Tag Archives: recipe

Soupe pho au boeuf

Posted on May 11, 2018 by Meg

Pho, the remarkably fragrant, herb-topped Vietnamese beef and noodle soup,  is ubiquitous in Paris. I never considered preparing it at home until a recent day when my daughter asked me to make it for dinner. As one who enjoys a … Continue reading →

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Charlotte aux fraises

Posted on March 30, 2018 by Meg

There’s an easy way and a hard way to make the delectable French strawberry dessert known as charlotte aux fraises, as I learned when setting out to make one for this post. A charlotte is an unbaked cake of ladyfingers … Continue reading →

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Avocat au saumon fumé

Posted on March 2, 2018 by Meg

Here’s a fresh take on avocat vinaigrette, a popular starter on bistro menus when I arrived in Paris 40 years ago. In the original, avocado halves were filled with a thick, mustardy sauce. This version is both lighter and prettier, … Continue reading →

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Poireaux au gratin

Posted on February 16, 2018 by Meg

Leek gratin is traditionally made with Reblochon, a pungent cheese from the French Alps, but it has been snowing in Paris. The snow brought the city to a standstill, and by the time it stopped the stores were empty. No … Continue reading →

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Risotto de langouste

Posted on February 2, 2018 by Meg

The lobster known as le homard — the one with alarming claws — is hugely expensive in Paris, and so is its kinder, gentler cousin, la langouste (no pinchers). But this winter frozen langouste tails began appearing at a reasonable … Continue reading →

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Velouté de butternut

Posted on January 19, 2018 by Meg

Butternut soup is suddenly the rage in Paris. Walk down any street and you will see it listed on menu-of-the-day chalkboards outside bistros. This is all the more surprising given that butternut squash was virtually unknown in France until a … Continue reading →

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Parmentier de canard

Posted on January 5, 2018 by Meg

Here’s a cold-weather dish that is both sophisticated and supremely French. Duck parmentier — shredded duck confit topped by puréed potatoes — has turned up on Paris bistro menus recently and I was lucky enough to be served this version … Continue reading →

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Butterbredel

Posted on December 8, 2017 by Meg

I had a surprise recently when a friend from Alsace presented me with a recipe for butterbredel, small butter cookies in festive shapes that are traditionally served over the holidays. They’re not just pretty but incredibly easy to make. And … Continue reading →

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Plateau de fruits de mer

Posted on November 24, 2017 by Meg

Sharing a shellfish platter in fond company is one of the great pleasures of life in France, particularly if you happen to be enjoying it by the sea. Add a bottle of crisp white and the sound of waves breaking … Continue reading →

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Boulgour aux oignons rouges

Posted on November 10, 2017 by Meg

A guest was coming to dinner, a friend from the literary world. I didn’t want to have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen while he was here, yet wanted to produce a satisfying, palate-pleasing meal. What to … Continue reading →

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