Dishes of Provence – €165
An Apéritif Dinatoire…
Here in the South of France, people like to entertain informally. This invariably means an APÉRITIF DINATOIRE – a drinks party with enough dishes to replace a formal dinner. Since most of the recipes can be made beforehand, it is for the host(ess) an effortless way to entertain, and for the guest a sociable way to spend a laid-back evening among friends. Furthermore, with today’s intolerances and allergies, it is easy to cater for all tastes.
On this course…
… we will cook between 7 and 10 authentic and super versatile Provençal dishes which you can either serve on their own or as part of an extended buffet. You will use these recipes over and over again…
The dishes…
Who doesn’t love a Provençal PISSALADIÈRE with its sweet onions and salty anchovies? Or a pretty TARTE FINE of TOMATOES? Perhaps a delicious Artichoke, Olive and Almond TAPENADE, or how about a FOUGASSE (a local savoury pastry that is filled with anything from bacon, leeks or olives to blue cheese and walnuts). Then there are MOULES PESQUIÈRES, mussels with a deliciously summery ‘fisherman’s’ dressing…
Depending on the season we might do COURGETTE FLOWERS stuffed with a local brousse (sheeps ricotta) or a brandade. Or you might like to learn flambéing Pastis-marinated GAMBAS. Depending on the season we could also do chargrilled SEICHES (cuttlefish) with a herb salsa. Or chargrill aubergines until they’re soft and luscious and serve them with fresh goats cheese, mint and crushed hazelnuts (alternatively we could stuff them with meat or cheese). Or how about learning how to do Provençal Tomatoes or a colourful ?
We may also MAKE OUR OWN CHEESE, as well as pretty jars of the traditional Provençal goats cheeses marinated in olive oil with herbs (not only a great way to cheer up your cheeseboard but also a fabulous present to give away).
For dessert think Cherry or Fig CLAFOUTIS or a spectacular CROUSTADE made with seasonal fruit. Sometimes we make a velvety CHOCOLATE MOUSSE made with olive oil and Rosemary (or Orange flowers) or a summery TARTE of seasonal fruit with almond-flavoured Frangipane.. Then again, you may like to learn how to make Tonkabean-flavoured Petites Crèmes Renversées which we often serve with Muscat-infused SUMMER FRUIT?
If you have any special requests for dishes just let us know. During the class we shall give you plenty of ideas on how to vary the ingredients and themes, as well as suggestions on how to serve..