I actually first saw their Austrian Shortbread recipe years ago in Gourmet Magazine. I was intrigued with the interesting yet simple technique involved in achieving an extremely light textured shortbread (see recipe). I originally made it just as the recipe specifies layering raspberry jam between the two layers, but recently decided to try a less sweet and simpler version, using fresh fruit mixed with a bit of sugar, flour and lemon. Both versions are delicious but with fresh fruit so abundant and beautiful at the moment, I opted for this blueberry/raspberry rendition today…and no one seemed to complain!!
This is a styrian version (Styria, Province of Austria) of a hearty, simple and vegan Greek Bean dish, that tastes heavenly and uses “Käferbohnen” (Scarlet runner beans) instead of white giant beans. If you can’t get hold of Scarlet Runner Beans use giant beans instead. The original recipe calls for about 200ml olive oil, i cut that lavish amount in half, and still find it’s enough oil left :). Prep.time comes without beansoaking time!
These light and airy balls of hazelnuts are just like the Ferrero Rocher chocolates but without the chocolate. I know that will offend some people – no chocolate, huh! These are good neverless.
Fast becoming a classic, Tartiflette is the perfect palliative supper dish for chilly autumn and winter evenings. This delicious, rich and hearty dish hails from the Alpine Haute Savoie region of France. For authenticity’s sake, try to get hold of a whole Reblochon cheese. Reminiscent of Camembert or Brie in flavour, texture and shape, Reblochon has the perfect melting quality for Tartiflette. In addition, as this dish can be prepared a day or so ahead, it could make the ultimate Bonfire Night or Halloween centrepiece! This is a truly indulgent dish, which is best appreciated after a strenuous morning on the ski-slopes — or at least a brisk winter’s morning walk. It is important to use a ripe Reblochon, preferably bought a few days in advance and left to reach maturity out of the fridge. For this to happen, it should be uncategorised. Of course, if you have a good cheese monger you will be able to buy one ripe and ready to eat. Serve the Tartiflette hot and straight from the gratin dish with fresh salad, crusty bread and assorted pickles. Edited to add: One reviewer made a comment that you should fry the bacon and discard the fat – it IS stated in the main instructions to do just that! Also, if your potatoes are not cooked after 15 minutes plus 25 minutes in the oven, you have not cut them thin enough – try to cut them quite thinly, as shown in all the photos. Reblochon cheese is a very STRONG cheese – do not try this recipe if you are not a lover of strong cheese! Merci:-)
CUT is a Wolfgang Puck restaurant in Las Vegas. Recipe published in Bon Appetit, March 2009. Serve straight from the oven. Update 3/5/09: The original recipe (below) calls for letting the dough rise in the refrigerator. However, it seems that the more effective method is to let the dough rise at room temperature.
