Ramblings of a retiree in France
Torta della Nonna is a classic Italian pastry but this is my much simpler, more rustic version. The base pastry is a light but crispy oil shortbread, while the filling is obviously made of custard with almonds (or pine nuts) on top. Feel free… Continue Reading “The Musette: Torta della Nonna”
In this recipe ingredients that you might traditionally view as savoury shine in such a sweet delicious way. This is a really refreshing dessert that just makes me think of warm days on the Mediterranean. The sorbet is gently flavoured with basil and lemon, and… Continue Reading “The Musette: Olive oil sorbet”
When I mention the word Aperol, you know I’m talking about an Aperol spritz. However, I have recently discovered that this Italian apéritif has a lot more ammo when it comes to cocktails – who knew? While I love a good Aperol spritz, I’m… Continue Reading “The Musette: 13 Best Cocktails To Make With Aperol”
I adore asparagus – green, white, purple – just bring it on! This is a dish I cook at home a lot during spring. I turn it into a main for my beloved with the addition of a poached egg or some thickly sliced ham… Continue Reading “The Musette: Herby Roasted Asparagus”
Vignarola is simply a celebration of that moment in spring when you have an abundance of beautiful artichokes, and the first of the broad beans and peas. It is so simple, but what makes it special is that the vegetables are cooked one after the… Continue Reading “The Musette: Vignarola”
Hailing from the north of Spain, Basque cheesecake is the perfectly imperfect dessert with a tell-tale burnt exterior. Credited to chef Santiago Rivera, his creamy creation made its début in 1990 in his San Sebastián La Viña restaurant.There’s a pillowy centre hiding underneath a scorched… Continue Reading “The Musette: Basque Cheesecake”
More than anything else, simple cakes are what I’m reaching for most days. Tall layer cakes, intricate designs or highly technical bakes really don’t float my boat, or my beloved’s. All we really need is a comforting, unassuming cake that still delivers on flavour and makes the perfect accompaniment to… Continue Reading “The Musette: Almond cake with ganache”
A simple, but a very delicious dish that I conjured up from products and vegetables in my fridge, freezer and cupboard. This is the type of thing I’ll do on a fairly regular basis and serve it either as is or with plain brown… Continue Reading “The Musette: Mixed vegetable curry”
Pissaladière is a traditional Niçois recipe composed of a thick pizza dough topped with caramelised onions and anchovies (optional). It’s as much anchored in the heritage of the cuisine of Nice as salade niçoise, fougasse, socca, daube or ratatouille. Pissaladière’s origins lie in Genoa’s 15th… Continue Reading “The Musette: Pissaladière”