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Brochettes of lamb
Cuisine is influenced by the cooking of
France


Appetizer
Codfish acras  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
1/2 lb (250 g) Salted codfish - flaked
1/2 cup water
1 cup (120 g) flour
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
2 scallions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon Scotch Bonnet chile, minced
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1/4 teaspoon Ground allspice
1 tablespoon white vinegar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Corn oil - for frying
Soak the salted cod fish in cold water for 12 hours.
Cook in simmering water for 5 to 6 minutes. Let cool and clean, debone and flake the fish.

In a mixing bowl , mix the flour and water to from a paste.
add the fish, scallions, Scotch Bonnet chile, garlic, onion and seasoning.
add the egg yolks and vinegar
just before cooking, add baking soda and beaten egg whites.
Meanwhile, heat 2 inches of corn oil to 350 to 375 degrees in a heavy cast-iron pot or deep fryer. Drop the acras into it by the teaspoonful. Fry until they are light brown, turning once. When done, remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve the accras as soon as they are ready with lemon wedges and curried mayonnaise sauce.

Appetizer
Feroce avocat  Print Recipe

A West Indian speciality whose recipe is fairly close to guacamole, avocado féroce gets its "ferocious" aspect from the strength of the spice used in its preparation. So you never know quite how ferocious this dish will be! Whether it's merely fragrant or very spicy, the preparation usually consists of dried cod, local avocado and manioc flour. The cod is first de-salted, crumbled and mixed with the avocado flesh, lime juice, bunching onion, garlic, habanero pepper and manioc flour.
Serves: 6
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
½ lb salt cod , desalted
1 large ripe avocado (about 1 lb/500g or 2 medium avocados)
½ lb tapioca flour (cassava flour)
3 scallions
2 West Indian chili peppers (habañero peppers)
3 cloves garlic , crushed
½ bunch parsley
3 tablespoons sunflower oil
Juice of 1 lime
Pepper
Salt
In a pot, cover the cod with water and bring to boil.
Remove the cod and drain immediately.
Cut avocado in half, remove the flesh and cut into large pieces.
Drizzle the avocado flesh with lime juice to prevent from blackening.
Place parsley in the bowl of a food processor and chop finely.
Then add the avocado, cod, garlic, a small piece of chili and chives. Mix.
Add cassava flour and oil while mixing until mixture is homogeneous.
Add salt and pepper
Refrigerate for one hour before serving

Appetizer
Crispy salmon nuggets in kataifi crust  Print Recipe

kataifi is a Middle Eastern pastry that resembles shredded phyllo. In this recipe, it adds a crisp touch to the salmon nuggets. You may also use shrimp instead of salmon.
Serves: 4
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
1/4 pound kataifi dough, snipped into 4-inch lengths
1/3 cup basil leaves, finely shredded
1/3 cup chives, cut in 1-inch lengths
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
All-purpose flour, for dredging
16 small bite-size cubes of salmon
Freshly ground pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
Dipping sauce
In a large, shallow dish, separate the kataifi dough into individual threads using your fingers. Add the basil and chives and toss to distribute throughout the pastry.
In a shallow bowl, beat the egg with the water. Spread the flour in another shallow bowl. Season the salmon cubes with salt and pepper. Dredge them in the flour and shake off the excess, then dip them in the beaten egg and roll in the kataifi; press to help it adhere.
Set a rack over a baking sheet. In a large, deep skillet, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350°. Fry 4 or 5 salmon pieces at a time until the kataifi is golden brown and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes minutes. Drain the salmon nuggets on the rack. Season with salt. Serve the nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce.

Appetizer
Mussel soup  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:25 minutes
2 pounds mussels
2 cups white wine
1 teaspoon shallots, chopped
1 teaspoon saffron
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
2 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons butter
2 teaspoons flour
1 cup cream
salt and white pepper to taste
Scrub mussels under cold running water.
Heat wine in a large pot. Add mussels. Cover pot and steam for about 5 minutes, or until mussels are opened.
Strain cooking liquid through cheese cloth. Save.
Remove mussels from shells.
Reserve for garnish.
In a medium saucepan, add mussel broth, shallots, onion, saffron, parsley and chicken broth.
Simmer for 10 minutes.
Combine butter and flour to a paste. Whip in the cooking liquid to thicken. Add cream and seasoning. Add mussels. Heat soup, and serve hot.

Appetizer
Savory lollipops for cocktail  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
6 small carrots about 5-inch long
6 baby corn on the cob, (available in cans)
6 green asparagus, trimmed, about 5-inch long
1 beaten egg
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
4 tbsp. chopped cornflakes
2 tbsp. tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Peel the carrots. Blanch for 5 minutes and drain. Plant a bamboo spike at the base of each carrot, asparagus, and corn on the cob.
Roll carrots, asparagus and corn in flour. Dip them in the beaten eggs. Finally, roll the corn in the chopped cornflakes, then the carrots and asparagus in the breadcrumbs.
Place the vegetables on a baking sheet lined with lightly oiled baking paper. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake 20 to 30 mins. Sprinkle the carrots and asparagus with the parmesan then place everything on a serving platter before serving.

