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Chicken pot au feu with carrots potatoes and leeks

The {Page-Turner-Cookbook} featuring

Saint-martin Is My Kitchen
Cuisine is influenced by the cooking of
France


Fresh seafood is often the star of many menus in Saint Martin (The French side of the island) and st maarten, (the dutch side) but there is a rich variety of cuisines to be found, from high-end French to Lebanese to Italian to traditional barbecue. Typical Creole dishes often include conch, goat and oxtail. There is also the island's national liqueur, Guavaberry, made from rum, cane sugar and local, wild guavaberries.

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
The palm tree  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
1 large mango
1 avocado, firm
Hearts of palm
1 lemon
basil leaves
Peel the mango and avocado.
Cut them into thin strips.
Arrange on a large white plate, alternating slices of mango and avocado.

Cut the hearts of palm into pieces and arrange on the plate along a curve in the shape of palm.
Do not delay watering your palm with lemon juice!.
Decorate the base of the palm with a chiffonade of basil.
Serve chilled.

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
Steamed mussels in white wine   Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:25 minutes
5 pounds fresh mussels
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
1 1/2 cups white wine
1 tablespoon chopped shallots
1 teaspoon butter
1 teaspoon flour
1/4 teaspoon saffron
2 egg yolks
Scrub and debeard mussels. In a large kettle, combine parsley, white wine, and shallots, and bring to a boil. Steam the mussels in the boiling liquid until opened. Drain and save the cooking stock. Remove only top shells of mussels and discard.
Arrange mussels in ovenproof serving casserole. Strain cooking liquid through cheese cloth. Pour in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
In a small saucepan, melt butter, and add flour to make roux. Stir roux in stock and whisk to thicken. Add the saffron. Pour a little sauce into egg yolks. Mix well and stir into remaining sauce.
Heat sauce but do not boil. Season to taste with salt, pepper.
Do not add salt since the mussel stock is salty. Pour sauce over the hot mussels. Serve immediately.

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.

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
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.

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
Smoked salmon roulades  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:12 minutes
1 tablespoon butter, melted
4 tablespoons dill, chopped
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated
4 eggs yolks
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
4 ounces smoked salmon, sliced
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking pan, 8-inch by 12 inch with parchment paper. Brush with butter.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine dill, parsley, parmesan cheese, egg yolks, and cornstarch. Whisk egg whites with the cream of tartar until medium stiff. Fold into the herb mixture.
Spread evenly over the surface of pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven, and turn the pan over a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper. Peel away the paper lining. allow to cool.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, capers, salt, pepper, and seasoned salt. Spread over the surface of the baked roulade. Arrange the slices of smoked salmon over the cream cheese mixture.
Roll up tightly from one end, jelly roll style.
Enclose in the wax paper or parchment paper and refrigerate for 2 hours or more.
PRESENTATION
Unwrap the salmon roulade, and slice into 1/4 inch circles. Arrange on a serving tray, and serve cold.

Appetizer
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
Caribbean conch stew  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:50 minutes
2 large conchs, cleaned
1/2 large onion, diced
1 large tomato, diced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
1 lime

1 1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp tomato paste
pepper sauce or red pepper flakes to taste
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
7 cups water
Tenderize the conch to 1/8-inch thickness, using a meat mallet.
Place the conch in a pot of water. The water should just cover the conch. Boil for 20-30 minutes.
In a large pot, add the oil and allow to heat up for a minute.
Add the flour and stir to make a roux. Let the roux simmer for about 5 minutes. Don't let the roux burn!
Add the tomatoes, onions, thyme, pepper sauce/red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Stir and let simmer for a minute or two.
Add the potatoes, tomato paste. Stir and let simmer for about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, take the conch out of the water and cut it into small chunks.
Add the water, conch and the juice of 1 lime to the large pot.
Cover the pot and simmer until the potatoes are done, about 30 minutes.
Taste and add more salt and pepper if necessary.

