Classic Madeleines of Commercy are small, iconic French cakes shaped like shells with a distinct little bump on the top. They are soft in the center and slightly crunchy on the edges. Though their shape is complex, they use simple ingredients including eggs, sugar, flour, melted butter, and some lemon or orange for flavor. I love these…
These Apricot Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies are really addictive. Every time I make them for school, neighbors, and my husband’s co-workers, I always get so many compliments. They are healthy and not too sugary. The old-fashioned rolled oats give them a nice texture and the dark chocolate more “gourmandise”! These soft and chewy cookies are favorites in our…
Veal is tender and delicate meat that we enjoy eating from time to time. One of our favorite dishes with veal is “Blanquette de Veau” ( Creamy French Veal Stew). But, the weather is not cold enough yet to make this famous hearty dish. I wanted something lighter. When I saw the oranges in my…
Ratatouille is a colorful summer dish from Provence (southeastern France) made of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, onion, garlic, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. I always make this authentic recipe of Ratatouille, but it takes quite some time because each vegetable cooks separately before being tossed together. Recently, I tried this Easy Oven-Baked…
Rhubarb on a thin layer of apple with light pastry cream is the perfect combo of tartness and sweetness in this French Rhubarb Apple Tart! A simple family recipe that you will surely enjoy. This year, I was so happy to find fresh rhubarb at my Whole Foods Market twice in a row. I really…
Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas are an easy meal to make when you have some leftover chicken on hand. Even though they are not the traditional Mexican quesadillas, these are the ones that my family always wants. In my quesadillas, I use a mix of chicken and black beans. It is a good way to add…
For dinner, I made this simple and delicious French Leek Zucchini Ham Quiche. I love to make savory tarts or quiches because they are easy meals that are always welcome at my table. A green salad on the side is a perfect accompaniment. Quiche is a versatile dish; you can make it with whatever you have…
Osso Buco, which means “bone with a hole”, is Italian comfort food. This Milanese dish is made with braised veal shank in a base of carrots, celery, onion, white wine, and tomato sauce. In France, I often used to eat some veal. But these days finding veal in the U.S. seems harder than it should…
