les viandes épicées ou grillées comme un bon steak au poivre, des travers de porc laqués ou encore des fajitas. Les IPA font également d'excellents accords avec les plats indiens ou thaïlandais très relevés, où leur amertume aide à couper les épices. Elles se accordent aussi très bien avec les fromages à pâte persillée, les charcuteries ou encore les plats iodés comme les poissons grillés. Aliments à éviter Par contre, il est préférable d'éviter de marier les IPA avec des plats trop gras ou lourds qui risqueraient de rendre l'amertume désagréable. Les viandes blanches simples ou les poissons peu relevés manquent aussi de caractère pour bien s'accorder. On évitera également les accompagnements trop sucrés comme certains desserts, qui peuvent créer des contrastes désagréables avec l'amertume houblonnée des IPA. Enfin, ces bières intenses sont à déguster avec modération pour ne pas se lasser de leurs arômes prononcés. ConclusionLes bières IPA séduisent les amateurs par leur caractère affirmé et leur large palette d'arômes intenses. Qu'elle soit West Coast, New England, Session ou Imperial, chaque style d'IPA a sa propre signature aromatique, de l'amertume houblonnée emblématique aux notes fruitées, agrumes, herbacées ou épicées plus ou moins marquées. En Bretagne, les brasseries artisanales se sont emparées de ce style incontournable pour proposer leurs propres IPA locales mêlant saveurs régionales et tradition brassicole. Un véritable trait d'union entre le terroir breton et la bière d'aujourd'hui ! Alors n'hésitez plus, laissez-vous tenter par le caractère houblonné unique des IPA ! Who was Saint Yves?Brittany, a cultural region in northwestern France, is home to a revered saint whose legacy has endured for centuries. Saint Yves, also known as Ivo of Kermartin, is the Patron Saint of Brittany, venerated for his unwavering commitment to justice and advocacy for the poor. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth look at Saint Yves, his remarkable life, and the lasting impact he has had on Brittany and beyond. Discovering Saint Yves: The Patron Saint of BrittanyBorn in 1253 in Kermartin, a small village in Brittany, Saint Yves grew up in humble circumstances. His parents, members of the local nobility, instilled in him values of humility and compassion from an early age. Recognizing his intellectual prowess, they encouraged him to pursue higher education, and he eventually studied civil and canon law at the prestigious universities of Paris and Orleans. Ordained as a priest in 1284, Saint Yves dedicated his life to serving the poor and upholding justice. He became known for his tireless work as an advocate, taking on cases pro bono for those who could not afford legal representation. His reputation for integrity and fairness spread throughout Brittany, and he was often sought out to resolve disputes and provide counsel. Saint Yves' selfless devotion to his faith and his unwavering commitment to justice did not go unnoticed. In 1347, Pope Clement VI canonized him, recognizing his exceptional virtues and the miracles attributed to him. Today, the feast day of Saint Yves is celebrated annually on May 19th, a day of great significance for the people of Brittany. The Legacy of Saint Yves: Why He Matters TodaySaint Yves' legacy extends far beyond the borders of Brittany. He is recognized as the "Advocate of the Poor" and is revered as the patron saint of lawyers, a testament to his dedication to upholding justice and protecting the rights of the underprivileged. His life serves as an inspiration to legal professionals, reminding them of the sacred duty to defend the vulnerable and seek truth and fairness. In Brittany, Saint Yves is celebrated with great reverence and devotion. The annual Pardon of Saint Yves, a religious and cultural tradition, attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors to the town of Tréguier. Processions, masses, and community gatherings are held to honor the saint and commemorate his life and works. These celebrations are deeply rooted in Breton culture and serve as a testament to the enduring influence of Saint Yves. While Saint Yves lived centuries ago, his legacy continues to resonate in modern discussions of legal and social justice. His unwavering commitment to advocating for the poor and marginalized serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of equal access to justice and the protection of human rights. Saint Yves' life and teachings continue to inspire generations of legal professionals, activists, and advocates working towards a more just and equitable society. Understanding the Pardon of Saint Yves: A Unique Breton TraditionThe Pardon of Saint Yves, a unique Breton tradition, has its roots in the centuries-old religious and cultural practices of Brittany. Shortly after Saint Yves' canonization, pilgrims began flocking to Tréguier, where he had lived and worked, to seek his intercession and honor his memory. This annual gathering evolved into a grand celebration, blending religious devotion with local customs and traditions. Today, the Pardon of Saint Yves is a vibrant and colorful event that draws thousands of participants from across Brittany and beyond. The highlight of the celebration is the grand procession, where a life-size statue of Saint Yves is carried through the streets of Tréguier, accompanied by religious officials, local dignitaries, and the faithful. Masses are held at the Tréguier Cathedral, and community gatherings, feasts, and cultural performances take place throughout the town. For those who have attended the Pardon of Saint Yves, the experience is often deeply moving and profound. Participants share stories of finding solace and inspiration in the celebrations, with many attributing personal miracles and blessings to the intercession of Saint Yves. