When is a Shoe Not a Shoe?

In my little town in the middle of France is a wonderful boulangerie/patisserie (bakery) only a ten-minute walk from my house. During the Christmas holidays, their master chocolatier produced exquisite, life-sized red high heels made entirely of chocolate. Also for sale were the traditional holiday pastries: buches de Noël (Yule logs) and galettes des rois, the puff pastry Epiphany cake filled with almond paste.

This year I resisted all these tempting delicacies because, alas, bad bloodwork convinced me that I must diet and reduce my alcohol intake. Hence my New Year’s resolution to commit to a month-long detoxing diet, eliminating alcohol, caffeine, sugar, gluten, and dairy products -- all the foods I love. How can I do without them while living in France, where, a short walk from my house I can find affordable good wines, rich espresso beans, world-class pastries and breads, and a staggering variety of cheeses? It’s not going to be easy saying no to these culinary pleasures, but I’m going to give it a try for the sake of my health.

If I don’t succeed, I’ll eat my shoe.