Category Archives: 1. Starters

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 →

Posted in 1. Starters | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mouclade

Posted on September 13, 2013 by Meg

This is one of those knock-your-socks-off openings to a meal that will have your guests begging for the recipe. I served it on two occasions in the past couple of weeks and both friends said it was so delic… (oops, … Continue reading →

Posted in 1. Starters | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Salade de tomates aux herbes

Posted on July 26, 2013 by Meg

Now that tomatoes are coming into season, it’s the perfect time of year for serving them as a bright salad liberally sprinkled with fresh herbs. The result is a lovely starter or side dish to a summer meal. And one … Continue reading →

Posted in 1. Starters | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Salade de pois chiches au cumin

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Meg

Okay, all you naysayers. It’s really summer now. I’m in Burgundy, where my garden is abundant with beautiful fruit. The cherries are ripening, and there are plenty of raspberries and red currants. And black currants, too — cassis in French … Continue reading →

Posted in 1. Starters | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Caviar d’aubergine épicé

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Meg

A friend was giving me a hard time the other day because I mentioned that it was now summer. ‘Who are you trying to kid?’ she retorted. And, yes, when I looked at the outdoor thermometer right now, it told … Continue reading →

Posted in 1. Starters | Leave a comment

Asperges à la sauce hollandaise

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Meg

Let me tell you about the time I had lunch with Roman Polanski. It was many years ago, shortly before the Cannes Film Festival, and I was working for The Hollywood Reporter. He agreed to an interview and we met … Continue reading →

Posted in 1. Starters | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Champignons à la crème et au cerfeuil

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Meg

My friend Nicole lives in the shadow of the Pompidou Art Center, right around the corner from a Paris bistro called Le Hangar. This trendy restaurant is sufficiently hidden away to retain a private feeling, even in the crowded Beaubourg … Continue reading →

Posted in 1. Starters | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Poireaux sauce verte

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Meg

The leek is a handsome vegetable. The ancient Egyptians grew and enjoyed it, and so did the Romans — in fact, it was reputedly Nero’s favorite vegetable. The Welsh enjoy it so much that they made it their national emblem. … Continue reading →

Posted in 1. Starters | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Huîtres gratinées aux épinards

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Meg

I’ll never forget my first taste of an oyster. My French boyfriend showed me how it was done. He took an open oyster on the halfshell, detached it with a sharp knife and, in one swift gesture, let the glistening … Continue reading →

Posted in 1. Starters | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Assiette de crudités

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Meg

Let’s get one thing straight right from the start: there is nothing crude about crudités. This lovely fresh vegetable plate — my all-time favorite starter — is the dish I most long for whenever I’m away from France for a … Continue reading →

Posted in 1. Starters, 3. Salads | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments