Corn Rounds
Avocado, Cherry and Chive Salad
This simple salad surprises everyone! Make this while cherries are still in season!
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: wine or cocktail glasses,
PREPARATION TIME: 15 minutes
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: simple
Impressionist Vegetables
ASTUCE: you may use any vegetable you like here, in any quantity you like, but small spring vegetables are best, and radishes, which keep their cheery color are essential. Sometimes I use baby turnips; if I can’t find spring onions, I use shallots; and occasionally I double the amount of asparagus. Also, if cilantro is hard to find, then use the finest extra-virgin olive oil all by itself. You’ll miss the vivid green color and the subtle flavor of the cilantro, but the dish will be delicious. Have fun!
Sweet Potatoes and Eggs on the (French) Grill
Gazpacho, Smoky French Style
Here, the simple purity of summer tomatoes and red bell peppers grilled gently over the coals, teamed with farm-fresh cucumbers, garlic, and onions makes this the most refreshing gazpacho you’re likely to taste. It speaks of the finest and most fresh ingredients, softly spiked with hot pepper and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Simple to prepare, I predict that once you’ve tried it, your summer meals will rarely be without it!
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: long tongs, metal spatula, wood chips or grapevine cuttings sarments de vigne, food processor
PREPARATION AND GRILL TIME: 2 hours and 25 minutes, including 2 hours chilling time (minimum).
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: simple
Potimarron (Kuri) Soup
Potimarron (Kuri) Soup – This is the simplest possible version of this soup and, to my mind, the best. However, you can vary it in one million ways. I might suggest sautéing a diced onion before adding the squash and water; drizzling it with pumpkin oil right before serving, or setting a piece of sautéed […]
Braised Asparagus
This recipe offers a whole new spring temptation! If you cannot find white asparagus, use thick green asparagus stalks. If you are using white asparagus, peel off the outer skin, beginning with the leaves just under the tip, where grit may be hiding. Hold each stalk up to the light so you can be sure you’ve removed all of the tough skin. You may need to peel each stalk twice to be sure. Then, trim off the end of the stem.
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese on Salad
This is a quintessential entrée in the French household. You can even purchase goat cheese already wrapped in bacon at the épicerie, grocery store. Typically, the cheeses are heated in the oven until they begin to melt and the bacon softens. I’ve stolen this idea and put the cheeses on the grill, after tucking grilled pepper underneath the bacon for some extra lusciousness. The bacon entirely covers the cheese and as it crisps on the grill, the cheese softens so that when you cut into it, OH MY. It’s molten and delicious.
Impressionist Spring Vegetables
This is for a season when you think you have nothing and actually have something wonderful!
ASTUCE: you may use any vegetable you like here, in any quantity you like, but small spring vegetables are best, and radishes, which keep their cheery color are essential. Sometimes I use baby turnips; if I can’t find spring onions, I use shallots; and occasionally I double the amount of asparagus. Also, if cilantro is hard to find, then use the finest extra-virgin olive oil all by itself. You’ll miss the vivid green color and the subtle flavor of the cilantro, but the dish will be delicious. Have fun!
Favas and Turnips of Spring
LES FEVES ET NAVETS DE PRINTEMPS A L’ORIGAN Print Recipe LES FEVES ET NAVETS DE PRINTEMPS This dish makes me think of a Pointilist painting, with its dots of vivid color from the begonia blossoms and the fava beans, interspersed with the white turnips and dark green oregano leaves. It’s an inspiration from Pascal Barbot, […]