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
Chicken pot au feu with carrots potatoes and leeks  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 chicken, about 3 pounds, cut into serving pieces
6 cups chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium canned
1 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed
2 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium-size onion, peeled and quartered
4 small carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch lengths
8 small new potatoes, halved
4 leeks, white and light green parts only, washed and cut into 2 inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
freshly ground pepper to taste
2 teaspoons chopped Italian parsley

1. Heat the olive oil in a large wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until browned, about 4 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Place the chicken broth, coriander seeds and garlic in the pot and bring to the boil. Add the chicken, lower the heat, partially cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

2. Add the onion, carrots, potatoes, leeks and 1 teaspoon of salt, partially cover and simmer until the chicken and vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Divide the chicken and vegetables among four large bowls, ladle the broth over them

Main
Cod with vegetables and aioli sauce  Print Recipe

Recipe adapted from Chef Pascal Aussignac
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time:40 minutes
Cod
1 600g cod fillet, with trimmings and bones kept
100g of coarse sea salt
Aioli
1 baking potato
1/2 head of garlic
3 free-range eggs
35ml of extra virgin olive oil
salt
pepper

Stock
1 fennel, sliced into 8 wedges with tops removed for stock
1 leek, finely chopped
500g of carrots, peeled and sliced into thick chunks, peel set aside for stock
250g of green beans, ends trimmed
1 head of broccoli, cut into large florets
2 courgettes, sliced into thick chunks
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 celery sticks, peeled and sliced into thick chunks, peel set aside for stock
6 sage leaves
2 sprigs of fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
1 tsp of salt
1 pinch of black peppercorns
1.5l of mineral water
1 1/2 heads of garlic
1.For the aioli sauce, bake the potato in the oven at 180˚C/gas mark 4 until cooked through
2.Meanwhile, start on the stock. Fill a large saucepan up with the 1.5 litres of mineral water and place the vegetable trimmings (fennel tops, carrot peel, celery peel) into the pan
3.Rinse the fish trimmings and bones under cold water and add to the pan with the herbs, black peppercorns, salt, halved onion, leek and 1 1/2 of the garlic heads, sliced open. Cover the pan and simmer on a very low heat
4.After 20 minutes, cook each vegetable one by one in the stock until tender. Set aside the vegetables once cooked, leaving the stock to simmer
5.To prepare the cod, slice the cod into four chunks. Sprinkle a tray with coarse salt and lay the fish on top, sprinkle with more salt to cover the fish. Place in the fridge for half an hour
6.Remove the potato from the oven and scoop out the flesh. Place the 1/2 a head of garlic in a pestle and mash with a mortar. Then, add the flesh of the potato, 2 tablespoons of the stock, an egg yolk, and keep on crushing the mix with the mortar
7.Once smooth, start to incorporate the olive oil incrementally, like you would do for a mayonnaise. Season to taste and set aside
8.Poach the cod chunks in the broth on a very gentle simmer. Add all the vegetables into the broth after 5 minutes of cooking
9.Serve the cod with the vegetables and drizzle with the aioli sauce

Main
Fish and chips  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
2 pounds boned and skinned cod
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 recipe batter for fish (recipe below)
2 pounds baking potatoes
6 lemon wedges
oil for frying

BATTER FOR FISH

1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup pancake flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 egg
1 cup water

Cod can be substituted with other white firm skinless, and boneless fish.
Cut fish into 5 oz. (140 g) pieces. Wash under cold water and dry. Season with salt. Coat in the cold batter.
Deep fry at 360 F. (190 C) for 4 to 5 minutes. Arrange on a warm dish lined with a napkin.
Serve with chips and lemon pieces, or the traditional malt vinegar.
(The chips are actually large French fried potatoes, made with the baking potatoes, and deep fried.

BATTER FOR FISH

In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Beat egg and water. Blend in dry ingredients until smooth.

