A home-made burger with three of my favourite French elements included in the ingredients, Bearnaise sauce, French blue cheese and sliced red onions! I made these for a quick lunch on Bastille Day – 14th July, hence the name! I used our excellent local Charolaise beef, a salt marsh beef which is superb, with a good fat to muscle ratio, and a slight tang of herbs and salt. If you want to cut down on the carbs, just have this burger “Naked” without the bun! Likewise for low fat – omit the Bearnaise sauce and chop some fresh tarragon up and mix it with the minced/ground beef. I am not a great lover of commercial burgers, but I do like home-made burgers – and these are now a firm favourite with all my family & friends! This recipe is for 2 people – just increase the ingredients for more people.
This is a popular side dish in Belgium. It usually goes with blood sausage (boudin) or strips of bacon, but I often serve it with sautéed chicken. Go easy on the cream, you want it to have more substance than smooth mashed potatoes.
Belgian fries are cooked twice for a soft middle and crisp outside and served with a mayo sauce called Andalouse, found online at allrecipes and the best fries I’ve ever made
A delicious combination of peas, onions and lettuce which are gently poached in a buttery sauce with crème fraiche and vegetable stock; this classic French recipe is a wonderful way to serve tender little peas, petits pois. This recipe makes a delightful accompaniment to any type of main meal, and adds a real splash of colour. I have stated fresh OR frozen peas in the recipe – frozen peas can be used to great effect out of season. In the absence of small silverskin onions, spring onions (green onions) can be used, making this a very versatile recipe to serve throughout the year. Cut back on the butter if you are on a low fat diet – the taste will be less rich, but still as delicious!
Ooh la la! Let’s do the can-can, have our canapés and eat them with wild high-kicking abandon! The full flavour and creamy texture of Boursin cheese makes an ideal ingredient for party nibbles. These bruschetta are quick and easy to prepare and hit the nibbles and aperitifs spot! High kicks and dancing are not compulsory, as you might spill your drink and drop your bruschetta!
