Buckwheat flour pancakes are popular in a number of countries including Eastern Europe, Korea and Canada. In France, buckwheat crêpes are usually made with a savoury filling. To make the batter, slowly add 1 cup of milk to 1 cup of buckwheat flour making sure there are no lumps. Add 2 eggs and ½ a teaspoon…… Continue reading buckwheat crêpes with mushroom, spinach and goat cheese
Tag: goat cheese
chèvre, leek and sun-dried tomato frittata
What a delicious combination of flavours! Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Wash and chop a leek. Lightly salt and fry it slowly either in olive oil or some of the oil from sun-dried tomatoes. When the leek is soft and a little browned, allow it to cool. In a large bowl combine 200g (7…… Continue reading chèvre, leek and sun-dried tomato frittata
goat cheese soufflé
It’s been a while since I made a soufflé but a glut of egg whites and this recipe inspired me. My version was adapted for goat cheese and more egg whites and had an excellent light and fluffy texture. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and place the oven shelf in the lowest position. Grease…… Continue reading goat cheese soufflé
eggplant mexican style
Eggplant (aubergine), not a common ingredient in traditional Mexican food, is now appearing in modern Mexican cuisine. Here it’s served with a sauce made with tomatillos and chipotle chillies in adobo sauce. Both are sold in cans and widely available where Mexican ingredients are sold. Slice some eggplants lengthwise into thin slices. Season with salt…… Continue reading eggplant mexican style
stuffed poblanos
Poblanos are mild chillies which originated in Puebla, Mexico. When dried they are known as ancho chillies and the fresh chillies are popular stuffed and roasted. Here’s my version. Roast or barbecue 4-6 whole poblano chillies and 1 red pepper until they are softening and slightly charred. Meanwhile in a little oil fry 1 finely…… Continue reading stuffed poblanos
chèvre omelette
A simple dish of eggs and cheese might only take 10-15 minutes to prepare but it can still impress. This omelette highlights light and fluffy just-melted goats cheese. Break up 1 cup of fresh chèvre, mix through 1 tablespoon of finely chopped chives and set aside. In a small frypan heat some butter with a…… Continue reading chèvre omelette
stuffed mushrooms
Whoever said life was too short to stuff a mushroom was wrong. I love mushrooms and this recipe uses 3 types of mushrooms to make a most delicious and satisfying vegetarian meal. For this recipe use portobello mushrooms (these are large, mature button mushrooms) with a good edge to hold the filling. For the filling…… Continue reading stuffed mushrooms
cooking class in Provence
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
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
antipasti
Always impressive and popular as a first course, many antipasti can be prepared ahead of time. The olives pictured here are homegrown and the antipasti were served with crunchy homemade sourdough bread. The red peppers should be roasted or barbecued whole until the skins are charred. Place them in a sealed container or plastic bag and allow them to sweat…… Continue reading antipasti
michelle picker cooks 