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
Potato pancakes with smoked salmon and creme fraiche  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
2 lbs peeled and cubed potatoes
1/4 cup cream
1/4 cup wheat flour or cornstarch
2 eggs, lightly beaten
5 oz (150 g) smoked salmon slices
2 tbsp creme fraiche or light sour cream
garnish chives and lemon wedges
Cook potatoes in salted water for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain well and mash with 1 tablespoon cream.
Transfer potato to a large bowl. Whisk in flour, eggs and remaining cream. Season to taste.
Heat a large non-stick frying pan on medium spray with oil.
Add batter to the pan in 1/4 - cup measures. Cook pancakes, in batches, for 3-4 minutes, then flip over and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Transfer cooked pancakes to a baking tray and keep warm in the oven. Top pancakes with smoked salmon, creme fraiche and snipped chives. Serve with lemon wedges.

Main
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.

Main
Smoked salmon mousse   Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
8 ounces smoked salmon
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup aspic jelly *
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
Remove bones and skin from the smoked salmon. Cut in pieces and mix in a food processor. Transfer to a mixing bowl and stir in the mayonnaise.
Run the mixture through a food mill. Mix in the cold liquid aspic jelly, lemon juice, wine and pepper.
Whip the cream until firm. Fold in the salmon mixture. Spoon the mousse into decorative molds.
Refrigerate until mousse is well set and firm. Unmold on serving dish or plate and surround with lettuce leaves.

* If aspic jelly is not available, substitute with 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin dissolved in 1/4 cup cold water. Set for 5 minutes. Melt over low heat, and use as directed for aspic jelly.

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
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
Ham aspic with egg salad and avocado  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
12 slices thin ham
1 1/2 cups egg salad
1 cup aspic jelly
avocado slices
egg slices
Make ham rolls stuffing the egg salad in each slice. Pour liquid aspic in an 8 by 8-inch dish.
Let set until firm. Arrange stuffed ham on a platter. Decorate with avocado and egg slices.
Decorate platter with chopped aspic jelly. Refrigerate before serving.

Main
Asparagus with truffle broth   Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:8 minutes
1/4 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup peanut oil
2 1/2 ounces chopped black truffles
2 pounds asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
In a small bowl, whisk together stock, oil and truffles.
In a deep 10 -to 12-inch skillet bring 3 inches salted water to a boil and cook asparagus until crisp tender, 2 to 4 minutes. Drain asparagus. Pat dry. Transfer to a serving dish and toss with butter.
Spoon truffle broth over asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Serve asparagus warm or at room temperature.

Main
Steamed mussels in white wine   Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:25 minutes
5 pounds fresh mussels
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
1 1/2 cups white wine
1 tablespoon chopped shallots
1 teaspoon butter
1 teaspoon flour
1/4 teaspoon saffron
2 egg yolks
Scrub and debeard mussels. In a large kettle, combine parsley, white wine, and shallots, and bring to a boil. Steam the mussels in the boiling liquid until opened. Drain and save the cooking stock. Remove only top shells of mussels and discard.
Arrange mussels in ovenproof serving casserole. Strain cooking liquid through cheese cloth. Pour in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
In a small saucepan, melt butter, and add flour to make roux. Stir roux in stock and whisk to thicken. Add the saffron. Pour a little sauce into egg yolks. Mix well and stir into remaining sauce.
Heat sauce but do not boil. Season to taste with salt, pepper.
Do not add salt since the mussel stock is salty. Pour sauce over the hot mussels. Serve immediately.

Main
Smoked salmon roulades  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:12 minutes
1 tablespoon butter, melted
4 tablespoons dill, chopped
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated
4 eggs yolks
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
4 ounces smoked salmon, sliced
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking pan, 8-inch by 12 inch with parchment paper. Brush with butter.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine dill, parsley, parmesan cheese, egg yolks, and cornstarch. Whisk egg whites with the cream of tartar until medium stiff. Fold into the herb mixture.
Spread evenly over the surface of pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven, and turn the pan over a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper. Peel away the paper lining. allow to cool.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, capers, salt, pepper, and seasoned salt. Spread over the surface of the baked roulade. Arrange the slices of smoked salmon over the cream cheese mixture.
Roll up tightly from one end, jelly roll style.
Enclose in the wax paper or parchment paper and refrigerate for 2 hours or more.
PRESENTATION
Unwrap the salmon roulade, and slice into 1/4 inch circles. Arrange on a serving tray, and serve cold.

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
Almondine potatoes  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
2 pounds potatoes
3 ounces butter, soft
3 egg yolks
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg

For breading:
3 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoonsoil
1/2 cup flour
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1 cup sliced almonds
oil for frying
Peel and cut potatoes into large cubes. Place in a large saucepan, boil in salted boiling water until tender. Drain well, and put through a ricer.
In a large saucepan, combine potatoes with butter, egg yolks, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Using a wooden spoon, mix well over medium heat until mixture thickens.
Spread mixture onto a greased baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cold.
Shape duchess potato into small logs, (1 inch round by 3 inches long).
Dip in beaten egg mixed with oil. Coat in flour, and roll in breadcrumbs and sliced almonds combined. Deep Fry at 350 degrees 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
Crispy leeks  Print Recipe


Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:3 minutes
2 leeks
1/4 cup vegetable oil
coarse salt
Trim leeks of all green parts. Cut them in half lengthwise. Holding each half together.
Wash all grit away under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Lay each half, cut side down, on a cutting board. and slice lengthwise into fine julienne. Again pat dry with paper towel.
Heat oil in non stick pan over medium heat. add the leeks and fry for about 3 minutes or until golden and crisp. Remove to paper towels and allow to drain well. Season to taste with salt.
When reheating, lay in a single layer.

Side Dish
Green herb sauce for dipping asparagus  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
1/2 bunch Italian parsley, cleaned and dried
1/2 bunch fresh dill, cleaned and dried
1/2 bunch fresh watercress, cleaned and dried
1/2 cup drained cooked fresh spinach, all liquid squeezed out
2 scallions (green onions) tender greens included, sliced thin
2 cups mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
to taste salt and ground black pepper
In the bowl of a food processor, fitted with a steel blade, chop finely parsley, dill and watercress. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
Process spinach in the same way and add to herb mixture. Add scallions, mayonnaise and sour cream. Season to taste with salt and ground black pepper.
Refrigerate until ready to use

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
Asparagus sauce  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
12 asparagus spears
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 small scallions (green onions), chopped
to taste, salt and ground white pepper
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Cut asparagus in halves. Discard the woody parts. Cut spears into 1-inch pieces. Cook in salted boiling water until tender, about 6 minutes. Melt butter in a skillet. Add asparagus, scallions, salt and pepper to taste. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Puree mixture in a blender. Put through a strainer. Heat in a saucepan with the cream, and keep warm until needed.

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.

Dessert
Banana cakes with rum sauce  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:40 minutes
6 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup self rising flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
3 large ripe bananas, mashed
Sauce:
7 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup dark rum
1/4 cup water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Generously butter six 4-ounce ramekins with 2 tablespoons of the butter.
Make the Cakes:
Mix the flour with the baking soda. In another bowl, beat the remaining 4 1/2 tablespoons butter until creamy. Add the brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat just until incorporated. Beat in the mashed bananas.
Using a large spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the batter until incorporated. Spoon the mixture into the ramekins and set them in a baking pan. Carefully pour enough hot water into the pan to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the cakes are firm but spring back when pressed lightly with your finger.
Remove the pan from the oven and with tongs transfer the ramekins to a rack; let cool slightly. Run a sharp knife around the sides of the cakes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine the butter with the sugar, rum and water and bring to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat. Spoon some of the sauce onto dessert plates.
Set the cakes on the sauce, spoon the rest of the sauce on top and serve. Serve with a few candied pecans on top of each cake.

Dessert
Bavarois maracudja  Print Recipe

also known as Passion fruit bavarian
Serves: 8
Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking time:5 minutes
FOR JELLY ROLL:
4 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup passion fruit jam

PASSION FRUIT BAVARIAN:
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons cold water
1/2 cup passion fruit preserves
1 cup passion fruit juice
2 fresh passion fruit
3/4 cup whipping cream
Jelly roll cake:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a mixing bowl of an electric mixer, combine eggs, and sugar. Whip over a double boiler until hot and frothy. Then whip until volume quadruples. Fold in sifted flour, then, the cooled melted butter. Line a jelly roll pan with wax paper, buttered and floured. Spread mixture over surface of pan. bake 12 minutes.
Flip cake on a towel sprinkled with icing sugar. Remove paper. Spread passion fruit jam over cake. Roll from the widest side. Wrap in towel. Cool. Unwrap, slice thin across.
Line top and bottom of a 9-inch cake pan with removable bottom with wax paper. Line bottom and sides of pan with cake slices. Hug them well together. Cover and chill.

PASSION FRUIT BAVARIAN:

Soak 1 envelop unflavored gelatin in 3 tablespoons cold water. Combine 1/2 cup passion fruit jam with 1 cup passion fruit juice. Add the inside of 2 fresh passion fruit if available. Heat a little. Stir in the melted unflavored gelatin or the gelatin sheets without the water. Beat 3/4 cup whipping cream till firm. Fold in chilled passion mix. Pour the mixture into the prepared mold. Chill for several hours to set. Unmold on a platter.

Dessert
Lady fingers in pyjamas  Print Recipe

Small bananas wrapped in French crepes. A French carribbean recipe known as TI FIGUES EN PYJAMAS
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
12 tiny bananas
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup dark rum
12 small crepes
1 teaspoon butter
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 cup chocolate sauce
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Peel the bananas. Saute in butter until evenly brown but firm. Sprinkle brown sugar over bananas. Continue cooking to make a caramel with the sugar. Pour dark rum over the bananas. Ignite the rum. Transfer the bananas to a platter. Save the cooking juice.
Roll each banana in a small crepe. Cut the ends of crepes extending beyond the bananas.
Butter an oven-proof baking dish. Line the banana crepes in the dish. Sprinkle with brown sugar.
Bake for 10 minutes. Arrange the bananas in a serving platter. Combine the chocolate sauce with the pan juice. Serve with the banana crepes

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
Orange charlotte russe  Print Recipe


Serves: 12
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:8 minutes
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
2 cups orange juice
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 teaspoons orange rind
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups heavy cream
3 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
12 lady fingers
Dissolve the gelatin in some orange juice. Combine with cornstarch, sugar, egg yolks, orange juice, and rind.
Mix well and heat up to a boiling point. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Chill to cool.
Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Beat the egg whites with the sugar to form soft peaks.
Fold the cream and egg whites into the orange mix. Line the sides of an 8 inch spring mold with lady fingers. Pour the mix into mold.
Chill until well set. Remove sides of mold before serving. Decorate with whipped cream and orange slices if desired.

Dessert
Rhubarb-strawberry-banana sorbet   Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
1 cup peeled and diced rhubarb
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups strawberries, cleaned and hulled
1 medium banana, peeled
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin powder
2 tablespoons orange juice
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup sliced strawberries
In a medium saucepan, combine rhubarb and sugar.
Stew over medium until rhubarb is tender.
Puree the sliced strawberries, rhubarb and banana in a blender until smooth. Strain.
In a small bowl, mix gelatin with orange juice. Stir to dissolve, and let soften for 5 minutes.
Warm gelatin over low heat. Stir into rhubarb-strawberry puree.
Add sugar, and stir to dissolve.
Freeze in ice cream maker. Scoop sherbet into bowls.
Top with strawberries.

Dessert
Gum paste - pastillage  Print Recipe

Keep the pastillage in a sealed bag as it dries rapidly
Serves: 24
Preparation time:15 minutes
2 packets unflavored gelatin I used Knox gelatin
1/3 cup water
6 cups powdered sugar lightly spooned into cup
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
2 tbsp corn syrup
Combine the powdered sugar and the cream of tartar in a mixing bowl.
Place the water into a 2 cup heatproof glass and sprinkle the gelatin. Let it stand until the gelatin blooms (about 5 minutes), then place in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Stir until the gelatin is dissolved. Then add the corn syrup and continue to stir until no lumps appear.
Make a well in the center of the powdered sugar and add the gelatin mixture. Mix slowly until everything is incorporated. Turn off the mixer and knead by hand for a few minutes. If it is too dry add a few drops of water and continue to knead. When the pastillage is pliable, wrap in plastic and place into a zip lock bag. You should be able to use immediately.
To make the pastillage workable heat small pieces in the microwave for 10 seconds or less. Be careful, if you heat it up too much it will become soft and sticky and/or too hot. If this happens, just let it sit for a few minutes.

Dessert
Lemon souffles with macademia nut sauce  Print Recipe

These soufflés are great served individually after a fish entrée. Recipe can be doubled if necessary.
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:16 minutes
For the molds:
1 tablespoon soft butter
1 tablespoon superfine sugar

For the soufflé mix:
3/4 stick (3 ounces) butter
1/3 cup flour
1 1/3 cups scalded milk
1/3 cup sugar
6 eggs, separated
1 tablespoon lemon peel, grated
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 recipe Macademia nut sauce (see recipe)

MACADEMIA NUT SAUCE

Recipe can be doubled or quadrupled if necessary.

serves 6 to 8
1/2 cup macadenia nuts
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier, or Cointreau
1/2 cup light cream


PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter six 6-oz individual soufflé molds. Sprinkle the bottom and sides of molds with superfine sugar; shake out excess. Place dishes on a baking sheet.
In a heavy bottom saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in the flour until smooth. Pour in the milk, and whisk over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mix in the egg yolks and sugar. Mix in the lemon peel and juice. (I first grate the lemons for the peel, then make the juice with the grated lemons.)
The mixture can be made 3 to 4 hours ahead. Cover with plastic wrap.
In an electric mixing bowl, combine egg whites with the cream of tartar. Beat at high speed until thick and firm. With a rubber spatula, fold the egg whites into the lemon mixture. Spoon the soufflé mixture into the prepared molds. Fill up to the rim, and level the mixture with a small spoon or spatula. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes. Sprinkle with icing sugar.
Serve with Macademia nut sauce.

MACADEMIA NUT SAUCE

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend at high speed until the sauce is smooth and medium thick. Transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Serve with lemon soufflés.

Dessert
Pudding diplomate  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
2 cups milk
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
3 ounces candied fruit, diced
1 teaspoon Kirsch
2 cups lady fingers, cut into cubes
1 recipe custard cream

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Bring milk to a boil. In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and sugar. Pour milk over and stir to mix. Strain through a fine strainer.
In a small bowl, combine candied fruit and kirsch. Let stand for a few minutes. Line the bottom of a charlotte mold with wax paper. Cover with candied fruit. Add lady fingers to mold to fill. Pour custard over lady fingers. Bake in waterbath for 1 hour.
Cool completely. Unmold on serving deep dish. Spoon custard cream around dish. Serve remaining custard cream with dessert.

Dessert
Apple Beignets bretons  Print Recipe

These little treats are fluffy and airy, super tender and delicious to the very last bite. The recipe is a specialty from Brittany, France. The Reinette apples variety is used for the recipe
Serves: 4
Preparation time:20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
3 apples (Honeycrisp, Stayman, Jonathan, Reinette)
2 tablespoons of rum or Calvados
3 heaped tablespoons of flour
2 tablespoons of fine sugar
3 eggs
1/4 l (1 cup) milk
salted butter
Peel, core and grate the apples.
Sprinkle them with the rum or Calvados and mix everything well.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar and beaten eggs. Add the milk and whisk everything together to remove any lumps.
Fold the apples into the batter.
Melt a teaspoon of butter in a small pan (blini pan style). Place 2 tablespoons of the beignet mix in the frying pan, distributing the grated apples over the surface.
When the beignet is set and browned on one side, flip it. Add another teaspoon of butter to the pan and brown the other side.
Repeat the operation with the apple-batter mixture.
Reserve the beignets pancakes in a dish.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Enjoy still warm.

Dessert
Champagne sorbet  Print Recipe


Serves: 10
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
1 quart water
1 pound sugar
2 ounces lemon juice

For meringue:
4 ounces sugar
1/4 cup water
4 egg whites
6 ounces champagne
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to boil. Cool in a mixing bowl. Freeze in an ice cream maker. When almost set, spoon in the meringue, (see recipe below) and 3 ounces of Champagne, and continue churning in the ice cream maker until creamy and set.

Meringue:
Boil water and sugar to a temperature of 230 F to 240 F.
Beat egg whites in an electric mixing bowl until medium firm. Slowly, add the hot sugar while continuing to beat the whites, and beat until cool.
Serve in chilled champagne glasses. Pour remaining Champagne over sorbet.

Dessert
Trianon or Gâteau Royal  Print Recipe


Serves: 10
Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time:20 minutes
The Cocoa and Almond Sponge Cake :
Allows to make 2 squares 16x16 cm
- 3 egg-whites
- 40 gr sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 30 gr flour
- 50 gr ground almonds
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder

The Praliné Feuillantine (Crispy Praline) :
- 100 gr praline paste
- 65 gr milk chocolate
- 50 gr crèpes dentelles (if not available use corn flakes or rice crispies)

The Chocolate Mousse :
- 200 gr dark chocolate
- 50 gr cream
- 4 sheets gelatin
- 3 egg-yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 50 gr sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 350 gr cream

The Chocolate Glaze :
- 150 gr water
- 180 gr sugar
- 60 gr cocoa powder
- 6 gelatin sheets
- 100 gr cream


The Cocoa and Almond Sponge Cake

Start beating the egg-whites and when it forms peaks add the sugar and keep beating until fluffy. Then the yolks, beat until homogeneous
Mix together the ground almonds, the flour and the cocoa then blend them into the meringue delicately
Spread this mixture over 2 sheets of baking paper, shape 2 squares a bit larger than 16x16 cm and put in a preheated oven (medium heat) for 7-10 minutes (according to your oven). Then leave to cool down for 5 minutes, remove from the baking paper (turn them upside down), reserve.

The Praliné Feuillantine (Crispy Praline)
Warm up the praline paste over a hot water bath, add the chocolate, stir until completely melted.
Crush the crèpes dentelles (or the corn flakes or even crispy rice), and mix them into the praline paste and chocolate.
Spread this mixture over a sheet of baking paper, try to shape a square 16x16 cm... Place in the freezer right away.

The Chocolate Mousse :
Hydrate the gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes. Melt the chocolate over a warm water bath. Heat up the 50 gr cream and add the gelatin (drained), stir until dissolved, then blend the cream into the chocolate, mix until homogeneous. We get a ganache. Leave to cool down, until it reaches about 30°C/86°F.
Place the yolks and the whole egg in a large bowl (glass or metal). Then prepare the syrup, gather the water and sugar in a pan and heat it up until it reaches 115°C/239°F, pour it right away in a thin stream over the eggs, whipping all the time until it reaches the room temperature. We get a smooth mousse. Blend delicately this mousse into the ganache. Then prepare the whipped cream with the 350 gr cream and fold it delicately as well into the previous mixture.

The Chocolate Glaze :
Hydrate the gelatin in cold water for about 5 minutes.
In a pan bring to the boil the water and sugar. Add the cocoa powder, mix until homogeneous. Add the gelatin (drained), mix until dissolved, then add the cream. Reserve (we want to use it below 30°C/86°F).

The Assembly :

Place one square of sponge cake in the middle of the cake frame. Place over it the crispy praline (still frozen). Then pour the chocolate mousse almost to the top.Place the second square of sponge cake, press a bit then cover with the rest of mousse to the top. Level with a large spatula. Put right away in the freezer for about 2 or 3 hours. This step will help to remove the cake from the cake frame and to set quickly the chocolate glaze.
Remove the cake from the freezer, and delicately from the cake frame.
Place the cake on a shelf and pour the chocolate glaze over it and leveling the top with a large spatula.

When the glaze is completely set, decorate as you want, here with some macaroons. Leave it at room temperature for 1 hour in order to defrost and then serve right away.

conversion of liquids
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Déciliters - dl
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Gallons - gal
Pints - pt
Cups - c
Ounces liquids - fl oz
Tablespoons - tbsp
Teaspoons - tsp
Weights
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Degrees Celsius :  °C
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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 Saint-martin

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

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

10 Appetizers

15 Main dishes

8 Side dishes

12 Desserts