This classic French dessert comes from the Hotel Tatin in Lamotte-Beuvron south of Paris. The hotel was run by two sisters, Stéphanie and Caroline Tatin. The tart was apparently created by Stéphanie Tatin when she left her apples on the stove too long and decided to put the pastry on top, serving it hot from the oven. It became a signature dish at…… Continue reading tarte tatin
Tag: french food
chicken galantine
A galantine of chicken is boned and stuffed before roasting. Only the very ends of the legs remain to stop the stuffing coming out. This one was an impressive first attempt by Tom who followed Jacques Pépin’s instructional video. For the filling cook some chopped onions and finely diced garlic in oil and butter until they are soft…… Continue reading chicken galantine
cannelés
Yvie (a committed Francophile) made these Bordeaux specialities. Although made with a simple batter the result is chewy or almost crunchy on the outside and custard-like in the centre. Of course you need cannelés moulds to make the real thing. Traditionally baked in copper there are also silicone versions available. Make a batter of 3 cups of milk, 1¼…… Continue reading cannelés
walnut galettes with caramelised bananas and sour cream
Galette is a term used in French cuisine to designate various types of flat, round cakes. These walnut galettes are like large cookies, crunchy on the outside with a softer sticky centre. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature. Grind 60g (2oz) of shelled walnuts into a coarse meal. Add 85g (3oz) of caster sugar and 45g (1½oz) of…… Continue reading walnut galettes with caramelised bananas and sour cream
goat cheese on toast with balsamic baby beets and salad
Simple and satisfying this meal is perfect for an alfresco lunch or, in smaller portions, as a first course. Wash, peel and halve a bunch of baby beets. Place them in a shallow saucepan, season with salt and pepper and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Cover and cook…… Continue reading goat cheese on toast with balsamic baby beets and salad
party pastries
This patchwork quilt of French style savoury pastries kept the food coming at our recent party. Made on sheets of store bought puff pastry they were baked ahead of time and served at room temperature. Here are the six different toppings: artichoke, green olive and pecorino cheese; tomatoes and onions topped with chorizo,…… Continue reading party pastries
roast lamb with puy lentils
This is a French family recipe passed on to me by a friend. Prepare lamb in the normal way seasoned with garlic, thyme, rosemary and rock salt and roast in the oven. While the lamb is cooking, gently fry 1 chopped onion, 1 diced carrot and 2 cloves of minced garlic in olive oil until the onions are translucent…… Continue reading roast lamb with puy lentils
ratatouille
Ratatouille used to be such a fashionable dish, but somehow I had memories of a mushy mix of overcooked vegetables that just wasn’t inspiring. This time I tried the real French method – what a difference! Heat some olive oil in a large wide frypan and add 2 onions sliced into 1cm (½ inch) rings. Cook…… Continue reading ratatouille
goat cheese
Yesterday I made goat cheese. I’ve been experimenting a little, although I’m a beginner as far as cheese-making goes. So far I’ve tried various forms of full-milk ricotta, ricotta made from whey as well as a cream cheese. This time I decided to make cream cheese from goat’s milk, using buttermilk as a starter. This…… Continue reading goat cheese
michelle picker cooks 