Category Archives: French Regional Specialties
Profiteroles aux Deux Chocolats – Profiteroles with White and Dark Chocolate Sauces
Profiteroles are one of the most popular desserts at Cafe du Soleil, especially during the hot summer months. They have the elements of any great ice cream dish – ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate sauce. The French add a … Continue reading
Filed under Baked Goods, Dessert, Doughs, French Regional Specialties, Pastry Basics, Sauces, Summer Desserts
Frisee Salad with Smoked Bacon and Shirred Egg
Today’s post is to satisfy a request for the recipe for my ” Salade de Frisee aux Lardons” from a customer of Cafe du Soleil. This is a classic Bistro dish and it really exemplifies the simplicity of great bistro food – good ingredients, … Continue reading
Filed under French Regional Specialties, Salads, Winter Dishes
Endive Salad with Roquefort and Walnuts
Here’s an easy and appealing salad for the cooler weather. This is a salad that works well with many different combinations of ingredients. You can substitute Chevre if you prefer, or a different kind of cheese. You could also … Continue reading
5 Steps to a “Perfect” Roast Chicken
You may have heard some Chefs say that in order to judge a prospective cook’s abilities they ask them to prepare a simple roast chicken. While I have never seen this done in an actual professional kitchen, there is something … Continue reading
Filed under French Regional Specialties, Poultry, Ratio Recipes
Whole Roasted Daurade a la Provencale
I love roasting fish whole. The preparation is simple and the results outweigh the minimal effort. You just need to have a willing audience – willing to stare their dinner in the eye, and willing to tackle the bones … Continue reading
Mixed Berry Gratin with Champagne Sabayon
This is one of my favorite desserts at Cafe du Soleil – it’s so light that it makes the perfect ending to a big meal. This same sabayon technique can be used for savory dishes. You would … Continue reading
The Best Beurre Blanc
When I was 18 I spent a year in Devon, England studying music at Dartington College of the Arts. If you are ever in that part of England you should pay a visit to this beautiful part of the UK. … Continue reading
Filed under French Regional Specialties, Ratio Recipes, Sauces
Alsatian Choucroute
This week we will depart from the theme of ratio cooking to present a spectacular winter dish that could make for a very different kind of Super Bowl Party – especially handy if your local … Continue reading
Filed under French Regional Specialties, Meats, Winter Dishes
Basic Sponge Cake Recipe
It can be so easy to remember a recipe when you are aware of the ratio of the ingredients to each other. This Sponge Cake recipe is the one that opened my eyes as to how you can (and should) … Continue reading
