Susan Herrmann Loomis
Quince Jelly
(GELEE DE COING)
The lemon juice is really only necessary if the quince jelly doesn't "take" within the allotted time.
Aïoli
This sauce evokes Provence at its productive best, in summer, when farms and family gardens are at their peak production, yielding vegetables with an incomparable depth of flavor.
Note: be sure all of your ingredients, and the bowl or mortar you are working with, are at room temperature. Differing temperatures can cause the aïoli to separate. When making aïoli - or any mayonnaise-like sauce - think slow, slow, slow. There is a simple remedy for separated aïoli. Put an egg yolk in another bowl, and slowly whisk the separated aïoli into it.
Caramelized Nectarines
I was first tempted to serve these with a dollop of crème fraîche, or vanilla ice cream, but I resisted because I didn't want to dilute their flavor, and I was right to do so, for the balance of flavors is perfect.
Muscovado sugar is a very dark, usually organic, unrefined sugar from Madagascar. If you can't find it, simply use dark brown sugar.
Gâteau au Chocolat, Noix et Raisins Secs
(CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH NUTS AND RAISINS)
Here is a chocolate cake that will delight your palate. Use the best bittersweet chocolate you can find!
Roestis
Francoise preferred not to share her specific recipe with me, but she gave me enough hints so that I could make this version of roestis, (which means twice cooked in the Jura dialect) which closely resembles the delicious dish I had at La Grangette. Try this with thick slices of gently smoked ham and a white Arbois, from the Jura, or another buttery white wine.
Peches de Vignes Peaches in Orange Flower Water
I do not think that pêches de vigne, French red-fleshed peaches, are available in the United States so, for this recipe, use the most ripe, fragrant peaches you can, and go easy on the orange flower water. Slice, drizzle and serve the peaches immediately, so they are still lightly chilled!
Salade Niçoise
This salad was inspired by a classic Salade Niçoise with its fresh anchovies, potatoes and green beans, and one offered to me by Alice Waters, owner of Chez Panisse, who comes to France every year to avail herself of, among other things, the fine green beans of summer.
Olive Biscuits
(LES SCOURTINS AUX OLIVES DE NYONS)
Jean-Pierre Autrand of Les Vieux Moulins in Nyons, Provence, shared the family recipe for these crisp, salty-sweet cookies.
Roasted Leg of Wild Boar
(Roti de Cuisse de Sanglier)
Serve a hearty Gigondas or St. Joseph with this sumptuous dish.
Lemon Pine Nut Tagliatelle
"This is one of my favorite pastas," Lisa Bonacossi said, citing its simplicity. "it is made with lemons, pine nuts, and oil that everyone has on hand." The flavors are simple and brilliant. The sauce is best served with fresh tagliatelle. I serve it with lemon wedges too for those who like to squeeze a bit of fresh juice over the pasta. Serve this with a well-chilled Pinot Grigio for a nice, bright combination.
Pastry for a One-Crust Tart
This recipe originally accompanied Madame Quiche's Quiche Au Fromage .
This pastry is short, buttery, and wonderfully easy to put together. I make it in the food processor, for the less it is touched by warm hands, the shorter and flakier it will be. Be sure to let the pastry rest at least one hour at room temperature, so it is easy to roll out, then chill it before baking.
Batter for Waffles
(Editor's Note: As of 2/27/01 ingredient quantities were adjusted for this recipe. It now works wonderfully.)
If you want to make savory waffles, add about 3/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano or hard sheep's milk cheese and omit the sugar.
Pâté de Campagne
(COUNTRY TERRINE)
My local butcher, Mr. Delasalle, wouldn't part with his terrine recipe, though he gave me plenty of hints. What follows is a recipe that closely replicates his.