Foreign Language Movie Friday: "Après Vous"

Because we are somewhat boring people, Matt and I have recently instituted a little ritual here in our home. It's called Foreign Language Movie Friday, and it's exactly like it sounds: every Friday night (or most every Friday night), after we've gotten our groceries (which is obviously what twenty-somethings do on a Friday night), we'll pick up a foreign language film at the local Family Video--which, for those who don't know, is the most glorious relic of the video rental age. We don't have these stores back in Nebraska, but they're all over Springfield. The movies there are usually a buck each, and there's usually a half-off coupon offered at the check-out counter. So we get all the awesomeness of cinema for 50 cents. I love Family Video.

Because we enjoy (most) of the foreign movies we watch, I thought I'd save you all the trouble and review them for you so that you can enjoy your very own Foreign Language Film Friday.

First up:

Après Vous (2003)

Language: French with English subtitles

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Our Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I love this movie. I first encountered it at a Blockbuster (you'll have to explain what this is to the young ones in your home) back in high school. I had elected to take my French course as independent study, and I was afraid that being out of the classroom would hinder my spoken French on account of not hearing it spoken every day. So, naturally, I started looking for French movies.

If you're looking for a light-hearted romantic comedy to pass the time with, "Après Vous" is for you. It stars Daniel Auteuil (who's sort of like the French George Clooney...except much less attractive), who plays Antoine, a successful headwaiter at a classy restaurant. On the way home one night from his shift, Antoine encounters and saves Louis, a heartbroken and somewhat neurotic man who was in the process of committing suicide (just go with it). Louis is inconsolable after his breakup with Blanche, a florist, and good guy Antoine wants to help out.

After Antoine himself falls in love with Blanche, it's a hilarious plot full of awkward situations, poorly constructed lies, and the ridiculous things we do for friendship.

Daniel Auteuil (left) and Jose Garcia as Antoine and Louis in "Après Vous."

The only reason I didn't give this movie 5 out of 5 stars is because it does drag on just a little at the end. The movie is 110 minutes, and I found myself wanting everything to wrap up so I could be on my merry francophone way. But it's also a movie I find myself watching over and over again. And Matt likes it too, which is proof that it's a great foreign movie because he doesn't speak French and still enjoyed it.

You can read more about "Après Vous" on its IMDB page, here.

Got a suggestion for what we should watch on our next Foreign Language Movie Friday? Let me know in the comments!

Cheers!
-Betsey

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Chocolate Hugs: Betsey's Best Brownie Recipe

So. It's been a while, hasn't it?

A lot has happened in the last month. I'm still settling into my new job and trying to find out where I fit in my new hometown. I can tell you that all these changes have necessitated a lot of things: a lot of self-pep talks, a lot of phone calls to Mom, and a lot of cuddles with my dogs. But perhaps the thing I have relied on most--and this is somewhat sad--is my favorite brownie recipe.

Need comfort? Brownies are second only to puppy cuddles.

Yes, that's right, I said it. Brownies. Sweet, gooey, delectable chocolatey goodness. Grabbing a fresh brownie and a glass of cold milk is like getting a reassuring hug from an old friend or slipping into warm just-from-the-dryer sweatpants.


...Although old friends and warm sweatpants don't do so much damage to my thighs. But honestly, sometimes you just need a damn brownie. And you should have one, and you should eat it with no regrets.


I know, I know, this isn't a dish from some exotic place like I usually post on this blog, but I haven't really explored all of the delicious eats we have to offer right here in the US of A. And if I had to vote on the most American food, the brownie would definitely be in the running. I mean, it screams America: it's always a star at bake sales, it's understated and unassuming, and it is best when paired with the Miss America of desserts: vanilla ice cream.


So, for those days where you just need a little extra reassurance and comfort, I want to share with you my very best and favorite brownie recipe. It goes together just as easily and as fast as opening a box of brownie mix, but it tastes so much more rewarding.

Betsey's Best Brownie Recipe

From Table to Tummy: 45 min.

Ingredients:

• 6 hefty T. unsweetened powdered cocoa (I used Hershey's)
• 1 c. granulated sugar
• 1/2 c. melted butter
• 2 eggs, beaten slightly
• 1 T. vanilla extract
• 1/2 c. self-rising flour

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Mix together the cocoa and sugar.
3. To the sugar/cocoa mixture, add the butter, eggs, vanilla, and flour.
4. Spread batter into a 9 x 9 baking dish that's been sprayed with cooking spray.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
6. Let cool for a few minutes before diving in. 

Bonus:
If you want to get really funky with your brownies, you can take the recipe to the next level by frosting it with homemade Hershey's "perfectly chocolate" chocolate frosting that is conveniently found on the back of your Hershey's natural unsweetened cocoa powder container. This recipe will make about 2 cups of frosting, just enough to frost these brownies and fill the cracks in your heart. 

Ingredients:

•  1/2 c. (1 stick) butter or margarine
• 2/3 c. Hershey's cocoa
• 3 c. powdered sugar
• 1/3 c. milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla frosting

Steps:

1. Melt butter and stir in cocoa.
2. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating on medium speed to spreading consistency. Add more milk if needed. (I do this step by hand with a whisk.)
3. Stir in vanilla. 

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