Bonjour

Welcome to my blog!
I am a keen cook, mostly inspired by my French upbringing. My happy places are my kitchen and my garden.
I am very fortunate to run my own Cooking classes business from home.
My aim is to get people who don't cook much (or not at all) back in the kitchen, reduce processed food and use fresh and local produce...leading to a healthier life and eating habits!

Thursday, 22 November 2012

Salade Nicoise

Another hot day today, summer is on its way!
I have some baby new potatoes from the vegie patch and I have the perfect recipe for them. If you don't have baby potatoes, any other potatoes will do!
This salad is easy to do, doesn't require much cooking and is always popular at gatherings.



Salade Nicoise

Ingredients (4 serves)


*        400g of Potatoes, peeled and cut into bite size
*        150g of green beans
*        100g of black olives
*        200g of cherry tomatoes
*        3 hard boiled eggs
*        Tuna
*        a few anchovies
*        a handful of Basil leaves
*        Apple cider Vinaigrette (or olive oil+balsamic vinegar)
*        Salt and pepper

How to
Cut the potatoes in bite size cubes and cook them in boiling water. Once cooked, put them into a bowl of icy cold water to stop the cooking process (and stop the potatoes going mushy).
Do the same with the green beans and cut them in 3 or 4.
Put all the ingredients (but the eggs) in a salad bowl. Add the dressing and mix well but gently.
Cut the eggs in quarters (lengthwise) and put them around the salad.

Friday, 16 November 2012

Guacamole and smoked salmon toasts

Yes, another easy one! Great for a snack or starter (or in my case today: lunch)
I have avocado, smoked salmon and left over homemade Sourdough bread...perfect!



Guacamole and smoked salmon toasts

Ingredients

  •       bread, sliced
  •       guacamole
  •       smoked salmon
  •      1 garlic clove, peeled left whole
  •       Dill or fennel for garnish

How to


In an oven or a toaster, toast the bread slices. Rub the garlic clove on one side (up) of each slice.
Put a tablespoon of guacamole on each and top with smoked salmon.
Put a little dill or fennel to finish.


Guacamole

Simple and healthy, Guacamole doesn't require any cooking...perfect for summer lunches!


Guacamole

Ingredients:

  •      1 ripe avocado (flesh) 
  •       1 shallot (or ½ small red onion), finely chopped 
  •       1/4 tomato, flesh only, cut in small cubes
  •      1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  •      ¼ of picked coriander leaves
  •      lemon or lime juice (to taste)
  •      Chilli (to taste)
  •      Salt and pepper
How to
If you like it chunky, mix everything in a bowl with a fork.
If you like it smooth, put everything in the blender or mixer until smooth.

 

The shallot can be replaced by red onion.