Rhubarb and Mom
What’s the best thing about spring? I know, everything. But if you focus, bring it down to the details and ignore radishes, then it’s got to be rhubarb. And one rhubarb plant (which over the years becomes two, then three, then…) will supply enough rhubarb for a family of three, plus the neighbors. My rhubarb […]
Brittany Part Two
Last October, I hiked a good part of the Sentier des Douaniers, the winding trail that traces the coast of Brittany. Just last week I hiked another part of the trail, the eventual goal being to hike the entire Breton “peninsula”. The Sentier des Douaniers was once trod by customs agents on the alert […]
Springtime Grilling
Welcome spring! Yesterday was its official debut (at 10:53 local French time, according to radio France Inter) even though I always thought it was the 21st. The date doesn’t matter because the sun knows what’s up, and so does the market. Everyone is running around in shirtsleeves (manches courtes) with their cool French sunglasses, […]
France 3 Television Comes to On Rue Tatin (And Stays for Supper)
A couple of weeks ago I got a call from a reporter for France 3 Normandie, Christiane Lablancherie. She’s producing a series on Joy at the Table and wanted to include On Rue Tatin. I don’t hold classes during this season, so I suggested she film our monthly wine tasting and she jumped all over […]
This Summer in Normandy
First and foremost, summer classes at On Rue Tatin will be spectacular! The garden is ready to burst into color already; the fruit trees have gotten their winter trim, and I’m testing and re-testing recipes for you to try out in the kitchen. As you make your plans, you should know this is a BIG […]
A Special Marmalade From a Special Fruit – The Bergamot
The temperatures have turned wintery here in northern France. I’m between Louviers and Paris, between my wonderful house and my teeny apartment and while I feel the cold, both are equally cozy. But what this cold weather means, aside from a good and true winter, is that it’s finally bergamot season!! You’re not cheering the […]
Yogurt Cake Revisited
I have a dinner coming up, and I want to make a delicious but simple cake for dessert. I considered plenty of options and settled on an old favorite, Yogurt Cake. This, as those of you who have read On Rue Tatin, is a cake I discovered one day at my son’s school during a […]
Lamb with Mashed Potatoes, and the Best of 2018
I flew over mid-December to teach a couple of classes in Portland, which exhibited huge support (Merci, Portland) for the fine points of French cooking. Fiona flew in from her home in Utrecht, Holland, and Joe followed on her heels from Annapolis, Maryland. Yes, we are spread all over the map, so occasions to be […]
Holiday Menu
I know, you’ve had it planned for weeks. But what if you haven’t? Holidays include many serendipitous moments, when friends call unexpectedly, family plans change to include or lose one or two, a few kilos of scallops arrive on the doorstep and an unexpected celebration ensues. Or maybe you’ve simply been too busy to sit […]
Rabbit in all its Splendor
The biggest hurdle? Peter Rabbit, that wily, lovable blue-jacketed character created by naturalist and author Beatrix Potter. Who couldn’t love him? Who could eat his relatives? Most recipes for rabbit come from the farm – hearty yet delicate, simple and laden with flavor. As it happens, the French can eat his relatives and do, all […]
