This delicious, creamy chicken fricassee is a classic Belgian recipe. My father used to make this regularly for Sundays and other festive occasions. Often served as a starter, but it is great as a main course as well, accompanied by plain rice or potato puree, for example. Freezes well. Its Flemish name is “Koninginnenhapje”, which could be translated as “Queen’s Nibble”… nice, isn’t it?
Serve this as an impressive starter or a light main meal – it has an unsusual combination of cheese, ham and potatoes. Soufflés are easy to make – honestly! The only real criteria is that they are served immediately and that the bowl used for whisking the egg whites is oil and grease free…..but even that is not that essential. I sometimes add bacon instead of the ham – just brown and crisp it up first, and then crumble it before adding.
These wonderful little tartelettes are made from a combination of ripe, sweet pears with tangy, sharp Roquefort blue cheese and aromatic rosemary.They make an excellent and very elegant starter; they are also wonderful if served as a light luncheon dish, with salads and chutney or pickles. The galettes can be assembled several hours in advance – or even the night before – then chilled until you are ready to bake and serve them. I have stipulated shortcrust pastry – but puff pastry can also be used.
Delicious fluffy polenta with sautéed chanterelle mushrooms. It’s easy and makes a beautiful starter for four or vegetarian main for two. You can sub other mushroom, I love freshly picked chanterelles the best. Joy of the (mushroom)hunter :). Not so fond of the cleaning though. If the mushrooms are not too earthy try brushing them off only and prevent rinsing them in water, this will diminish their distinct flavour and make bigger ones mushy. The amount of mushrooms used may vary according to their water contents.
An earthy, hearty and warming Italian-Austrian medley of fantastic aroma, a bit of work and effort, but absolutely worth it! Serve as a starter or main dish.
Your Kitchen Concierge
Recipe finder and budget meal ideas