A classic French Bistro recipe, and one that is SO easy to cook; the lamb in this recipe is cooked after 5 or 6 hours, but 7 hours is the traditional French timing for ‘gigot a la cuillère’ – a joint that can be carved with a spoon, hence its name! You will need a very large ovenproof casserole with a lid or a large, deep roasting tin, which you can cover tightly with tin foil – or, this can be cooked with GREAT success in the crock-pot. This lamb is just divine when served alongside gratin Dauphinoise and steamed haricots verts. I add lots of garlic for quite a pungent flavour – adjust the garlic and seasonings to personal taste.
This is the most requested dessert in our Chambres d’Hotes; I like to make it quite tart and lemony, with creme fraiche, instead of thick double cream – plus I like it to be baked until just set and with a wobble! This is great served with a drizzle of cassis for an elegant finishing touch, plus a sprig of mint. If you are not a great lover of lemons, please reduce the quantity of lemons in the recipe.
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.
I love Moules/Mussels, plus they are low in fat and high in minerals, making them very healthy! This is my own version of the Traditional French Moules Mariniere. The vermouth adds a complex and sweet taste to these mussels, and the tarragon compliments the vermouth perfectly. These mussels really are fragrant – the whole kitchen is perfumed with the sweet and aromatic smell whilst they are steaming! Serve with good bread and frites (French fries) for a delicious main meal or luncheon dish.
These are one of my favourite French cakes; delicate little light sponge cakes, baked in special fluted trays and sprinkled lightly with icing sugar, so elegant, light and airy! Some are flavoured with vanilla extract only, whilst other recipes suggest using lemon or orange; my recipe uses a combination of vanilla extract and lemon. These are ideal served with afternoon coffee or with a glass of dessert wine after a meal, just as the French serve them. You can also dip the tips into melted chocolate, but I prefer mine to be a little more subtle – but it is up to you!
