Author Archives: Meg

Spaghettis aux coques

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Meg

This is the French version of pasta alle vongole, the Italian dish that tastes so seductively of the sea. It is made with cockles, which are abundant along the shores of northern France and England, among other places. If they … Continue reading →

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Poulet rôti épicé

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Meg

The evening before I was to teach my first cooking class, I met two French friends for dinner at a Paris bistro. ‘What’s on your teaching menu for tomorrow?’ they asked, and when I replied, ‘Roast chicken,’ they burst out … Continue reading →

Posted in 6. Poultry | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Tarte aux quetsches

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Meg

Heralding autumn, the blue plums known as quetsches appear in French markets at this time of year. They are grown mainly in the eastern regions of Alsace and Lorraine, and appear to be related to what the British call damsons. … Continue reading →

Posted in Desserts | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Ratatouille

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Meg

There must be as many ways of making ratatouille as there are chefs in France, for appreciation of this ultraflavorful vegetable stew spread north from Provence long ago. The best I ever had was at lunch at a two-star Michelin … Continue reading →

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Omelette à la sauge

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Meg

There is an art to omelet making. I learned it long ago at the Café Dewitt in Ithaca, New York, where I had a part-time job as a chef while working on my Masters thesis. The trick is to make … Continue reading →

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Magret de canard au cassis

Posted on September 18, 2012 by Meg

This recipe marries two of my favorite flavors — the wild, woodsy taste of black currants and the rich, warm taste of duck. Throw in a little garlic and thyme and you have an intensely satisfying dish for autumn, winter, … Continue reading →

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Soupe au fenouil braisé

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Meg

When summer fades toward autumn, the days grow shorter and the nights begin to nip, I often get a hankering for soup. And not just any soup — the warm, comforting kind, the kind with which to start an evening … Continue reading →

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Ricotta à la lavande et aux mirabelles

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Meg

Guess what? Even everyday French chefs go out from time to time. Luckily for me there is a cluster of great little bistros in my neighborhood, and none I like better than Au Passage. The other night I had a … Continue reading →

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

Escalopes de veau à la crème, salade mâche-betterave

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Meg

A friend from England is coming for lunch en route to his Eurostar home. He expects a good meal and you don’t want to disappoint him. But you’ve been working at your computer all morning and now he’s about to … Continue reading →

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Salade de roquette, saucisses merguez

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Meg

Let’s face it — the everyday French chef cannot concoct a major feast every day. There are school nights, work nights, nights when you’re planning a rendez-vous with your lover… Sometimes it’s just a matter of opening up the fridge … Continue reading →

Posted in 3. Salads, 7. Meat Dishes | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments