FRENCH RECIPES
French cuisine has developed from centuries of social and political change. In the 17th century the French court moved away from heavy spices and towards the more liberal use of herbs and creams, signalling the beginning of modern cuisine. Cheese and wine are a major part of French cuisine, playing different roles regionally and nationally. Knowledge of French cooking has now contributed significantly to Western cuisines and its criteria are used widely in Western culinary education. So influential is French cuisine that, in 2010, the French gastronomy was added by UNESCO to its lists of the world's "intangible cultural heritage".
*** BAKING ***
CAKES, SCONES AND SWEET PIES
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Pain d'épice (Spice Bread) is a Christmas favourite in France. It's very similar to a gingerbread loaf, though there are more spices involved.Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 35 Minutes -
SuperEasy Chocolate & Walnut Cake is a really simple and effective way to produce a tasty cake for dessert, or just to accompany your afternoon cuppa.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
*** BEEF & VEAL RECIPES ***
BEEF
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Beef and Onions Braised in Beer is one of those heart-warming dishes that taste equally as good whether eaten for lunch or dinner, summer or winter.Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 2 Hours 30 Minutes -
Originally a peasant dish and very much a favourite among those slowly cooked dishes that are traditionally the domain of French housewivesPreparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 3 Hours 30 Minutes -
If ever there was an underrated "stew", Daube Provençale is it! Daube is tender and carries the exquisite taste and aromas of the MediterraneanPreparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 3 Hours -
Fillet Steak en Croûte (in pastry) is exactly that - a steak wrapped in a pastry crust - and it looks good and tastes good.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes -
Fillet Steaks in Madeira Sauce is a simplified (and less expensive) version of the classic French dish, Tournedos Rossini.Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes -
This is the 'traditional' Tournedos Rossini recipe with foie gras on top of the steak. It is one of the great classic dishes of the world.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
VEAL
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In cookery, a grenadin is a larded fillet, especially one of veal or poultry, glazed with its own concentrated liquor.Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes -
This particular dish is a real favourite of both my wife and myself. Quite often, in a restaurant, we will both choose the same dish - Rognons de VeauPreparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
*** CHEESE ***
RECIPES THAT INCLUDE CAMEMBERT
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Hot Camembert with Cherry Filling is a somewhat decadent way of mixing cheese and fruit, but it's very, very more-ish when served with crusty bread.Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
RECIPES THAT INCLUDE COMTE
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In cookery, a grenadin is a larded fillet, especially one of veal or poultry, glazed with its own concentrated liquor.Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
RECIPES THAT INCLUDE EMMENTAL CHEESE
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French Onion Soup is one of 'the classics' with a well deserved reputation. In this recipe, I mostly follow the traditional French method.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
RECIPES THAT INCLUDE FETA CHEESE
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Provençale Bake is inspired by my wife's love of tomatoes and our joint love of food from the Provence region of France.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 45 Minutes
RECIPES THAT INCLUDE PARMESAN
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Potato Gratin Provençale is one of my favourites - the combination of potatoes and the French Provençale style of cookingPreparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
RECIPES THAT INCLUDE REBLOCHON
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Tartiflette is one of those traditional French peasant dishes that stands out for taste and simplicity. The taste comes mostly from the ReblochonPreparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 35 Minutes
RECIPES THAT INCLUDE TOMME
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Aligot à l'ancienne is a dish traditionally made in L'Aubrac region of France. It tastes good and makes a great talking point when you have guePreparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
*** DESSERTS ***
ALL DESSERTS
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Citrus Parfait is one of our favourite desserts for three very good reasons... (1) it's dead easy to make (2) it tastes great (3) our guests love it!Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: NIL -
If you're not a fan of hot chocolate sauce, Profiteroles in Caramel are a great alternative to Chocolate Profiteroles. AND they just melt in the mouthPreparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes -
If you're a fan of hot chocolate sauce, Profiteroles in hot Chocolate are a great dessert. AND they just melt in the mouth.Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes -
Raspberry and Caramel Crunch is incredibly easy, can be mostly prepared beforehand. It takes just 10 minutes under an oven grill to cook.Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes -
SuperEasy Chocolate & Walnut Cake is a really simple and effective way to produce a tasty cake for dessert, or just to accompany your afternoon cuppa.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
*** EGG RECIPES ***
ALL EGG RECIPES
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Piperade (pronounced "pip-eh-rad") is a typical Basque dish from the south west of France, prepared with onion, green peppers, and tomatoes.Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 35 Minutes