Appetizer
Smoked salmon with basil-dressed baby greens  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
for basil dressing:
1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves, washed and drained
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 pound smoked salmon, thinly sliced
1 pound mixed baby greens, cleaned and spinned
French bread
For the basil dressing: In a blender, combine the basil, olive oil, water, white wine vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Puree until smooth. Transfer to a bowl. Cover a set aside.
PRESENTATION
Toss the clean salad with the dressing. Divide the salad between the cold plates, and arrange in the center of the plates. Roll slices of smoked salmon.
Divide between the plates and arrange on top of the lettuce. Serve with French bread.

Appetizer
Vegetable ragout with parmesan and balsamic vinegar  Print Recipe

From Le Cabro d'Or, Les Baux-de-Provence, France
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:40 minutes
3 ounces Parmesan cheese
2 lemons, halved
8 artichokes (about 9 to 12 ounces each)
24 baby carrots, greens trimmed
1/4 cup olive oil
24 cherry tomatoes, halved
12 ounces button mushrooms, halved
1 10-ounce package frozen baby peas, thawed
1 10-ounce package frozen baby lima beans, thawed
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Using a vegetable peeler or a medium knife, cut Parmesan into thin shavings. Set aside.
Squeeze juice from lemons into large pot; add lemons.
Fill pot with water. Cut stem and top 1/3 from 1 artichoke. Starting at base, bend leaves back and snap off where they break naturally; continue until all tough outer leaves have been removed. Using small sharp knife, trim outside of base until smooth and no dark green areas remain.
Cut artichoke lengthwise into quarters. Cut out choke from quarters. Cut each quarter in half, making 1/2-inch wedges. Place artichoke pieces in lemon water. Repeat with remaining artichokes. Cover pot and bring to boil. Boil artichokes until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain; set aside. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Cook 24 baby carrots in large pot of boiling water 5 minutes. Drain carrots well. (Carrots can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add tomatoes and mushrooms. Sauté until tomatoes and mushrooms release juices, about 8 minutes. Add artichokes, carrots, baby peas and lima beans.
Cook until lima beans and peas are tender and juices thicken slightly, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add 1/4 cup butter and stir until melted. Season vegetables to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer ragout to large bowl. Toss with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with Parmesan shavings.

Appetizer
Cheese croquettes  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
4 ounces butter
1 cup flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
2 cups grated Swiss cheese
3 egg yolks
salt, nutmeg, onion powder to taste
1 cup flour
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
2 cups tomato sauce
2 cups fried parsley
In a medium saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour. Add milk and cream and whisk until sauce is thick and bubbly. Mix in the cheese. Blend well. Stir in egg yolks. Season to taste.
Spread mixture over a greased square dish to a thickness of 1 inch. Cool 1/2 hour.
Cut into 2-inch by 1-inch pieces. Dust in flour, dip in egg white, and roll in fresh bread crumbs.
Deep fry until brown. Serve with tomato sauce and fried parsley.

Appetizer
Goat cheese gratin  Print Recipe

You will need six shallow 6-inch (15 cm) round gratin dishes or one 10 1/2-inch (27 cm) round baking dish
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:5 minutes
10 ounces (300 g) soft goat cheese or a mix of rindless soft goat and cow or sheep's milk cheese, cubed
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves
2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano leaves or a pinch of dried leaf oregano, crushed
1 1/2 to 2 cups (33 to 50 cl) homemade tomato Sauce, at room temperature
24 best-quality black olives (such as French Nyons), pitted

Preheat the broiler.
Scatter the cheese on the bottom of the baking dish or dishes. Sprinkle with half of the herbs. Spoon on just enough tomato sauce to evenly coat the cheese. Sprinkle with olives and the remaining herbs.
Place the baking dish or dishes under the broiler about 3 inches (8 cm) from the heat.
Broil until the cheese is melted and fragrant, and the tomato sauce is sizzling, 2 to 3 minutes.
variations:
Add julienned bits of prociutto, diced cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or marinated artichokes.

Appetizer
Smoked salmon roll  Print Recipe

The lox or Nova salmon is wrapped around a savory cream cheese mixture and served as appetizer on slices of cucumber. Can be prepared 24 hours before serving.
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
8 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1 tablespoon dill, chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
8 ounces lox or Nova salmon, sliced
1 hothouse cucumber
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon rind, lemon juice, capers, dill, mustard, and pepper until smooth. On a large sheet of wax paper, spread out the slices of salmon to form a rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the surface of the salmon.
Roll up the salmon tightly from one end, jelly roll style. Enclose in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Wash cucumber, dry and slice across into 1/4-inch slices.
Just before serving, slice the smoked salmon roll into -inch slices. Top each cucumber slice with a slice of salmon roll. Serve at once.

PRESENTATION
Serve this hors d'oeuvre on a tray. Arrange the cucumber and salmon rolls on the tray into two circles. Garnish center of tray with parsley or dill sprigs.

Main
Brochettes of lamb  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves
3 cloves garlic, peeled
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1/4 teaspoon black ground pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
1 1/2 pounds boned leg of lamb into 16 cubes
2 medium red peppers
2 medium onions, peeled
Combine in the bowl of a food processor thyme leaves, rosemary, garlic, and parsley. Process until mixture is minced. Transfer to a bowl, and add pepper and olive oil.
Transfer the marinade to a shallow dish, about 10 inches long. Cut the peppers and onions into 1 1/2-inch squares pieces.

Thread the lamb on four 12-inch metal skewers alternately with the peppers and onions.
Put the brochettes in the marinade, turning them so that they are well coated.
Let them marinate at room temperature for 2 hours or longer, turning them every 30 minutes.
Sprinkle the brochettes with salt and pepper.
Broil or grill them over high heat, turning them occasionally, for 12 minutes or until the lamb is well browned.
Serve the lamb brochettes with rice or couscous.

Main
Caribbean salmon fillets en papillotte  Print Recipe

This zesty tropical recipe found its roots in St. Barth, the French West Indies. I have used the local fruits, cooked into a chutney. The salmon topped with the sauce is sealed in parchment and when baked develops a refined aroma.
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
4 5-ounce salmon fillet, boned, and skinned
4 sheets parchment paper
1/2 cup sweet red pepper, julienned
2 medium fresh tomatoes, julienned
1/2 cup fresh ginger, julienned
1/2 cup papaya, julienned
1/2 cup plantain banana, julienned
1/2 cup fresh pineapple, julienned
1/2 cup fresh mango, julienned
2 tablespoons orange blossom honey
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/4 teaspoon curry
1 lime
3 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
3 cups rice, cooked
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cut the red pepper in half, remove seeds, and cut across into fine julienne.
Peel the tomatoes by dipping in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Transfer to cold water. Peel the pulp off the tomatoes, leaving the seeds and inside for other use.
Peel the fresh ginger. Slice into fine julienne strips.
Peel the papaya. Cut in half, remove seeds, and cut into julienne.
Peel the plantain banana. Cut across in 2-inch sections. Slice sections into julienne strips.
Remove outer skin of pineapple. Slice lengthwise, and cut into 2-inch long julienne strips.
Peel the mango. Cut into slices, and julienne strips.
In a heavy bottom medium saucepan, combine the honey and vinegar. Add the red pepper, tomatoes, ginger, papaya, banana, pineapple, and mango. Bring to boil over medium heat. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the cinnamon, curry, and lime. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
Heat the olive oil in a medium frying pan. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Sauté over high heat for 30 seconds on each side. Transfer to a warm plate.
Cut each parchment sheet into large heart shapes. Place salmon in center of each parchment sheet. Top salmon with 2 heaping tablespoons of the sauce mixture. Seal the paper, and bake for about 8 minutes.
Pack the hot steaming rice in 6-oz individual round molds.
PRESENTATION
Arrange each salmon papillotte on warm plates.
Unmold rice molds on plates.

Main
Cheese croquettes  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
4 ounces butter
1 cup flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
2 cups grated Swiss cheese
3 egg yolks
salt, nutmeg, onion powder to taste
1 cup flour
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
2 cups tomato sauce
2 cups fried parsley
In a medium saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour. Add milk and cream and whisk until sauce is thick and bubbly. Mix in the cheese. Blend well. Stir in egg yolks. Season to taste.
Spread mixture over a greased square dish to a thickness of 1 inch. Cool 1/2 hour.
Cut into 2-inch by 1-inch pieces. Dust in flour, dip in egg white, and roll in fresh bread crumbs.
Deep fry until brown. Serve with tomato sauce and fried parsley.

Main
Artichoke pâté  Print Recipe


Serves: 12
Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time:1 hour
5 ounces pork fatback
8 ounces boneless veal
8 ounces boneless pork
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup diced onion
1 1/2 cups cream
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon mixed seasonings
1 teaspoon chopped basil
12 artichoke hearts
1 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons Brandy
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
Diced ham
pastry dough
Sherry wine aspic
Dice and freeze fatback. Dice the veal and pork. Heat oil in skillet. Sauté the onions. Combine meat, onion, and seasonings in a bowl. Mix cream and egg whites. Pour over meat. Refrigerate for a few hours.
Marinate artichokes in wine, brandy. Season with salt and pepper. Puree the meat with fatback. Add the pistachios and ham.
Grease a 5 cup mold and line top and bottom with pastry dough. Alternate forcemeat and artichokes ending with forcemeat.
Cover pâté with pastry. Brush with egg yolk.
Cut an opening in the center.
Bake at 350 degree for about an hour. When cold, fill the pate with sherry wine aspic.

Main
Crispy salmon nuggets in kataifi crust  Print Recipe

kataifi is a Middle Eastern pastry that resembles shredded phyllo. In this recipe, it adds a crisp touch to the salmon nuggets. You may also use shrimp instead of salmon.
Serves: 4
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
1/4 pound kataifi dough, snipped into 4-inch lengths
1/3 cup basil leaves, finely shredded
1/3 cup chives, cut in 1-inch lengths
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
All-purpose flour, for dredging
16 small bite-size cubes of salmon
Freshly ground pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
Dipping sauce
In a large, shallow dish, separate the kataifi dough into individual threads using your fingers. Add the basil and chives and toss to distribute throughout the pastry.
In a shallow bowl, beat the egg with the water. Spread the flour in another shallow bowl. Season the salmon cubes with salt and pepper. Dredge them in the flour and shake off the excess, then dip them in the beaten egg and roll in the kataifi; press to help it adhere.
Set a rack over a baking sheet. In a large, deep skillet, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350°. Fry 4 or 5 salmon pieces at a time until the kataifi is golden brown and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes minutes. Drain the salmon nuggets on the rack. Season with salt. Serve the nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce.

Main
Goat cheese gratin  Print Recipe

You will need six shallow 6-inch (15 cm) round gratin dishes or one 10 1/2-inch (27 cm) round baking dish
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:5 minutes
10 ounces (300 g) soft goat cheese or a mix of rindless soft goat and cow or sheep's milk cheese, cubed
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves
2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano leaves or a pinch of dried leaf oregano, crushed
1 1/2 to 2 cups (33 to 50 cl) homemade tomato Sauce, at room temperature
24 best-quality black olives (such as French Nyons), pitted

Preheat the broiler.
Scatter the cheese on the bottom of the baking dish or dishes. Sprinkle with half of the herbs. Spoon on just enough tomato sauce to evenly coat the cheese. Sprinkle with olives and the remaining herbs.
Place the baking dish or dishes under the broiler about 3 inches (8 cm) from the heat.
Broil until the cheese is melted and fragrant, and the tomato sauce is sizzling, 2 to 3 minutes.
variations:
Add julienned bits of prociutto, diced cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or marinated artichokes.

Main
Mussel and scallop soup   Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
2 pounds mussels
2 cups white wine
1 teaspoon shallots, chopped
1 teaspoon saffron
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
2 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons butter
2 teaspoons flour
1 cup cream
salt and white pepper to taste

8 ounces scallops
1 ounce butter
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Scrub mussels under cold running water. Heat wine in a large pot. Add mussels. Cover pot and steam for about 5 minutes, or until mussels are opened.
Strain cooking liquid through cheese cloth. Save. Remove mussels from shells. Reserve for garnish.
In a medium saucepan, add mussel broth, shallots, onion, saffron, parsley and chicken broth. Simmer for 10 minutes. Combine butter and flour to a paste.
Whip in the cooking liquid to thicken. Add cream and seasoning. Add mussels.
Saute scallops in butter and lemon juice until transparent. Dice the scallops and cooking liquid to soup together with mussels.
Heat soup and serve hot.

Main
Asparagus and tomato salad with feta  Print Recipe

This Asparagus and Tomato Salad is easy to make with steamed asparagus, grape tomatoes, creamy feta, fresh herbs and a light dressing. The tarragon gives it a welcome hint of licorice. It can be eaten cold, warm or hot.
Asparagus is popular in the spring, especially around Easter and in the summer. It's peak season is April. This dish makes a great vegetable side dish and pairs perfectly with Easter.
Serves: 4
Preparation time:10 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
1 tsp dried tarragon (use 1 tablespoon if using fresh)
2 lbs asparagus, trimmed - 2 bunches
3 green onions, chopped
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved (551 ml)
3/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
Snap off the woody ends of asparagus where they naturally break when you bend them or cut them off with a knife.

Boil water in a large pot or saucepan with steamer then reduce to simmer, add asparagus, cover with lid and steam asparagus until tender (about 8-10 minutes) *This will depend on your preference.

Use tongs to remove asparagus

In a small bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar, oil, red wine, dijon mustard, salt and pepper together.

Cover and set aside until ready to use.

Arrange cooked asparagus tomatoes on a large platter.

Sprinkle with feta cheese and parsley.


Drizzle with ½ the dressing and serve the remainder on the side *Can be served warm, room temperature or chilled.



????Variations & Substitutions
Tomatoes- you could use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes
Asparagus -you could use grilled or oven-roasted asparagus instead of steamed
Tarragon- fresh tarragon is ideal, but you can use dried
Feta cheese - you can use regular, light or fat-free feta or use goat cheese
Add-ins- you could also sprinkle on a little parmesan cheese and/or add red onions or green onion

Main
Artichokes vinaigrette  Print Recipe

Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:35 minutes
1 gallon water
1 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup salad oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon Tabasco
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder

6 whole artichokes


Vinaigrette: makes 1 cup

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons minced parsley and/or chopped fresh chives

Bring water to a boil and add all ingredients except artichokes. Wash and trim the artichoke stems to 1 inch. Remove stems.
Add to water with spices, and boil for 25 to 35 minutes or until bottoms are tender. Remove from pan and invert artichokes to drain thoroughly and cool. Using spoon, remove chokes and discard.

Vinaigrette:
In a mixing bowl, whisk mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in oil until mixture thickens. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Stir the herbs. Whisk again just before serving.

Main
Smoked salmon with basil-dressed baby greens  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
for basil dressing:
1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves, washed and drained
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 pound smoked salmon, thinly sliced
1 pound mixed baby greens, cleaned and spinned
French bread
For the basil dressing: In a blender, combine the basil, olive oil, water, white wine vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Puree until smooth. Transfer to a bowl. Cover a set aside.
PRESENTATION
Toss the clean salad with the dressing. Divide the salad between the cold plates, and arrange in the center of the plates. Roll slices of smoked salmon.
Divide between the plates and arrange on top of the lettuce. Serve with French bread.

Main
Poached eggs florentine  Print Recipe

Hollandaise may be substituted with cream sauce. Sprinkle with grated Swiss cheese and brown under broiler.
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
10 ounces fresh or frozen spinach
1 cup medium-thick cream sauce
6 toasted muffin halves
6 artichoke bottoms, cooked
1 cup Hollandaise
6 poached eggs
Cook and drain spinach, pressing dry. Mix spinach with cream sauce. Spoon cream spinach over toasted muffins.
Place steamed artichoke bottoms on top of spinach. Top with the hot poached eggs. Spoon the warm hollandaise sauce over eggs.

Main
Apple blue cheese and hazelnut salad on endive leaves  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time:20 minutes
1 large Tart-sweet red apple, such as a gala or Braeburn. cored, cut into 1/8" dice.
3 ounces blue cheese, crumbled, to yield about 3/4 cup
3/4 cup (2 large) ribs celery, finely chopped
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Kosher Salt
5 Belgium endives, leaves separated; smaller leaves saved for another use
1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted and coarsley chopped
In a medium bowl, combine the apple, blue cheese, celery, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine. Season to taste with salt.
To assemble, mound a small spoonful of the apple mixture onto the core end of each endive leaf. Sprinkle with the hazelnuts and serve.

Side Dish
Croquette potatoes  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time:30 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
2 pounds potatoes
3 ounces butter, soft
4 egg yolks
to taste salt and pepper
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg

for breading:
3 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup flour
2 cups fresh breadcrumbs g
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut potatoes into large cubes. Boil in salted boiling water until tender. Drain well, and put through a ricer. Mix well and combine with butter, egg yolks, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mixture should be thick.
Cool the prepared mixture and shape into small logs, (1 inch round by 3 inches long).

Coat the logs in flour, dip and cover in beaten egg mixed with oil and roll in breadcrumbs.
Deep fry at 350 degrees F. until golden brown.

Side Dish
Gratin dauphinois  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:45 minutes
1 tablespoon butter
2 pounds potatoes
4 cloves minced garlic
3/4 cup milk
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups grated Swiss cheese (Gruyere or Emmenthal)
to taste salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Butter a baking dish about 6 by 10 inches. Peel potatoes and cut into 1/4-inch slices.
Blanch potatoes in salted boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain well.
In a large mixing bowl, combine potatoes, garlic, milk, cream and half of the grated cheese, salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon into prepared dish. It should be no more than 3/4 full. Sprinkle evenly with cheese. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and gratin is golden brown.

Side Dish
Potato anna  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:50 minutes
8 large baking potatoes
1/3 cup clarified butter
To taste salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Peel potatoes and trim to conical shapes. Slice into 1/8-inch thick slices, using a mandoline slicer.
Butter a non stick heavy round mold or a non stick frying pan with a metal handle, about 6 inches across and 2 inch deep.
Arrange potato slices in an even circular pattern. Season and brush with melted butter each layer of potatoes until mold is filled. Cover and bake until potatoes are cooked and well browned.
Unmold on a serving platter like a cake. Cut into 6 equal wedges.

Side Dish
Asparagus and tomato salad with feta  Print Recipe

This Asparagus and Tomato Salad is easy to make with steamed asparagus, grape tomatoes, creamy feta, fresh herbs and a light dressing. The tarragon gives it a welcome hint of licorice. It can be eaten cold, warm or hot.
Asparagus is popular in the spring, especially around Easter and in the summer. It's peak season is April. This dish makes a great vegetable side dish and pairs perfectly with Easter.
Serves: 4
Preparation time:10 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
1 tsp dried tarragon (use 1 tablespoon if using fresh)
2 lbs asparagus, trimmed - 2 bunches
3 green onions, chopped
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved (551 ml)
3/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
Snap off the woody ends of asparagus where they naturally break when you bend them or cut them off with a knife.

Boil water in a large pot or saucepan with steamer then reduce to simmer, add asparagus, cover with lid and steam asparagus until tender (about 8-10 minutes) *This will depend on your preference.

Use tongs to remove asparagus

In a small bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar, oil, red wine, dijon mustard, salt and pepper together.

Cover and set aside until ready to use.

Arrange cooked asparagus tomatoes on a large platter.

Sprinkle with feta cheese and parsley.


Drizzle with ½ the dressing and serve the remainder on the side *Can be served warm, room temperature or chilled.



????Variations & Substitutions
Tomatoes- you could use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes
Asparagus -you could use grilled or oven-roasted asparagus instead of steamed
Tarragon- fresh tarragon is ideal, but you can use dried
Feta cheese - you can use regular, light or fat-free feta or use goat cheese
Add-ins- you could also sprinkle on a little parmesan cheese and/or add red onions or green onion

Side Dish
Creamy cauliflower purée  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
1 medium head cauliflower, cut up into florets
4 cloves crushed garlic
1/3 cup 1% buttermilk or low fat sour cream
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp butter
Steam or boil cauliflower and garlic until soft. Drain, add buttermilk, light butter, salt, pepper and purée with a hand blender or regular blender.

Side Dish
Potato macaire  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes
4 pounds baking potatoes
4 ounces butter
To taste salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Wash and dry potatoes. Pierce skin before baking. Bake potatoes for about one hour, or until the inside of potatoes is cooked.
Cut potatoes lengthwise, Remove pulp and reserve in a mixing bowl. Break the pulp with a fork; season with salt and pepper, and mix in 4 ounces butter.
Lightly oil 2 small potato Anna molds or 8 4-inch round by 2-inch molds. Divide the potato mixture between molds to form two potato cakes.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes. Unmold on platter. Serve hot.

Side Dish
Leeks au gratin  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:45 minutes
16 small leeks, white and light green parts only washed well
1 teaspoon salt
ground pepper to taste
2 teaspoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 cup heavy cream
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the leeks and blanch until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
Place leeks in a shallow baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper and dot with butter.
Pour the cream over top. Bake for 25 minutes (can be made ahead up to this point and reheated.) Just before serving, preheat broiler and brown the leeks under the broiler. Serve.

Side Dish
Allumette potatoes  Print Recipe

Matchstick potatoes
Serves: 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
4 pounds baking potatoes
Oil for frying
Salt to taste
Peel and wash potatoes. Slice into 1/4-inch thick slices, then into 1/4-inch sticks. Wash thoroughly in cold water. Drain well.
Deep fry in batches at 350 degrees until potatoes are cooked, but not brown.
At serving time, increase oil temperature to 375 degrees. Fry potatoes in batches, until golden brown.Sprinkle with salt. Serve hot.

Dessert
Sorbet doudou maracudja  Print Recipe

A refreshing delicious treat from Guadeloupe made with passion fruit.
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 1 hour
12 passion fruit (maracudja)
2 cups water, boiling
6 to 8 ounces sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
raspberry coulis (recipe follows)
sliced bananas


RASPBERRY COULIS

2 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste

Puree raspberries with sugar and lemon juice in a blender. Pour mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl.
Coulis keeps 2 to 3 days, covered and chilled.
Cut the passion fruit in halves. Remove pulp. In a large bowl, combine pulp with the boiling water. Set aside for 10 minutes. Strain the juice through a fine strainer. Add the sugar to the juice. Stir to dissolve. Add cinnamon and vanilla.
Chill the mixture before freezing in the ice cream maker. When the sorbet is thick and smooth, spoon in a decorative mold or individual molds.Freeze.
Unmold on plates.
Spoon raspberry coulis on the platter. Decorate with sliced bananas

RASPBERRY COULIS
Puree raspberries with sugar and lemon juice in a blender. Pour mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl.
Coulis keeps 2 to 3 days, covered and chilled.

Dessert
Blueberry crême brûlée  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:35 minutes
1/3 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
2 eggs
2 tablespoons lemon or orange liqueur
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind
1 cup whole milk
1 cup whipping cream
1 cup fresh blueberries

Topping:
1/3 cup packed brown sugar, sifted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Whisk together sugar, egg yolks, eggs, liqueur and grated lemon rind;
whisk in milk and cream. Strain into pitcher.
Pour into six 1-cup ramekins or custard cups. Sprinkle with blueberries.
Place in large shallow roasting pan; pour in enough hot water to come halfway up sides of ramekins.
Bake in centre of oven for about 35 minutes or until edges are set but centres still slightly jiggly. Let cool.
(Make ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day).
Topping: Just before serving, sprinkle sifted brown sugar over crèmes.
Place on baking sheets; broil just until sugar melts and turns caramel color.
(Or caramelize sugar with blowtorch).

Dessert
Chocolate and raspberry fontaines  Print Recipe

This recipe comes from the restaurant Daniel in New york City . Crispy phyllo packages stuffed with warm, bittersweet chocolate ganache topped with raspberries. The recipe can be prepared 6 to 8 hours in advance.
Serves: 12
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
Ganache:
7 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 teaspoons raspberry brandy (eau de vie de framboise)
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
8 sheets phyllo dough, 10 by 20 inches
1/2 cup sweet butter, melted
1 recipe cocoa sponge cake (see recipe) or commercial pound cake
1 pint raspberries
Ganache:
Place the chocolate in a bowl. Bring the cream to a boil in a small saucepan and pour over the chocolate. Stir to melt.
Add 2 tablespoons of the raspberry brandy, and combine until smooth. Set the chocolate ganache to cool.
Syrup:
Combine 1/3 cup of water in a small pot; add confectioners' sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of the raspberry brandy. Remove the syrup from heat.

Cut the cocoa sponge cake or commercial pound cake into 12 disks 2 1/2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick with a cookie cutter.
To assemble:
spread 1 sheet of phyllo dough on a work surface, brush with a tin coating of the melted butter, dust with sifted confectioners' sugar, and cover with a second sheet.
Brush with melted butter again and dust with sugar. Cut the rectangular phyllo dough into 3 equal strips, about 6 1/2 inches wide by 10 inches long.
Place a disk of chocolate cake in the center of each strip and moisten each disk with a little of the raspberry syrup. Cover each disk with a generous spoonful of the ganache and place 8 to 10 raspberries on top.
First, fold one end of the phyllo dough over the raspberries and then the other, tucking under to form a small closed purse fully encasing the chocolate and the raspberries.
Repeat this process until you have made 12 packages.
Brush each one with butter and refrigerate (or freeze) until ready to bake.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place the packages on a greased baking sheet and sprinkle with more sugar.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Keep warm.
Top each fontaine with the remaining raspberries and serve hot

Dessert
Prunes poached in red wine  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time:15 minutes
1/2 pound pitted prunes
Boiling water to cover
2 cups red wine, not too tannic (something light and fruity like a Beaujolais or a pinot noir)
1/4 cup mild honey, such as clover
1 vanilla bean, cut in half lengthwise
1 cinnamon stick
2 strips orange or lemon zest
1.Place prunes in a bowl and pour on boiling water to cover. Let sit for 5 minutes, and drain.
2.Combine wine and honey in a medium saucepan. Using the tip of a paring knife, scrape seeds from the vanilla bean halves into wine and add pods. Add cinnamon stick and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 5 minutes.
3.Add prunes to simmering wine and bring back to a simmer. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add orange or lemon zest. Cover and let sit for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Dessert
Orange mousse cake with grand marnier  Print Recipe


Serves: 10
Preparation time:75 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
1 recipe Grand Marnier orange mousse
1 recipe almond genoise cake
2 large seedless oranges
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons Grand Marnier
1/4 cup apricot jam
1 ounce sweet chocolate
Slice oranges thinly.
Boil water and sugar. Steep oranges in cold syrup for an hour.
Make Grand Marnier syrup with remaining sugar, water, and Grand marnier. Cool.
Slice genoise into 2 layers.
Line a 9 inch springform pan with wax paper and arrange sliced oranges on paper. Save a few slices. Spoon 1/2 mousse into pan.
Top with a genoise half. Brush with 1/2 of syrup. Press orange slices into sides of pan, rounded sides down.
Spread remaining mousse over cake.
Top with other genoise. Brush with syrup. Refrigerate 4 hours.
Invert cake on platter. Heat and release pan sides. Peel off wax paper. Brush with top with melted apricot, and decorate with chocolate.

Dessert
Lemon soufflé glacé  Print Recipe

You need a 1 1/2 quart a (6-cup) soufflé mold for this recipe.
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
1/2 cup sugar
3 ounces water
4 egg yolks
3/4 cup lemon juice
3 ounces lemon Jello
1/2 cup boiling water
4 egg whites
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
2 cups Cool whip or whipped cream
Prepare the soufflé dish:
Wrap the outside of a 1 1/2 quart soufflé mold with foil extending about two
inches above rim. Secure with tape.
Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan and cook over medium to
high heat until sugar makes big bubbles or candy thermometer registers 240 F
(soft ball stage).

Mix egg yolks in electric mixer. Whisk in the hot sugar, and continue to mix
until cool. Stir in lemon juice. Mix Jello in hot water. In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin
in cold water. Heat the set gelatin over a double boiler until melted. Stir into the
Jello mixture and add to egg mixture. Stir and blend in the grated lemon.
Whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until firm.

Fold egg whites and cool whip or whipped cream into egg mixture. Fill soufflé dish with mixture.
Refrigerate until firm. Do not freeze. Garnish with whipped cream and lemon
slices and grated lemon peel. Remove the collar before serving.

Dessert
Chocolate marquise with orange sauce  Print Recipe


Serves: 10
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
For the mousse:
4 ounces semi sweet chocolate
5 large egg yolks
1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups cocoa powder
2 cups heavy cream

for the orange sauce:
1/2 cup orange juice
2 large eggs
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
For the mousse:
Melt chocolate in a double boiler.
Beat egg yolks with confectioners sugar until light an thick. Beat in the melted chocolate until mixture is smooth.
Gradually add the soft butter and sifted cocoa, beating until mixture is well blended. Whip the cream to a medium peak.
Fold in the chocolate mixture.
Spoon mousse in a decorative mold. Chill for 2 to 3 hours.
For the orange sauce:
Boil the orange juice and reduce to half. Beat the eggs with the sugar. Add the scalded milk and orange rind. Cook over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until thick. Do not boil. Add orange juice. Refrigerate. Unmold mousse. Serve with the sauce.

Dessert
Apple pie cragwood  Print Recipe


Serves: 10
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:40 minutes
1 9-inch pie crust and more for lattice top
4 cups cooking apples, peeled and sliced
2 teaspoons butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
4 ounces Calvados or Brandy

for custard:
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons flour
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 ounces melted apricot
1 beaten egg
Preheat oven at 400 degrees.
Line pie crust in a 9 inch pie plate. Peel, core, and cut apples into wedges.
Melt butter in a saute pan. Add apples. Cook for 2 minutes. Mix in the cinnamon, sugar, and Calvados and cook apples until tender. Transfer to a large bowl to cool.
To prepare the custard:
combine the sugar, flour, lemon zest, cream, eggs, and vanilla.
Pour over apples and blend well. Pour mixture in pie crust.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Top with the melted apricot jam.
Decorate top of pie with strips of remaining dough into a lattice work.
Brush with a beaten egg. Bake at 350 F for 15 to 20 minutes, until pie is golden brown.
Allow pie to cool, then serve at room temperature.

Dessert
Plum frangipane tart  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour 10 minutes
For pastry:
1 recipe Quick and easy pie crust

for frangipane:
3/4 cup toasted almond slivers
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons flour
1 large egg
1 teaspoon Brandy
1 pound pitted plums

Pastry:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll the dough inch thick to fit an 8 inch fluted removable-bottom tart pan. Cover with parchment paper, fill the center with weights, and bake until the edges start to brown. Remove weights and paper. Bake crust for 15 minutes. Transfer to rack and cool.
For Frangipane:
Mix almonds in a food processor to obtain a powder. In a mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup sugar and butter until smooth. Mix in almonds and flour. Add egg and brandy and blend well. Spread evenly in crust. Overlap plum slices atop filling, covering completely. Sprinkle plums with additional sugar.
Bake tart until filling is brown and set and plums are tender, about 50 minutes. Cool on rack at least 15 minutes. Serve tart with sweetened whipped cream.
conversion of liquids
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Gallons - gal
Pints - pt
Cups - c
Ounces liquids - fl oz
Tablespoons - tbsp
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Weights
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Measures of non liquid ingredients



Non-liquid ingredients in volume converted
into weight using the table below.
For products not included, use a metric scale
Weight of specific 'ingredients in grams

Ingredient

1 cup

3/4 cup

2/3 cup

1/2 cup

1/3 cup

1/4 cup

2 tablespoons

All-purpose wheat flour 120 g 90 g 80 g 60 g 40 g 30 g 15 g
All-purpose sifted wheat flour 110 g 80 g 70 g 55 g 35 g 27 g 13 g
White sugar 200 g 150 g 130 g 100 g 65 g 50 g 25 g
Powdered sugar/Icing sugar 100 g 75 g 70 g 50 g 35 g 25 g 13 g
Brown sugar normally packed 180 g 135 g 120 g 90 g 60 g 45 g 23 g
Corn flour 160 g 120 g 100 g 80 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
Cornstarch 120 g 90 g 80 g 60 g 40 g 30 g 15 g
Rice (not-cooked) 190 g 140 g 125 g 95 g 65 g 48 g 24 g
Macaroni (uncooked) 140 g 100 g 90 g 70 g 45 g 35 g 17 g
Couscous (uncooked) 180 g 135 g 120 g 90 g 60 g 45 g 22 g
Quick oatmeal (uncooked) 90 g 65 g 60 g 45 g 30 g 22 g 11 g
Table salt 300 g 230 g 200 g 150 g 100 g 75 g 40 g
Butter / Margarine 240 g 180 g 160 g 120 g 80 g 60 g 30 g
Shortening 190 g 140 g 125 g 95 g 65 g 48 g 24 g
Fruits and légumes chopped 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
chopped walnuts 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
Nuts /ground almonds 120 g 90 g 80 g 60 g 40 g 30 g 15 g
Fresh bread crumbs (not packed) 60 g 45 g 40 g 30 g 20 g 15 g 8 g
Dry bread crumbs 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
Parmesan grated 90 g 65 g 60 g 45 g 30 g 22 g 11 g
Chocolate chips 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 38 g  19 g
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As the sun rises or sets in Martinique

"May every sunrise hold more promise, and every sunset hold more peace."

The {Page Turner} E-Cookbooks Library on a world cooking journey
39 Recipes

10 Appetizers

12 Main dishes

8 Side dishes

9 Desserts