I’m a Francophile. I admit it. I love all things French. Well, most all things. Enough to make a yearly (sometimes quarterly) trek to absorb the wonders of my heart home.
I have often tried to create the magic here in the states. It has proven impossible (Le sigh).
Except in the kitchen. La cuisine apporte de la magie.
One of the best gifts I received for Christmas this year was a French Cookbook. It includes a special story of a restaurant growing in the vineyards of a small country French village, along with their most loved recipes. I’ve decided to start the journey of trying all of them. An achievable goal for the new year, and one that brings my family and friends great satisfaction and happiness.
So, for tonight:
Poulet Chasseur
It’s a lovely chicken dish with a cognac butter sauce. To say it was delicious is a bit of an understatement. I especially loved how the garni added a fragrant and flavorful bouquet to the sauce, but an added plus: it left a lingering, mouthwatering smell in the house.
I served this dish with jasmine rice, a vegetable mix of brussel sprouts, red peppers and carrots, accompanied by a slice of herb infused cornbread.
In the end, my dinner was better than yours.
Bon Appetit!
by G. Anne Bassett 