cooking class in Provence

Posted in travel2 Comments

While in Provence, I took the opportunity to participate in a hands-on cooking class with chef Jean-Marc Villard at his French Cooking School. After shopping for local and organic ingredients, we returned to the specially designed teaching kitchen, where Jean-Marc guided us in preparing and cooking a traditional French meal which we later enjoyed on the terrace with the chef and his…… Continue reading cooking class in Provence

fine dining and tomatoes

Posted in travel1 Comment

Provence has the most sunshine in France which is probably why the tomatoes here are so abundant and fragrant. When I dined at Christian Etienne, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Avignon, I was excited to see a 7-course tomato menu. Unfortunately, in my excitement, I failed to photograph the first course, a ceviche of smoked mackerel with a Black Russian…… Continue reading fine dining and tomatoes

salade niçoise

Posted in eggs, fish & seafood, saladLeave a comment

I’m enjoying a sojourn in Provence, in the south of France, where the local produce and hot weather make this salad a perfect choice for a meal. Of course, fresh tuna would be fantastic but this version is the kind you can make with ingredients you have to hand. First prepare some potatoes and place them in a saucepan…… Continue reading salade niçoise

cauliflower pilaf + fried root veg + spinach and yoghurt

Posted in grains, vegetable sides, vegetarian dishes1 Comment

This vegetarian meal is loosely based on a Jordanian Maqluba which normally includes meat, rice, and fried vegetables placed in a pot, which is then flipped upside down when served. The recipe is adapted from one by Henry Dimbleby and Jane Baxter which appeared in The Guardian.  Preheat your oven to 200ºC (º400F). Heat 1 litre (34 fl oz)…… Continue reading cauliflower pilaf + fried root veg + spinach and yoghurt

albondigas

Posted in beef, porkLeave a comment

These juicy Mexican beef and pork albondigas (meatballs) are enhanced by a smoky and fiery chipotle sauce. For the chipotle sauce put 1 litre (35 fl oz) of tomato passata (sauce) into a saucepan with ½ a cup of canned chipotles in adobo sauce (available from Mexican food stores), 2 teaspoons of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ a…… Continue reading albondigas

pepita cookies

Posted in sweet bitesLeave a comment

Crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside and deliciously nutty. Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF) and line one or two baking trays with non-stick baking paper. In a food processor, combine 1 cup of pepita (pumpkin) seeds, ½ a cup of coconut sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground ginger and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Process until the…… Continue reading pepita cookies

quail and chick pea stew + bulgur and zucchini pilaf

Posted in poultryLeave a comment

This fragrant dish of quail with chick peas, saffron and herbs is from Saraban – A chef’s journey through Persia by Grey and Lucy Malouf. Heat some olive oil over low heat in a large heavy-based pot with a lid. Gently fry 2 finely sliced red onions and 4 finely sliced cloves of garlic until soft and translucent. Meanwhile soak…… Continue reading quail and chick pea stew + bulgur and zucchini pilaf