*** FISH, SHELLFISH & CRUSTACEANS ***
CRUSTACEANS RECIPES
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In Prawn Perfection the peppery flavour of the paper-thin slices turnip perfectly balances the sweetness of the king prawns and the red pepper sauce.Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
FISH RECIPES
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Mackerel in White Wine is a speciality of North-Western France. Washed down with a glass of fresh Muscadet, there's nothing to beat it.Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes -
This is a great starter course and needs to be made the day before (which allows you plenty of time to focus on preparing the rest of your meal).Preparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes -
Monkfish is a firm fish, once called "the poor man's lobster" because its texture, when cooked properly, is really similar to lobster.Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes -
Sole Véronique could just as easily be called Plaice Véronique - but it's more traditional and more decadent using sole!Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
SHELLFISH RECIPES
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Ah, oysters - the food of the gods! Straight from the sea, tasting of salt and freshness. But not everybody can handle their oysters raw.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 5 Minutes -
Known in French as "Moules Niçoises", these are perfect either for an aperitif before the meal, as part of a barbeque buffet, or for a starter.Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes -
Scallops à ma façon (scallops - my way) are the perfect dish for entertaining when I have guests I want to spend time with.Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes -
Scallops with Garlic and Parsley are called "Coquilles St. Jacques à la Provençal" in France, which strikes me as much more romantic !Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 5 Minutes -
a Trio of Scallops is a simple and very effective starter course or you can extend the choice to make it a "quad" of scallops. Absolutely stunning!Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
*** FRUIT RECIPES ***
ALL FRUIT RECIPES
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Hot Camembert with Cherry Filling is a somewhat decadent way of mixing cheese and fruit, but it's very, very more-ish when served with crusty bread.Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes -
Lamb with Quince is truly tasty dish originating in North Africa but now a firm favourite in Southern France and other Mediterranean countries.Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 45 Minutes -
Raspberry and Caramel Crunch is incredibly easy, can be mostly prepared beforehand. It takes just 10 minutes under an oven grill to cook.Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
*** GAME RECIPES ***
ALL GAME RECIPES
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Rabbit with Mustard is one of the great traditional dishes of French cooking that came from the countryside peasant recipes of long ago.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 30 Minutes -
For many, many years, I avoided pigeon since my memories of it were as an extremely gamey meat. However, I was to be proved wrong...Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 15 Minutes -
Venison in Huntsman Sauce is a real winter treat and is well worth the preparation time. Roast venison should always be served with a rich sauce.Preparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 45 Minutes
*** LAMB RECIPES ***
ALL LAMB RECIPES
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Cassoulet is a rich, slow-cooked bean stew or casserole of peasant origins from the south of France. Typically, it contains pork sausages & pork loin.Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 2 Hours -
Five Hour Confit of Lamb is not just mouth-wateringly delicious, it's also perfect for when you are entertaining. Simply prepare in advance!Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 5 Hours -
Lamb Navarin is a perfect example of how, using slow cooking over a long period of time, a cheaper cut of meat becomes beautifully tenderPreparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 2 Hours 30 Minutes -
Lamb Valentine Steaks with Pomegranate Plum Aigre-doux makes the most of the combination of sweet and sour to serve with a Valentine Lamb SteakPreparation: 2 Minutes
Cooking: 18 Minutes -
Lamb with Quince is truly tasty dish originating in North Africa but now a firm favourite in Southern France and other Mediterranean countries.Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 45 Minutes -
I ran out of compliments when first I tasted Stuffed Shoulder of Lambat a friend's house just outside Paris. This is really delicious.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 30 Minutes -
Weeping Leg of Lamb is a translation of the French name for this dish, which is "Le Gigot qui Pleure" (sometimes known as "Le Gigot en Braillouse")Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
*** PORK RECIPES ***
BACON RECIPES
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Tartiflette is one of those traditional French peasant dishes that stands out for taste and simplicity. The taste comes mostly from the ReblochonPreparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 35 Minutes -
This particular dish is a real favourite of both my wife and myself. Quite often, in a restaurant, we will both choose the same dish - Rognons de VeauPreparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
PORK & HAM
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Cassoulet is a rich, slow-cooked bean stew or casserole of peasant origins from the south of France. Typically, it contains pork sausages & pork loin.Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 2 Hours -
Filet Mignon (tenderloin of pork) with Honey and Ginger has a sublime taste and will leave your guests screaming for more!Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 45 Minutes -
Filet Mignon with Sage and Rosemary enhances the tenderness and taste of the pork with gentle herbs. On the other hand, it is quite delicious withPreparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes -
Piperade (pronounced "pip-eh-rad") is a typical Basque dish from the south west of France, prepared with onion, green peppers, and tomatoes.Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 35 Minutes -
This is traditional French cooking - the sort you'd come across in any country family. The meat and lentils are cooked, together with the vegetables.Preparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 30 Minutes -
Rillettes de Porc (pronounced "ree-et-der-por") is very French and very tasty! If you're on a strict diet, maybe choose something different though!Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 4 Hours -
This recipe for Stuffed Pork with Redcurrant Sauce (called, in French, "Porc Farci aux Pruneaux") makes use of prunes and raisins for the stuffingPreparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 40 Minutes -
Tenderloin of Pork is a tender cut of meat that marinates well. Here, the recipe calls for clementines, adding sweetness and colour to the dishPreparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
SAUSAGE & SAUSAGE MEAT RECIPES
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This is traditional French cooking - the sort you'd come across in any country family. The meat and lentils are cooked, together with the vegetables.Preparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 30 Minutes -
Tomatoes are extremely versatile creatures. They can be eaten hot or cold, on their own or as an accompaniment to other dishes.Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes
*** POULTRY, WILDFOWL & GAME BIRDS ***
CHICKEN RECIPES
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You will no doubt be surprised to see that 25 cloves of garlic (about 4 complete heads of garlic) are used for Chicken with Garlic Cloves.Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 35 Minutes -
Chicken with Tarragon is one of the classic French ways to cook a chicken. Stupidly simple but plenty of taste and fragrance.Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 45 Minutes -
I've seen lots of different 'versions' of Coq au Vin de Bourgogne and most of them should have been ashamed to call themselves by that name!Preparation: 25 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
DUCK RECIPES
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The French are quite partial to eating duck, and with good reason - they cook it extremely well.Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 15 Minutes -
Cassoulet is a rich, slow-cooked bean stew or casserole of peasant origins from the south of France. Typically, it contains pork sausages & pork loin.Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 2 Hours -
Confit de Canard (Duck Confit) is one of our absolute favourites and, whenever we serve it to non-French guests, they fall in love with it too.Preparation: 1 Hour
Cooking: 2 Hours 30 Minutes -
Fillet Steaks in Madeira Sauce is a simplified (and less expensive) version of the classic French dish, Tournedos Rossini.Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes -
This recipe for Foie Gras on Spice Bread (escalope de foie gras au pain d'Épice) is quick and easy and very, very, very tasty!Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes -
Escalopes of Foie Gras with Dates and Pears relies on the rich, buttery, and delicate falvours of fresh (uncooked) foie gras.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes -
A different take on Shepherd's Pie or Cottage Pie, this duck version will delight your family and your guests alike.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes -
A gem of a recipe that is simple to make and tastes gloriously decadent. A bit rich in calories, a bit on the expensive side, but so worth it.Preparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes -
This is the 'traditional' Tournedos Rossini recipe with foie gras on top of the steak. It is one of the great classic dishes of the world.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes -
a Trio of Scallops is a simple and very effective starter course or you can extend the choice to make it a "quad" of scallops. Absolutely stunning!Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
PHEASANT RECIPES
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Pheasant can be a tricky bird to get just right. It's a game bird, but nowhere near as gamey as goose or pigeon (for example).Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
PIGEON RECIPES
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For many, many years, I avoided pigeon since my memories of it were as an extremely gamey meat. However, I was to be proved wrong...Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
*** SALADS ***
ALL SALADS RECIPES
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The original version of Salade Niçoise always included raw red peppers, shallots, and artichoke hearts - but never any cooked vegetablesPreparation: 12 Minutes
Cooking: 8 Minutes
*** SAUCES, STOCKS, SALAD DRESSINGS & GRAVY ***
SAUCES
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In Prawn Perfection the peppery flavour of the paper-thin slices turnip perfectly balances the sweetness of the king prawns and the red pepper sauce.Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
*** SOUPS ***
ALL SOUPS RECIPES
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French Onion Soup is one of 'the classics' with a well deserved reputation. In this recipe, I mostly follow the traditional French method.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes -
Leek and Potato Soup is unpretentious but easy to make and always welcome on a cold winter's day.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour -
The concept of Vichyssoise is simple; make some leek and potato soup, stir in cream, cool the soup quickly and serve. And who am I to argue with that?Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 45 Minutes
*** VARIOUS ***
ALL VARIOUS RECIPES
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Tapenade is a Provençal dish from France consisting of puréed or finely chopped olives, capers, anchovies, olive oil and, in this recipe, some brandyPreparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
