Mid-Summer Rhubarb
I think my rhubarb plant loves me. I blush to say this, but it’s got to be true. Each season, it gets bigger and more productive. This year, it multiplied so I actually have two rhubarb plants this year. And while its stalks don’t turn that luscious, deep red of some varieties, its […]
Salade Niçoise Authentique
Salade Niçoise, how we all love this blend of potatoes, green beans, lettuce, tomatoes, anchovies, tuna and…WAIT !!! STOP!!! Do not EVER tell any self-respecting Niçoise that you like your Salade Niçoise with potatoes, green beans, lettuce, or tuna and anchovies at the same time. This will make you an outcast and possibly consider you a […]
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, […]
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 […]
Hangar Steak and Figs on the Grill
Eileen and Betsy are back! Busily grilling their way through French Grill, they’ve just sent this new missive!! “So we had last Saturday night set aside to do something simple for four people…we ended up with nine. Word travels when we get out our French Grill cookbooks. It’s like Catholics flocking to Lourdes for […]
Last Minute Labor Day Menu
EEEK! I almost forgot Labor Day! It’s my calendar’s fault; it is supposed to keep me informed of all holidays everywhere, but the “settings gremlin” flipped a switch and here I am, blissfully sipping coffee and nibbling a croissant and it’s almost Labor Day and I’ve been in the dark. I love blaming something like […]
Bastille Day Menu from the Grill
American flags still dot the house and garden, happy little reminders of a great July 4 party, great values, great burgers. Now there’s a French flag in the mix, for two reasons this year. First LES BLEUS made it into the finals of the World Cup! Yay! (It is impossible not to get involved in […]
Gorgeous Ginger and Lime Chicken with Cilantro Oil
I remember interviewing Pascal Barbot of the pocket-sized restaurant l’Astrance, asking him questions as we sat over a coffee. We talked about his past, his influences, and how he would characterize his food. “It’s all based on dairy, really,” he said. Stop to think of it, and I realized so much of it was, from […]
Orange Marmalade
Winter is the season of oranges and I don’t think they’ve ever been better. Their juice is like sweet liquid sun, giving energy from the second it begins its slide across the palate. I’m guessing bitter oranges will be as good and flavorful – they certainly smelled like heaven as I squeezed them for their […]
