A few days ago before heading home from work for dinner, trying to think of something different to do with the prawns I had in the fridge at home, I asked our chef Lou for suggestions. He immediately said what about combining them with pasta. In our kitchen at La Cigale Lou keeps 2-3 bags […]
Read more
Pasta and Vegetables
Sweetcorn Fritters
I bought lovely fresh corn from Terry Lister who’d picked it the night before. For lunch yesterday I made corn fritters which I served with a salsa-like salad and basil pesto. I think using fresh corn and basil makes such a difference to the flavour of what can sometimes be a pretty boring fritter. […]
Read more
Camargue Rice and Spring Vegetable Salad
I love using a selection of Spring vegetables in salads. I always buy lots from our market stallholders without anything in particular in mind. Last weekend I bought asparagus, broad beans, flat green beans, snow peas, global artichokes and more. I had red Camargue rice in my pantry but you could use any grain for […]
Read more
Moroccan Risotto with Dried Fruits and Snails
Ingredients for 4: 400g Risotto rice (eg Arborio) 1 tin of snails (2 dozen) 2 medium onions (finely chopped) 12 dried apricots (sliced) 12 prunes (sliced) 1 big handful of dried raisins 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika 1 teaspoon of turmeric 100ml liquid crème fraiche 50g butter Fig oil Salt & pepper Flaked almonds […]
Read more
Risotto with Duck Gizzards, Asparagus & Porcini Mushrooms
Spring has officially began, but we still need to warm up and what is better that a creamy risotto with porcini mushrooms and seasonal asparagus? If you are vegetarian, just leave out the gizzards. The shopping list from La Cigale French Market stallholders is below. You can add more mushrooms and/or another variety (porcini are […]
Read moreVegetable Gratin
A few days ago I was using the Zyliss Smart Guard Slicer Mandolin in preparation for this weekend’s Kitchen Shop product demonstration. I used the vegetables that I had at home and come up with this gratin. It was delicious hot that night and also at room temperature the next day. It’s a particularly good […]
Read moreTomato Tarte Tatin
Tomato Tarte Tatin recipe – This is a fabulous appetizer, side dish during a barbecue, or as a light dinner with a glass of white wine. Ingredients: 6-10 Roma tomatoes, halved Olive Oil Salt and Pepper Italian seasoning mix, or just oregano, depending on taste Flakey Puff pastry Salad greens, such as mesclun or baby spinach […]
Read moreStuffed Baby Peppers & Pearl Drop Onions
Last weekend I had to buy Sally’s gorgeous looking baby peppers and her new onions called ‘Pearl Drop’ as both looked so good. The onions are very similar to Italian cipollini onions. They’re small, slightly flattened looking and sweet when cooked. The colourful peppers come in bags of about 15-18. You’ll get any assortment of […]
Read moreSpinach & Sorrel Tortilla
I love having plenty of different herbs growing in our garden. We only have small spaces for planting but I’ve managed to grow most things successfully in pots. Last year I planted sorrel for the first time and didn’t realize that it’s a perennial. This summer’s crop is great. It has a lemony taste and […]
Read morePea & Broad Bean Risotto
A simple risotto is a great fall back meal when you want something easy, quick and delicious. Why not drop some hints to your children about making a risotto for Mum on Mother’s Day this Sunday. Make it in an Emile Henry Risotto pot and you have the perfect present. What I like about this […]
Read more