French Cuisine

How to Make Madeleines: a Classic French Recipe

December 13, 2019 by Sylvia Rose 4 Comments

Madeleines are delightful buttery little cakes with endless flavour possibilities. Learn how to make these classic treats to go with your cup of coffee or to share with a friend.

MADELEINES IN THE TRANSPORTER

Madeleines may have never come across my radar until later in life had I not watched The Transporter back in 2010.

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This action-packed Jason Statham film includes a scene involving these buttery little cakes that are baked in special seashell moulds.

Ever since then, I’ve been obsessed, much to my husband’s (Big Papa’s) confusion. He doesn’t understand how I can be over the moon with something so simple.

That’s what I love about them though.

There’s beauty in simplicity, and often, I find, the simplest recipes are the most delicious. By the way, here’s that Transporter scene I’m talking about:

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Classic French Crepes with Ham and Cheese

October 1, 2019 by Sylvia Rose Leave a Comment

These classic ham and cheese crepes are the easiest crepes you’re ever going to whip up. Learn how to make this traditional French favourite and get inspired with different filling ideas!

THE EASIEST CREPE RECIPE EVER

Classic ham and cheese crepes are one of my favourite go-to breakfast options, along with kefir pancakes, fermented steel-cut oats, and Croque-Madames.

The crepe batter is a cinch to make and the options for fillings are seemingly endless.

I also have a lot of fun making crepes because I get to flip them in the pan, which you can see me demonstrate in the recipe video. This is particularly entertaining for me when I have guests over for breakfast because I feel like I’m putting on a show for them.

Have you ever tried flipping anything while you cook? Julia Child said it best about flipping, “You just have to have the courage of your convictions”. See for yourself!

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Quick and Easy Escargot Appetizers

September 20, 2019 by Sylvia Rose 6 Comments

Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying that escargots are a classic appetizer. If you’re a fan of cheesy garlic slugs, then you’ll want to learn how to make these quick and easy escargot appetizers!

LOVE AT FIRST SNAIL

The first time I ever had escargots, I was four.

I didn’t understand that they were snails, but even if I had, I wouldn’t have cared a stitch. They were cheesy, garlicky, chewy and delicious. What wasn’t to love?

From that moment on escargots were my favourite appetizer, but they were hard to come by for a German-Canadian child. Because there was a paucity of snails in my youth, I elevated them up in my mind as something to be sought after.

There’s something elegant about being served escargots, don’t you think? After all, they’re a delicacy!

EASY ESCARGOT RECIPES (A VIDEO)

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Classic Croque-Monsieur Sandwich (a next-level ham and cheese melt)

August 27, 2019 by Sylvia Rose Leave a Comment

The classic croque-monsieur is an elevated ham and cheese melt. Think melted gruyère cheese, thick slices of ham, crusty sourdough bread, a hint of dijon mustard, and all of it smothered with a velvety white béchamel sauce. Scrumptious!

I didn’t grow up eating croque-monsieurs. I grew up eating plain old grilled cheese sandwiches with a dollop of Heinz ketchup and tomato soup. I’m not knocking grilled cheese either; I adore grilled cheese sandwiches!

The croque-monsieur is something else though. The first time I had a croque-monsieur, a timeless French sandwich, I was in my second year of university. One of my best friends invited me to her dorm room and made me this sandwich.

“It’s a croque-monsieur,” she explained. A ham and cheese sandwich taken to the next level. If you’re new to this particular breed of sandwich, you’re in for a treat!

CROQUE-MONSIEUR RECIPE VIDEO

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Pissaladiere (A Classic Mediterraenean Tart)

June 25, 2019 by Sylvia Rose 2 Comments

This classic Mediterranean tart is best served with a chilled glass of rosé. Learn how to make this flaky and flavourful appetizer and impress your guests with its simple elegance!

I DIDN’T CATCH THAT…PISSALADIERE?

“A pea-salad-what?” I can hear myself saying. “A pissaladière,” my husband patiently repeats. I stare at him uncomprehendingly because I still don’t know what it is. That was nearly a decade ago. A pissaladière, if you didn’t know, is a summery tart that hails from Southern France. Nice, to be exact. I’m pleased to say that I can now pronounce it with ease, eat it with relish (not the condiment), and make it well enough that I can share this little-known appetizer with you. This is how you pronounce it, by the way.

PISSALADIÈRE RECIPE VIDEO

If this is your first time visiting the kitchen, you’re about to find out why I call my kitchen vintage… If you like my style, please consider subscribing to the Vintage Kitchen Vixen YouTube channel!

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