Chic and Cheerful – Savoury French Olive, Cheese and Onion Cake

The French love these delicious savoury cakes, they can be found in all supermarkets and good boulangeries. The texture is still very light and “cake” like, as these are not yeast risen cakes; however, the texture is also quite robust and firm, slightly “holey”, making these savoury type cakes very easy to slice. You can just slice them and butter them for a snack or use the sliced cake for an unusual and alternative sandwich bread. Or, slice them and then cut into small cubes – then using cocktail sticks attach a chunk of your favourite cheese or spread the cubes with tapenade, cream cheese or your favourite savoury spread. Olives also make a great accompaniment. Please note, that these do NOT have the same texture as a normal sweet cake – as I mentioned before, the texture is holey, firm and amost like a sourdough bread. They freeze beautifully, both in loaves or in slices. Preparation time includes the “resting” time needed for the cake batter.

Maïté’s Leftover Chicken Salad

We eat grilled chicken almost every Sunday, this is what I make from the leftovers. It makes a great sandwich! Cooking time does not include the boiling off the egg.

The Classic French Bistro Sandwich – Croque Monsieur

My two versions of this classic French café/bistro sandwich – oven baked for large quantities and ease…….or, the traditional frying pan/skillet method! You can always rely upon the French to add a certain “je ne sais quoi” to even the simplest food …including the humble cheese and ham sandwich. The croque-monsieur (which becomes a croque-madame if you top it with a fried egg) is a great favourite in French cafés & bistros, and there are as many methods of crafting it as there are cafés! This one works for me. But, please be warned … it’s not for calorie-counters, the Cholesterol Police or those of a nervous disposition!!

Basque Chorizo and Lentil Soup

I found this web on the net recently (I was on a Basque kick). I have not tried it out yet, but I am sucker for anything with lentils.

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