Author Archives: Meg

Pain perdu

Posted on June 7, 2024 by Meg

Forget maple syrup, bring on the powdered sugar. French toast, French style, is mainly served as a dessert or an afternoon snack. Known as pain perdu (‘lost bread’), it was a poor man’s dish until, according to lore, it was … Continue reading →

Posted in 4. Omelets, Soufflés, Quiche | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Aïgo boulido

Posted on May 24, 2024 by Meg

French garlic soup from Provence is called aïgo boulido, which translates amusingly as ‘boiled water’. Well, you can believe me — it’s a lot tastier than hot water. The garlic is boiled until soft, allowed to steep with fresh sage, … Continue reading →

Posted in 2. Soups | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Mousse de rhubarbe aux fraises

Posted on May 10, 2024 by Meg

Springtime in Paris means rhubarb and strawberries, and they combine delightfully in this light, bright dessert. The mousse can be whipped up — literally — in just a few minutes. The rhubarb is softened with sugar, the strawberries are puréed, … Continue reading →

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Poêlée pois gourmands-petits pois-asperges

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Meg

Snow peas, fresh peas, asparagus and chives star in this bright green medley of spring vegetables bathed in a French-Asian fusion sauce. With the sun making timid appearances and the chestnuts finally in blossom, it’s beginning to feel like spring … Continue reading →

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Boulettes épicées en bouillon

Posted on April 12, 2024 by Meg

Succulent spicy meatballs served in broth with cream and topped with fresh dill — now that’s what I call comfort food with a capital C, except that this dish is light, not heavy. I first made it on a winter’s … Continue reading →

Posted in 7. Meat Dishes | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Pita aux crevettes

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Meg

This open-face pita sandwich with shrimp in curried mayo set on a bed of bacon and arugula and topped with fresh dill is an example of why I have often thought this site should be renamed ‘Meg Has Lunch’. Like … Continue reading →

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Risotto aux petits pois et à la menthe

Posted on March 8, 2024 by Meg

Longing for a hint of spring as the Paris winter drags on and on, I made a cheery pot of risotto with peas and fresh mint the other day. The inspiration for this dish was not my own. I first … Continue reading →

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Poulet au parmesan

Posted on February 23, 2024 by Meg

Making parmesan chicken, a family favorite, is simplicity itself. There are only two ingredients — the parmesan and the chicken (plus a little olive oil for pan-frying). Unlike other similar dishes where chicken is coated before frying, this lighter version … Continue reading →

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Salade frisée aux lardons

Posted on February 9, 2024 by Meg

This salad of curly endive with bacon is a French bistro classic and it’s one of my favorites. I often serve it to friends at dinner parties, usually followed by another bistro dish, for example boeuf bourguignon or Provençal chicken … Continue reading →

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Saumon rôti aux lentilles épicées

Posted on January 26, 2024 by Meg

Roasted salmon on a bed of spicy lentils is a dish that delivers the comfort we crave in winter without too much heft. Here, the dish is paired with spinach for a combination that’s as pleasing to the eye as … Continue reading →

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