*** VEGETABLES ***
COURGETTES (ZUCCHINI)
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The 'Provençale' style of cooking (which includes tomato, onion, garlic and oil) originated in southern France and has a very distinct flavour.Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
LEEKS
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Leek and Potato Soup is unpretentious but easy to make and always welcome on a cold winter's day.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour -
Tasty Tarragon Leeks proves that good food is usually very simple but full of flavour. I have often stated that this is the art of French cuisine.Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
MUSHROOMS
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This particular dish is a real favourite of both my wife and myself. Quite often, in a restaurant, we will both choose the same dish - Rognons de VeauPreparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
ONIONS
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Beef and Onions Braised in Beer is one of those heart-warming dishes that taste equally as good whether eaten for lunch or dinner, summer or winter.Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 2 Hours 30 Minutes -
French Onion Soup is one of 'the classics' with a well deserved reputation. In this recipe, I mostly follow the traditional French method.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes -
This is a fun way to prepare tasty potatoes and makes a pleasant change for the usual potato dishesPreparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
PEAS
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Once you've tasted it, French Style Peas will become a regular in your culinary repertoire! You will be forever grateful to the French for sharing!Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 8 Minutes -
Definitely one of my favourites when entertaining family or friends, Potato and Pea Nests are great fun to serve and look very professional too.Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes
POTATOES
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Aligot à l'ancienne is a dish traditionally made in L'Aubrac region of France. It tastes good and makes a great talking point when you have guePreparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes -
Five Hour Confit of Lamb is not just mouth-wateringly delicious, it's also perfect for when you are entertaining. Simply prepare in advance!Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 5 Hours -
This French recipe for Sautée Potatoes is both delicious and versatile. It can be served with fish, meat or as part of a 'fry-up'.Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes -
Leek and Potato Soup is unpretentious but easy to make and always welcome on a cold winter's day.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour -
A different take on Shepherd's Pie or Cottage Pie, this duck version will delight your family and your guests alike.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes -
Definitely one of my favourites when entertaining family or friends, Potato and Pea Nests are great fun to serve and look very professional too.Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes -
Potato Gratin Provençale is one of my favourites - the combination of potatoes and the French Provençale style of cookingPreparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 45 Minutes -
This is a fun way to prepare tasty potatoes and makes a pleasant change for the usual potato dishesPreparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes -
Provençale Bake is inspired by my wife's love of tomatoes and our joint love of food from the Provence region of France.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 45 Minutes -
Tartiflette is one of those traditional French peasant dishes that stands out for taste and simplicity. The taste comes mostly from the ReblochonPreparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 35 Minutes -
Weeping Leg of Lamb is a translation of the French name for this dish, which is "Le Gigot qui Pleure" (sometimes known as "Le Gigot en Braillouse")Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
TOMATOES
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Piperade (pronounced "pip-eh-rad") is a typical Basque dish from the south west of France, prepared with onion, green peppers, and tomatoes.Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 35 Minutes -
Potato Gratin Provençale is one of my favourites - the combination of potatoes and the French Provençale style of cookingPreparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 45 Minutes -
Provençale Bake is inspired by my wife's love of tomatoes and our joint love of food from the Provence region of France.Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 45 Minutes -
Tomatoes are extremely versatile creatures. They can be eaten hot or cold, on their own or as an accompaniment to other dishes.Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes
VARIOUS VEGETABLES
-
The 'Provençale' style of cooking (which includes tomato, onion, garlic and oil) originated in southern France and has a very distinct flavour.Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes -
This is traditional French cooking - the sort you'd come across in any country family. The meat and lentils are cooked, together with the vegetables.Preparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
ZUCCHINI (COURGETTES)
-
The 'Provençale' style of cooking (which includes tomato, onion, garlic and oil) originated in southern France and has a very distinct flavour.Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
What To Eat Tonight
87 Starters and Appetizers
The main course is often the easiest to plan but, when entertaining, what do you use as a starter course? Here are some great choices.
99 Unusual Recipes
There are lots of recipes for some foods, but here we offer a selection of recipes that are truly out of the ordinary. You'll be amazed.
329 Family Dinners
Delicious hand-picked meals that were made for sharing. Your family is special so they deserve something special, don't they!