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of the saint and the resilience of Breton culture and traditions. Saint Yves in Art and Literature: A Cultural IconSaint Yves' influence on the arts is evident throughout Brittany and beyond. Numerous statues, paintings, and stained glass windows depict his likeness, capturing his humility, wisdom, and commitment to justice. Notable works include the exquisite stained glass windows at the Tréguier Cathedral, which vividly portray scenes from Saint Yves' life, and the statue at the Place du Martray in Rennes, where he is depicted holding a book and a purse, symbolizing his dedication to knowledge and charity. Saint Yves' life and deeds have inspired numerous literary works and hagiographies (biographies of saints) throughout the centuries. These texts, often written by his contemporaries or later Breton authors, provide invaluable insights into his life, character, and the miracles attributed to him. Saint Yves' legacy has also influenced Breton folklore and literature, with his story being woven into traditional tales and legends. In recent years, Saint Yves' story has been brought to life through various forms of modern media. Documentaries, films, and contemporary retellings have explored his life, work, and enduring impact on Breton culture and society. These modern interpretations aim to introduce Saint Yves to a wider audience, ensuring that his message of justice, compassion, and advocacy continues to inspire future generations. The Historical Context of Saint Yves: Medieval BrittanyTo fully understand the significance of Saint Yves' life and work, it is essential to consider the historical and social context of medieval Brittany. In the 13th century, Brittany was a distinct cultural region with its own language, traditions, and social structures. The society was largely agricultural, with a hierarchical system that included nobility, clergy, and peasantry. Daily life was heavily influenced by the teachings of the Catholic Church and the prevailing societal norms of the time. During the Middle Ages, the Church played a central role in shaping society and the legal system. Canon law, derived from religious teachings, governed many aspects of life, including matters of justice and dispute resolution. Saint Yves, as a priest and legal scholar, navigated this complex system, using his knowledge and moral authority to advocate for those who could not defend themselves. Saint Yves' life was shaped by several significant historical events that impacted Brittany and the surrounding regions. War between England and France often caught Brittany in the crossfire of the conflict. Additionally, the rise of the Breton ducal dynasty and the ongoing struggles for power and autonomy within the region influenced the social and political landscape in which Saint Yves lived and worked. FAQ About Saint YvesWhy is Saint Yves the Patron Saint of Lawyers?Saint Yves is revered as the patron saint of lawyers due to his exceptional legal acumen and his unwavering commitment to advocating for justice. As a skilled jurist and advocate, he dedicated his life to defending the rights of the poor and marginalized, often taking on cases pro bono. His integrity, fairness, and tireless pursuit of justice have made him a revered figure among legal professionals worldwide. What Miracles are Attributed to Saint Yves?One of the most famous miracles attributed to Saint Yves occurred after his death. According to accounts, a man who had been wrongfully accused and sentenced to death invoked Saint Yves' name, and the executioner's sword miraculously broke upon striking his neck, sparing his life. This miraculous event is often depicted in artistic representations of the saint and has become a symbol of his commitment to justice and protection of the innocent. How is Saint Yves Celebrated Outside of Brittany?While Saint Yves is primarily venerated in Brittany, his legacy has transcended geographical boundaries. Bretons living around the world celebrate Saint Yves' feast day on May 19th as part of the larger Fête de la Bretagne, or the Feast of Brittany. This annual celebration, observed by Breton communities worldwide, honors the rich cultural heritage of Brittany and pays homage to its patron saint, Saint Yves. In various parts of France, as well as in countries with significant Breton diaspora communities, churches and institutions have been dedicated to Saint Yves' name. Legal professionals, in particular, often hold the saint in high regard and celebrate his feast day with special masses and ceremonies honoring his life and work as an advocate for justice. The Fête de la Bretagne is a vibrant and colorful event that brings together Bretons from all walks of life, united in their celebration of their shared identity and reverence for Saint Yves. Festivals, concerts, and cultural events are organized, showcasing traditional Breton music, dance, and cuisine. The day is also an opportunity for Bretons to honor their roots and pass on their rich heritage to younger generations. Whether in Brittany or abroad, the celebration of Saint Yves and the Fête de la Bretagne serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of this remarkable saint and the deep-rooted pride that Bretons hold for their cultural identity. Bordier Butter is not just any butter; it's a gourmet experience that elevates your culinary creations to a whole new level. Ever wondered what makes Bordier Butter the epitome of luxury? This blog reveals the intricate process and unique craftsmanship behind this premium brand. We'll dive deep into its rich history, distinct flavors, and why top chefs around the world swear by it. Stay with us to uncover the secret that turns simple bread and butter into a mouthwatering delight. 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Croissants, for example, benefit immensely from its application, reinforcing the buttery layers and adding a slight salinity that contrasts perfectly with the dough’s inherent sweetness. Using Bordier Butter in Cooking |