Author Archives: Meg

Confiture aux fraises et pétales de roses

Can you imagine a more sensual tribute to spring than jam made of strawberries and rose petals? And the best thing about it is that you can open a jar in the deep midwinter and feel transported back to June. … Continue reading

Posted in Et cetera | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Poulet au miel et au thym

There’s something slightly wild about this chicken infused with honey, thyme and garlic. A smidgen of cumin adds a touch of the exotic. Just thinking about it sends me on a memory trip down to the Mediterranean, where thyme grows … Continue reading

Posted in 6. Poultry | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Velouté de courgettes épicé

This zingy zucchini soup is a family favorite — healthy and incredibly easy to make. Okay, it’s not really zucchini season yet but were gearing up for summer here in Paris, especially on sunny days like today. And to be … Continue reading

Posted in 2. Soups | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Crêpes aux fraises

I spent years looking for a good crepe recipe until my daughter finally presented me with one. She found it in a French children’s cookbook — and indeed, once you get the hang of it, preparing crepes is child’s play. … Continue reading

Posted in Desserts | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Tapenade

The very thought of this flavor-packed spread evokes gnarled olive groves and thyme growing wild by the side of the road in southern France, where tapenade originated. Ubiquitous in Provence, it is usually made with black olives, but green olives … Continue reading

Posted in 1. Starters | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

Bar à l’aïoli

Sea bass, variously known in France as bar (in the north) and loup (in the south), is highly prized because of its delicate flavor and succulent flesh. It is often grilled with fennel stalks over grapevine cuttings during barbecue season. … Continue reading

Posted in 5. Fish and Shellfish | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mousse aux groseilles

Ethereally light, delicately pink and pretty as a picture, this red currant mousse makes a lovely finish to a meal. And the beauty of it is not just that it brings to your table the first blush of summer days … Continue reading

Posted in Desserts | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Tarte fine aux poireaux et lardons

This fine-crust savory tart with leeks and bacon is what you might call French ‘pizza.’ It is a relative of the more commonly seen flammekueche from Alsace, in which bacon and finely sliced onions are placed on thin dough covered … Continue reading

Posted in 4a. Savory Tarts and Tartines | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jardinière de légumes printaniers

If I were a vegetable, I’d like to start my life in spring. The tenderest peas, the sweetest onions, the most darling little carrots and turnips emerge at this time of year. The markets in France are overflowing with beautiful … Continue reading

Posted in 8. Vegetables | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Entrecôte bordelaise

If you are from the Bordeaux region you probably know the difference, but if you’re from anywhere else, you may not: entrecôte bordelaise, one of France’s great steak dishes, is served without a wine sauce. The steak is grilled over … Continue reading

Posted in 7. Meat Dishes | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment