Author Archives: Meg

Gratin de tortiglioni aux lardons

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Meg

Picture this: A cold winter’s night, a cheery fire, a bottle of red, and a dish that comes to the table hot and bubbling and irresistibly aromatic. What is it? A gratin, of course — pasta and bacon bathed in … Continue reading →

Posted in 9. Pasta, Rice, Grains | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Soupe aux poireaux caramelisés

Posted on January 24, 2014 by Meg

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

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Meg

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

Posted on January 10, 2014 by Meg

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

Posted on December 27, 2013 by Meg

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 →

Posted in 5. Fish and Shellfish | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Joyeuses fêtes!

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Meg

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

Posted on December 20, 2013 by Meg

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 →

Posted in Desserts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Perdreaux aux poires

Posted on December 13, 2013 by Meg

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 →

Posted in 6. Poultry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Gratin savoyard

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Meg

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 →

Posted in 8. Vegetables | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Rémoulade de crabe au céleri

Posted on November 29, 2013 by Meg

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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