Vinaigrette is a popular, versatile salad dressing that lends itself to many flavor variations. It can be a quick and humble mix of vinegar, oil, and mustard, or a meticulous combination of herbs, oils, and acids.
This gratin Dauphinois recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Potatoes are double-cooked in seasoned cream and then baked with Gruyere cheese until the gratin is butter-soft. Serve it with roasted lemon rosemary chicken and fresh bread for a great family meal. Another tip for busy cooks: This is a great make-ahead dish (it keeps for 1 day in the fridge before baking), so it really is the ultimate version of classic potatoes au gratin!
Gratin Dauphinois Photo: ©MR+G
A quiet afternoon calls for a hot mug of steaming beverage, but regular coffee or tea won’t suffice. Try brewing up a simple batch of cinnamon tea and serving it with a small plate of goodies from the local patisserie. Sample the brew before sweetening it, as the cinnamon often provides just the right amount of sweet warmth for many people. If the sweetness still needs adjusting, use a teaspoon or two of simple syrup - it won’t interfere with the cinnamon-lemon balance of the tea. Bon appetite!
Cinnamon Tea: Aradia Di
This classic French potato salad is incredibly easy to make and compliments any kind of meal. Prepare it when dinner is simply too much to handle and you still want to eat healthy food. A holiday weekend, when your main goal is to relax, would be a great time to add this to your recipe box.
Dill Potato Salad Photo: ©Kathy Maister
This silk weaver’s brain recipe, also known as cervelle de canut, is an herbed cheese and vinegar spread. It is named for the silk workers of Lyon in the mid-18oo’s; some say it is a tribute, others, an insult. No matter what the true origin of the offbeat name, it is a fantastic appetizer. Who can resist creamy seasoned cheese, accented with shallots, garlic, and herbs, spread onto fresh, warm croûtes.
Silk Weaver's Brain or Cervelle de Canut Photo: ©Avlxyz
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