Author Archives: Meg

Soupe aux poireaux caramelisés

Soup, glorious winter soup. The glory being that it’s so simple to make — two leeks, one potato, a little broth and that’s it. A peasant approach to a winter’s supper. And yet, and yet. What lifts this soup out … Continue reading

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Blanquette de veau

This most classic of French veal dishes got its name from it’s light-colored creamy sauce. The sauce is more or less white (blanc), and the dish could translate as ‘little white veal stew.’ Ah oui, mes amis, but let’s not … Continue reading

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Salade de chèvre chaud au miel

There’s something wild about the flavors in this salad — goat cheese warmed to melting, a sprinkling of herbs from Provence, honey, olive oil, mixed greens and mint. For me it conjures up the warm days of summer, even in … Continue reading

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Coulibiac

Coulibiac — it’s a French dish, right? The first time I made this succulent layered fish pie was back in the 1970s, with a Julia Child recipe. But wait. It’s also Russian, isn’t it? They call it kulebiaka and fill … Continue reading

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Joyeuses fêtes!

Better late than never. As it’s not quite the night before Christmas, I’m posting some holiday menus for fabulous feasts with a French touch. They each feature a first course, and sometimes a second, before a spectacular main dish and … Continue reading

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Charlotte glacée aux framboises

Here’s a holiday dessert that’s fun to prepare and makes a light change from fruitcake or mince pies or yule log. Three layers of ice cream and sorbet are encased in ladyfingers (boudoirs in French), inverted onto a lovely plate, … Continue reading

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Perdreaux aux poires

This could be the start of something big. This year, as an idea for your Christmas dinner, I give you a partridge in a pear tree. Well, to be more specific, roast partridge surrounded by succulent sautéed pear slices on … Continue reading

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Gratin savoyard

I had a surprise this morning when I sat down to write this post. I thought today’s recipe for a festive potato dish was gratin dauphinois, but discovered that what I’ve been calling dauphinois all these years is actually gratin … Continue reading

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Rémoulade de crabe au céleri

With Thanksgiving behind us and as we head into the holiday season, I will be posting dishes over the next few weeks that can grace a festive table. The first, curried crab remoulade, makes a delightful starter to brighten up … Continue reading

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Crème caramel

I ran a little guessing game on Facebook last night to see which classic French dessert people thought I’d be posting today. The answers ranged from tarte Tatin to crème brulée and clafoutis aux cerises (a springtime speciality!). No, it’s … Continue reading

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