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Category Archives: Europe

Moules frites


  We spent 18 months living in Belgium and were based in a house in the village of Vossum near Brussels. One of the most popular and delicious Belgian dishes we enjoyed on a regular basis was Moules Frites, which consisted of mussels cooked in a flavorful broth and served with crispy fries. I have eaten Moules Frites in other countries, but the mussels are usually smaller and grittier. In Belgium, eating mussels is a national obsession and every year they consume over 30,000 tons of this tasty mollusc.The most prized mussels in Belgium come from the Schelde, a shallow […]

moules frites

Spicy chicken-liver pâté


  Many years ago, one of my friends in Buckinghamshire gave me the basis for this recipe. In those days, we used ginger powder and would not have thought about using red chillis to give the pâté a bit of zing. Times have changed, so I have modified the original recipe accordingly.This chicken liver pâté is a delicious and flavorful appetiser that combines the rich taste of chicken livers with the warmth of ginger and red chilli: [my-map]

Rognons de veaux au Calvados


  While visiting friends in Normandy in the 80s, I was served a local dish made with veal kidneys, cream and Calvados that was deliciously creamy, tasty and memorable. Many people are not keen on kidneys, but this dish could make even the most fainthearted change their minds.Here’s my version of a recipe for Rognons de veau au Calvados based on that meal.

Beef Bourguignon


  Beef Bourguignon, also known as Boeuf Bourguignon, is a classic French stew that originated in the Burgundy region of France. It is a hearty and flavorful dish known for its tender pieces of beef slow-cooked in red wine with vegetables and aromatic herbs. The first time I tasted the rich, smoky flavour of this dish in France, I realised that the stews I had eaten in England had been missing something important. This is a perfect winter dish.Beef Bourguignon originated in the Burgundy region of France, which is also known as Bourgogne in French. The dish has its roots […]

beef bourguinon

Grilled Portuguese sardines


Grilled Portuguese sardines make a classic dish, often celebrated for their simplicity and delicious flavours. Mrs F and I visited Portugal many years ago and found a small market not far from Lisbon. One of the staff was cooking sardines served on fresh, crispy bread. There is something particularly good about eating grilled fresh fish in the open air.

grill portuguese sardines

Souvlaki


  Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish consisting of small pieces of meat and sometimes vegetables grilled on a skewer. It’s often served with pita bread, tzatziki, and various toppings such as tomatoes, and onions. I first tasted souvlaki in 1978, having caught a bus in London that took me to Athens for a £10.99 (as far as I remember) return fare. Just before boarding the bus back to London after three weeks in Greece, I found a nearby souvlaki stall and bought one of the best snacks I have ever eaten.

Fresh whelks


  Whelks are a type of sea snail commonly consumed in various parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, France, and South Korea. They are known for their firm texture and have a slightly sweet, briny flavour. In the UK, whelks are often enjoyed as a popular seafood delicacy.While they might not be as popular as some other types of seafood, whelks are appreciated by many for their unique taste and texture. If you enjoy trying different kinds of seafood, it might be worth giving whelks a try to see if you like their flavour and texture. Exports of […]

Aligot


  Aligot is a delightful French dish from the Auvergne that combines mashed potatoes with cheese, resulting in a rich, creamy, and stretchy texture. It’s a comfort food that’s perfect for colder weather. When I was seventeen, I joined some French friends from Rouen for a walking holiday in the Gorges du Tarn in southern France. In one small town (or was it a village), we ate dinner in a local cafe and were puzzled by the slowness of the service – not just for us but all diners. Just before the main course was served, the cook appeared with […]

Waterzooi


Waterzooi is a traditional Belgian stew that is typically made with fish or chicken and vegetables. It is known for its creamy texture and rich flavour. Brings back memories of living in the village of Vossem, not far from Brussels.

waterzooi