French Cuisine | Page 6 of 8 | The Rambling Epicure

Newfangled Food Vocabulary: What’s a Carnevoyeur?

Published by Jonell Galloway + Tuesday, February 28, 2012 Permalink 0

According to the Urban Dictionary, a carnevoyeur is “a vegetarian who derives satisfaction from watching other people eat meat or hearing about the eating of meat.”

It refers to the type of person who says she’s a vegetarian and talks about it ad nauseum, but can’t resist asking if she can have a taste when she sees a plate of boeuf bourguignon or crispy fried bacon.

French Food Facts: What is a Salpicon?

Published by Jonell Galloway + Wednesday, February 1, 2012 Permalink 0

by Jonell Galloway

In classic French cuisine, the term “salpicon” refers to a mixture of one or more ingredients, diced, and then bound with a sauce.

The salpicon is then used to fill pastry shells, fill pastry dough, make canapés — the list is endless.

They can also be used to make cromesquis or to stuff eggs or meat.

Typical examples are diced cucumbers, green asparagus seafood bound with mayonnaise, or leftover meats bound with white or brown sauce.

Today, the term is also used in Mexican cuisine.

Simon Says: Daily Food Quote, October 26, 2011

Published by Jonell Galloway + Wednesday, October 26, 2011 Permalink 0

by Simón de Swaan

To safeguard one’s health at the cost of too strict a diet is a tiresome illness indeed.–La Rochefoucauld, 1678

François VI, Duc de La Rochefoucauld, Prince de Marcillac, was a noted French author of maxims and memoirs. His literary work consists of three parts: his Memoirs, the Maximes and his letters.

His importance as a social and historical figure is perhaps overshadowed by his importance to literature. He is often referred to as the “master of eloquent melancholy,” because he was known for his dark views of life, and for leading what were perhaps the first salons in Paris.

Simon Says: Daily Food Quote, October 12, 2011

Published by Jonell Galloway + Wednesday, October 12, 2011 Permalink 0

by Simón de Swaan

Good food is in effect the basis for true happiness.–Auguste Escoffier, c. 1912

French chef, restaurateur and culinary writer August Escoffier (1846 – 1935) popularized and updated traditional French cooking methods. He is a legendary figure among chefs and gourmands, and was one of the most important leaders in the development of modern French cuisine.

Three of Escoffier’s most noted career achievements are revolutionizing and modernizing the menu, the art of cooking, and the organization of the professional kitchen. Escoffier simplified the menu as it had been, writing the dishes down in the order in which they would be served (service à la Russe), referred to Russian style service. He also developed the first à la carte menu. His books are still used by culinary students and chefs alike.

It’s apple season: Matefin à la pomme / apple pancakes/pie

Published by Jonell Galloway + Thursday, September 29, 2011 Permalink 0

by Jonell Galloway

O Délices discovered this recipe on blog de Guillemette.

This is a traditional recipe from the Savoy, so it’s not so far from us in Switzerland.

The original name comes from the French mâte faim. Peasants prepared these potato pancakes in the morning before going to work in the fields. It was meant to keep them going until lunchtime.

This version uses apples instead of potatoes, and is perfect for the apple season, which has just started here in Switzerland.

French Food Quote: Daily Food Quotes, August 23, 2011

Published by Jonell Galloway + Tuesday, August 23, 2011 Permalink 0

by Jonell Galloway

The funeral home employee asked the widow if her husband were incinerated, would she rather it be in a French oven or an Italian oven. She replied: “Oh, a French oven! My husband couldn’t stand Italian food!–Alphonse Allais

L’employée des pompes funèbres demandait à la veuve si on brûlerait son mari qu’on devait incinérer, dans un four français ou un four italien : “Oh ! monsieur, le four français ! Mon mari ne pouvait pas sentir la cuisine italienne ! — Alphonse Allais

French Food Quote: Daily Food Quote, August 22, 2011

Published by Jonell Galloway + Monday, August 22, 2011 Permalink 0

by Jonell Galloway

Thus it is Gastronomy, to tell the truth, which motivates the farmers, fineyardists, fishermen, hunters, and the great family of cooks, no matter under what names or qualifications they may disguise their part in the preparation of foods.–Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826)
The Physiology of Taste (1825)

Simon Says: Daily Food Quote, August 22, 2011

Published by Jonell Galloway + Monday, August 22, 2011 Permalink 0

Those who have a profound indifference to the pleasures of the table are generally gloomy, charmless and unamiable.–Lucien Tendret

Lucien Tendret (1825-1896) was a French lawyer and gastronome, and great nephew of Brillat-Savarin.

Food News Daily: August 22, 2011

Published by Jonell Galloway + Monday, August 22, 2011 Permalink 0

Mainstream Anglo Media and Press

Dan Lepard’s sweet potato brownies recipe, The Guardian

Bill Clinton’s Life as a Vegan, NPR

The Minimalist: Easy Ratatouille, The New York Times

Britain develops a taste for goat, The Independent

A Southern Italian revolution continues to sweep across Australia’s wine landscape, The Australian

Market Watch: Indian Blood Freestone peaches are diamonds in the fuzz, Los Angeles Times

We All Scream for Gelato: High-End Italian Ice Cream Spreads to London and Other European Cities, The Wall Street Journal

Rustic summer vegetable casserole, Los Angeles Times

Chez Panisse’s wines – a list that matches a legacy, San Francisco Chronicle

Best of the Anglo Food and Travel Blogs and Sites

Apricot and pistachio frangipane tart, What’s For Lunch Honey

David’s Discoveries: A great bistro in Burgundy — L’Auberge de Jack, Milly Lamartine, Gadling

Alternative Press/Sites

Thomas Keller’s Grilled Cheese Recipe, Men’s Health

Peach recipes, Kentucky

Hardwick, Vt.—The Town that Food Saved, Organic Connections

What to do with summer fruits, Slow Food Ireland

World

Peach and Cinnamon Chutney, Ko Rasoi

Simply Brilliant (Asian food), Eating Asia

Japan to refrain from claiming safety of Japanese foods, Mainchi News

How to prepare a Korean meal at home, Zenkimchi Korean Food Journal

Purple Pixie Eggplants – Sabich, An Israeli Street Food Sandwich, Food Wanderings

Main Street Eat (Vietnamese street food), Sticky Rice

David Downie: Burgundy: Grapes No Gripes

Published by Jonell Galloway + Thursday, August 18, 2011 Permalink 0

by David Downie

From Burgundy, land of emerald pastures, grapevines, giant white cows, and looping two-lane roads where tractors stop for crossing snails or lost chickens…no joke…

Somehow the wildflowers found their way into our watering can (made of plastic). We made about 10 bouquets for the house, and for friends, and put the rest in buckets and…watering cans…