Salt and Pepper Calamari a Spicy Appetizer
Sometimes a sampling of little bites makes for a more interesting evening than a single main course. The Spanish have this perfected with their culinary tradition of tapas and pintxos. We decided quite a while a go to celebrate the New Year (on Paris time) and to do so by tasting our way around the world, in small bites. This year was no different. The seafood themed plates started with skewered shrimp and ended with Salt and Pepper Calamari.
Sometimes a sampling of little bites makes for a more interesting evening than a single main course. The Spanish have this perfected with their culinary tradition of tapas and pintxos. We decided quite a while a go to celebrate the New Year (on Paris time) and to do so by tasting our way around the world, in small bites. This year was no different. The seafood themed plates started with skewered shrimp and ended with Salt and Pepper Calamari.
Fish and Games a Recipe for Boulettes de Poisson à la Marsaillaise
This recipe is a play on words based the jeu (game) that appears to be at the heart and soul of many Provençaux – pétanque. Also know as boules, it is similar to bocce (bocchi) in Italy, but the old souls in Provence might never agree that the game has …
This recipe is a play on words based the jeu (game) that appears to be at the heart and soul of many Provençaux – pétanque. Also know as boules, it is similar to bocce (bocchi) in Italy, but the old souls in Provence might never agree that the game has …
Goat Blue Cheese and Pear Timbales a Light Starter Course
This recipe combines sharp, creamy blue goat cheese and ripe Anjou pears in a lovely savoury flan or timbales. The Anjou pear is also called the Genovian pear (in Italy), and perhaps that is a good example of the transferability of the language of cooking. A timbale in French cuisine is a sweet or savoury, custard-like recipe that is cooked in a cylindrical pan or bottomless dish (flan ring). In Italian, the same dish is called a Timballo.
This recipe combines sharp, creamy blue goat cheese and ripe Anjou pears in a lovely savoury flan or timbales. The Anjou pear is also called the Genovian pear (in Italy), and perhaps that is a good example of the transferability of the language of cooking. A timbale in French cuisine is a sweet or savoury, custard-like recipe that is cooked in a cylindrical pan or bottomless dish (flan ring). In Italian, the same dish is called a Timballo.
Spicy Carrot Goat Cheese Pâté a Recipe for those Bits in the Fridge
We all agree that food waste is terrible, and in North America where shopping for many tends to involve large format stores with bulk packaging…often we buy too much. Even if you are a conscious shopper and dedicated cook like David sometimes there end up being some leftover bits in the fridge. Now, in Cocoa & Lavender’s kitchen nothing gets wasted so he created this recipe for spicy carrot goat cheese pâté.
We all agree that food waste is terrible, and in North America where shopping for many tends to involve large format stores with bulk packaging…often we buy too much. Even if you are a conscious shopper and dedicated cook like David sometimes there end up being some leftover bits in the fridge. Now, in Cocoa & Lavender’s kitchen nothing gets wasted so he created this recipe for spicy carrot goat cheese pâté.
Mom’s Dijon Chicken a Dinner Classic in Under 30-Minutes
Every cook needs to have a few “go-to” recipes tucked in their apron. These recipes are the ones that you can make without checking to see if you have the ingredients, you know are delicious, and never fail to impress your guests.
For me, my mother’s Dijon Chicken, a simple baked poultry dish that is ready in under 30-minutes, is a go-to combination.
Every cook needs to have a few “go-to” recipes tucked in their apron. These recipes are the ones that you can make without checking to see if you have the ingredients, you know are delicious, and never fail to impress your guests.
For me, my mother’s Dijon Chicken, a simple baked poultry dish that is ready in under 30-minutes, is a go-to combination.
Seared Duck Breast with Clementine-Pomegranate Beurre Blanc
Seared duck breast is quick and easy to cook. The meat is seared on high-temperature for about 5 minutes a side, then allowed to rest. However, the trick with duck is to create just the right sauce – fruity, savoury, wine or port. The inspiration for this recipe comes from Christmas flavours (citrus and pomegranate) and colours, and I served it for good friends during the holidays.
Seared duck breast is quick and easy to cook. The meat is seared on high-temperature for about 5 minutes a side, then allowed to rest. However, the trick with duck is to create just the right sauce – fruity, savoury, wine or port. The inspiration for this recipe comes from Christmas flavours (citrus and pomegranate) and colours, and I served it for good friends during the holidays.
Lemon Ricotta Cake Inspired by Flavours of the South
In our house, this dessert is named after our friend Luisa and inspired by Louisa’s Cake from Castellina in Chianti. The tangy combination of lemon zest and fresh ricotta are a terrific balance with sweet apple and raspberry jam. Take a look at the original post “Heard it From a …
In our house, this dessert is named after our friend Luisa and inspired by Louisa’s Cake from Castellina in Chianti. The tangy combination of lemon zest and fresh ricotta are a terrific balance with sweet apple and raspberry jam. Take a look at the original post “Heard it From a …
Crab Cakes and Provencal Vermentino a Recipe for Galettes de Crabe
Aromas are a funny thing. Almost like those dreams you are sure you will remember in the morning and then don’t, a scent can transport you to another place and time. In his blog post, “Recipes and Remembrance” David talks about a restaurant — Le Bec-Fin — that was once …
Aromas are a funny thing. Almost like those dreams you are sure you will remember in the morning and then don’t, a scent can transport you to another place and time. In his blog post, “Recipes and Remembrance” David talks about a restaurant — Le Bec-Fin — that was once …
Roasted Chicken Ottolenghi Style with Fennel and Clementines
When I was growing up, I didn’t know that our style of serving meals growing up had a name. I know it as family style now but then, it was just how Mom and Dad did it. It wasn’t necessarily a daily thing, but I know it was served that …
When I was growing up, I didn’t know that our style of serving meals growing up had a name. I know it as family style now but then, it was just how Mom and Dad did it. It wasn’t necessarily a daily thing, but I know it was served that …
Lemon Lavender Buttermilk Cornmeal Olive Oil Cake a Sweet Finish
This quick bread has all the tasty elements of Provence – a bit of citrus, a hint of lavender and flavourful olive oil. The inspiration for this sweet lemon, lavender cake comes from a recipe by Nicole Riegl
This quick bread has all the tasty elements of Provence – a bit of citrus, a hint of lavender and flavourful olive oil. The inspiration for this sweet lemon, lavender cake comes from a recipe by Nicole Riegl