French recipe for a silky and smooth Pumpkin Soup with two main ingredients. Healthy, colorful, and easy to make. If you have a blender, you have to try this recipe as soon as pumpkins are in season.
To impress your guests, serve this soup in individual pumpkins.
Pumpkin Soup
This soup is delicious and silky even without any cream. I add very little, just to make it look beautiful.
Ingredients
- 2 leeks (white part only)
- 1 medium pie pumpkin or sugar pumpkin (about 1.5 kg)
- 4 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Some heavy whipping cream or sour cream (optional)
- Some fresh herbs (cilantro, green onion, parsley) to garnish
Instructions
- Wash and chop the leeks.
- Wash the pumpkin and cut it in half horizontally. Scrape the inside of the pumpkin clean with the spoon or ice cream scoop (you can use the seeds for another recipe).
- Peel and cut into regular cubes.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook and stir leeks until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add pumpkin cubes and cook for 5-7 more minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Transfer the veggies into a large pot. Add just enough water to cover them, and bring to a boil. Add salt and pepper. Simmer about 15 minutes until the pumpkin is cooked.
- Puree the soup with an immersion blender or in a food processor. Add a little more boiling water if the soup is too thick. Taste for flavor, and feel free to add more salt or pepper.
- Serve hot, with sour or heavy whipping cream and fresh herbs.
For a special presentation:
- Cut off the top of a small pumpkin and scrape the inside.
- Before adding the soup, heat the pumpkin for few minutes in the oven, then add the hot soup and serve immediately.
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This post was posted in Soups
Roasted Pumpkin Wedges
Roasted pumpkin wedges are a simple and healthy dish that pairs well with fish and meat. This recipe is easy as pie and requires just basic ingredients like pumpkin, salt, pepper, garlic, olive oil and some fresh herbs.
Roasted Pumpkin Wedges
Ingredients
- 4 wedges of a big pumpkin
- 1 clove of garlic
- salt and black pepper
- Some olive oil
- Some fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro or scallions)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 390F (200С). Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Wash the pumpkin thoroughly, cut into two parts and remove seeds with a spoon.
- Cut the pumpkin into wedges. Keep in mind that this kind of pumpkin doesn’t need to be peeled. Season the wedges with salt and pepper. Next, mince or grate finely some garlic. Coat the wedges with a mixture of olive oil and garlic.
- Place the wedges on the baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes (depending on the kind of pumpkin and wedges size). When the wedges are soft, remove from the oven. Make sure they are not overdone.
- Sprinkle the roasted pumpkin wedges with fresh herbs and they’re ready to be served!
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This post was posted in Main Dish
Almond Shortcrust Pastry
Almond shortcrust pastry is very easy to make, keeps well and is suitable for biscuits or tart bases.
Almond Shortcrust Pastry
I found this recipe on the French website Meilleur du Chef (https://www.meilleurduchef.com/fr/recette/pate-sablee-amande.html) and since then, I have not looked for any other options. Here is my translation from French. Try making this dough and baking a fruit or berry pie from it.
Ingredients
- 120 g softened butter
- 75 g powdered sugar
- 30 g almond flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tsp liquid vanilla (1 packet of vanilla sugar or 1 vanilla pod)
- 1 egg (beat a little with a fork)
- 200 g flour
Instructions
- Place butter, powdered sugar, almond flour, salt, vanilla, egg and flour in a mixer bowl.
- Using a paddle attachment (sheet), mix the ingredients at low speed until smooth. Be careful: do not mix the dough for too long.
- Form the dough into a ball.
- For convenience, flatten a little, wrap in cling film and put in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. After an hour (or even better the next day), you can start making the pie.
- This dough keeps well frozen, so I always make a double batch, dividing it into 2 parts: I cook one part right away, and the other one stays in the freezer until the right time.
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This post was posted in Desserts
Easy poached pears with chocolate
The pears are poached with a vanilla bean and a bit of sugar. Then, they are cooled down and sprinkled with shredded chocolate. This is a very easy recipe to make and will be perfect for a special event or holidays.
Easy poached pears with chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 pears
- 750 ml water
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 vanilla bean cut in half longwise
- 50 g dark chocolate
- Some Fresh mint
Instructions
- Peel the pears.
- Cut them in half, then core.
- In the pot, bring water to a boil with sugar and vanilla bean.
- Add the pears and boil for 10 to 15 minutes, until they became soft but keep their shape. Remove the pot from the heat and let the pears cool in the syrup.
- To serve, drain the pears well. Then place each half on an individual plate.
- Sprinkle with shredded chocolate and decorate with mint.
- You can also serve this dessert in a glass.
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This post was posted in Desserts
Peach Melba
This is my version of a classical dessert “Peach Melba”. You just need roasted peaches, a red berry sauce and an exquisite whipped cream.
Peach Melba
If you’re in a hurry or you don’t have fresh peaches, just use canned peaches.
Ingredients
- 3 peaches
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar (or sugar)
- 250 g berries (raspberries, strawberries, blackberries)…)
- 200 ml heavy whipping cream ( 35%) very cold
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 l vanilla ice cream
- Some dark chocolate
- Some sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 390 degrees F. Line one baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the peaches in half, and remove the stones. Place the peach halves on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Bake in the oven about 35 minutes until the peaches are tender. Remove from the oven, let them cool down completely, then carefully peel the skin.
- Rinse and drain fresh berries and puree them until smooth. Pass the puree through a fine sieve to remove all tiny seeds.
- Whip the heavy cream with the sugar until fluffy. Don’t over beat.
- In each glass, put one half of peach and one ball of vanilla ice cream.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of berries puree.
- Add the whipped cream and finish with chocolate crumbs and sliced almonds. Serve right away.
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This post was posted in Desserts, Gluten-Free
Green Tomatoes Jam
Don’t know what to do with the left-over green tomatoes from your summer harvest? Jam, of course! This recipe is extremely easy. Try it for breakfast, on top of bread, or as an appetizer with some cheese.
Green Tomatoes Jam
For this recipe, I like to use green cherries tomatoes, so that they don’t need to be peeled. However, if your tomatoes are big and have thick skin, you may need to peel them.
Ingredients
- 1 kg green tomatoes
- 3/4 inch ginger (optional)
- 2 lemons
- 650 g sugar
Instructions
- Cut the tomatoes into wedges. Peel and grate the ginger, and press the lemon.
- In a pot, combine the tomatoes, sugar, ginger, and lemon juice. Cover and let sit all night.
- The next day, remove the cover and bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for about 35 minutes, stirring frequently. Skim if needed. The cooking time depends of how much water is in the tomatoes. Don’t over cook. When the jam is cooled down, it will be less liquid.
- Pour the jam into a clean jar and cover it with its lid.
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This post was posted in Desserts, Gluten-Free
Roasted Sweet Mini Peppers
Mini Bell Peppers look so cute and perfect and tastes delicious, either roasted or raw. Normally, I’m not a big fan of bell pepper, but can’t say “NO” to this colorful bag with sweet mini bell peppers. These mini peppers add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. You can serve it hot or cold, with meat or fish, or just eat it as a snack.
Roasted Sweet Mini Peppers
You can use a regular bell pepper for this recipe, but don’t forget to add some more time when cooking.
Ingredients
- 600 g mini bell peppers
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- some olive oil
- some green onion or any fresh herbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Cut the stems off the mini peppers, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Cut the half peppers into the strips. Spread the mini peppers onto the baking sheet, coat it with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Place in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Remove mini peppers from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
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This post was posted in Main Dish
Virgin Mojito
Just because I don’t drink alcohol doesn’t mean that I have to stick with plain water… This virgin mojito is a perfect beverage for any family and friends gatherings. There are many ways to make virgin mojito. Personally, I think the version with Ginger Ale tastes the best.
Virgin Mojito
Ingredients
- 4 limes
- 2 lemons
- 1 big bunch of mint
- 10 cups ice cubes
- 2 (1.5 L) bottle of sparkling water or club soda
- 1 (1 l) bottle of ginger ale
Instructions
- Slice lemons and limes.
- In a big jar combine the limes, lemons, fresh mint and ice cubes together.
- Top with sparkling water, Ginger Ale and stir.
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This post was posted in Drinks
Green Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar
Green asparagus with balsamic vinegar is always delicious! Asparagus can be steamed, baked, pan-fried, or grilled. In this recipe, I’ve chosen the simplest method that requires minimal equipment—just a saucepan. A very light sauce with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Enjoy asparagus as a starter or as a side dish for meat, fish, or eggs…
Green Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar
White asparagus is prepared and served in the same way. Adjust the cooking time according to its size.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch green asparagus
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Peel the asparagus using a vegetable peeler and cut off the tough ends of the stalks.
- In a large saucepan, bring salted water to a boil and add the asparagus. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on their thickness.
- Meanwhile, mix the balsamic vinegar and olive oil in a small bowl.
- Check the asparagus for doneness with the tip of a knife. When they are cooked to your liking, plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking, then drain them.
- Place the asparagus on a serving dish, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with the sauce.
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This post was posted in Appetizers, Main Dish
Brookie
Brookie – an American dessert that combines a brownie and a cookie. A perfect mix of a rich chocolate cake and crispy cookie with chocolate chips. Not very healthy, but incredibly delicious!
Here’s my version of this treat: a little less sugar and salt, and the chocolate part is very tender—just like my favorite French chocolate cake.
Brookies
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 100 g dark chocolate (60% cacao)
- 75 g butter
- 3 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour (sifted)
Cookie Dough
- 115 g softened butter
- 40 sugar
- 50 g brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 165 g all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp liquid vanilla (1/2 packet of vanilla sugar) optional
- 175 g chocolate chips
Instructions
Brownie Batter
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a baking pan.
- Melt the chocolate and butter using a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and mix well.
- Incorporate the eggs one by one, stirring thoroughly after each addition.
- Add the flour and gently mix it in.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan.
Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the butter, brown sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Add the egg and mix again.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixed with baking soda and salt
- Stir in the chocolate chips and mix well with a spatula
- Evenly spread the cookie dough over the brownie batter in the pan. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes. Check for doneness: insert a knife into the center – it should come out slightly moist but not liquid. The surface should be golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Allow to cool before removing from the pan and cutting into portions.Enjoy your brookie!
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This post was posted in Desserts