Food, travel and photography

Category: Spring – Summer

Fish tartare with mango and vanilla oil

Fish tartare with mango and vanilla oil

In Belgium as in France, I choose the fish according to the fishermen’s catch of the day. Cod fish, sea bass, or sea bream are equally good for this recipe.

Limonana (Middle Eastern Mint Lemonade)

Limonana (Middle Eastern Mint Lemonade)

Limonana, also called Lemon & Mint Lemonade in the Middle-East, is very popular in Egypt, Israel, Lebanon and Jordan. There are so many versions! It is sipped during lunch, at bars on the beach, and grabbed on the go on a hot day. I’m sharing 

Niçoise-style salad by Laurent

Niçoise-style salad by Laurent

For your perfect information, or for the Salade Niçoise purists, this is what I have gathered: the authentic Salade Niçoise does not use vinegar, nor lettuce, never tuna with anchovies, but one or the other. Only raw vegetables that are in season are used, and 

French Flag Cocktail

French Flag Cocktail

This cocktail will always remain the symbol for the victory of France in the world soccer championship’s final on 15th of July  2018. Happy memories of a great time shared by the French people united in joy.

Chia pudding

Chia pudding

The more the chia seeds, the thicker your pudding will be. The proportions for this recipe here are for a smooth texture, neither too thick nor too runny. Red berries, mangoes, kiwis, any type of fruits works for decoration. 

Vine peach, nectarine, and mango fruit salad

Vine peach, nectarine, and mango fruit salad

The type of peaches I like to use here are called vine peaches. They are flat rather than round, are sweet and tasty, and their flesh is delicate and white. They are not as available as the other type as they are quickly perishable. You 

Tomato and olive pie

Tomato and olive pie

Use cherry tomatoes for this recipe. The result is stunning whether served warm or cold.

Persimmon goat cheese and roasted hazelnuts salad

Persimmon goat cheese and roasted hazelnuts salad

Choose firm and crunchy fuyu persimmons for this recipe as their pulp will not be too juicy. This variety is crunch, sweet, and best for salads.Thank you, Hélène, for sharing this delicious starter. Hélène’s French recipe website is now running under the name “Minute Papillotte”. 

Blueberry smoothie

Blueberry smoothie

When your blueberries are stored in the refrigerator, this delicious smoothie can be prepared and served in 5 minutes-time.

Blackberry jam

Blackberry jam

This marmalade is absolutely delicious, but it takes time and is quite messy to prepare. I also have to add that the fruits need to be cooked soon after having been picked, so make space for a “jam making workshop” in your agenda!

Guacamole

Guacamole

The most difficult part in this recipe is to have a ripe avocado …then, it’s only a matter of putting your talent at work and enjoy the Guacamole!

Vegetables confit

Vegetables confit

This dish is delicious when served with a green salad; it’s also great with grilled fish or meat. The secret for this recipe? Time: slow cooking is the key!

Fresh lemon thyme water drink

Fresh lemon thyme water drink

A lovely, savoury and easy to make refreshing drink. Now that I have the inspiring photo I was shooting for, I am pleased to share this recipe with you. Lemon thyme enhances all sorts of recipes and is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.

Vegetable tajine

Vegetable tajine

This recipe is an extract from Martine Fallon’s book, “Energetic Bomb”. I wish to thank this wonderful Lady, the energetic food Ambassador in Belgium, for allowing me to publish her recipe on my website. Check her French Website martinefallon.com for more. Special thanks to my 

Harissa grilled Eggplant

Harissa grilled Eggplant

Preparing this delicious dish couldn’t be easier. Thank you Mapie for this recipe. Harissa comes from North Africa. It is made of chillies and a mix of various spices including cumin and caraway. The difference in chilli strength between one harissa and another can be 

Melitzanosalata

Melitzanosalata

It’s a light eggplant caviar easy to make. Paloma who gave me Mania’s recipe says that this eggplant caviar will become light and foamy as would a mayonnaise when you mix it properly. Adjust with olive oil to your taste accordingly.

Radicchio citrus and burrata salad

Radicchio citrus and burrata salad

When I discovered this cute, tempting salad at my favorite vegetable market, I had to go on the internet to look for a recipe. And I found Magali the founder of Quatre Saisons au Jardin website who authorized the publication of her recipe on my 

Mint and cucumber mousse

Mint and cucumber mousse

You’ll need French fromage blanc to make this recipe. If you don’t have any you can use Greek Style Natural Yogurt.

Eton Mess

Eton Mess

It’s a very famous English recipe. This trio of strawberries, cream and meringues is said to have originated at Eton College in the late 19th century after a pavlova-style dessert was dropped.

Tomato crumble

Tomato crumble

Adeline Brousse who created this delicious recipe I found in a magazine years ago, gave me her go to publish my own version of her recipe. Many thanks to her. Adeline is a French journalist specialized in gastronomy and wine.

christine’s mango avocado and shrimp salad

christine’s mango avocado and shrimp salad

This salad is an all-time winner in our family. It is nutritious and well balanced and may well be considered a full meal in the summer. If you plan to serve it as a lighter starter, don’t use so much vinaigrette dressing and don’t use 

Armelle’s scallops carpaccio

Armelle’s scallops carpaccio

This recipe was inspired from the 750gr website video on You Tube perfectly filmed and explained by the Chefs Damien and Christophe.

Quinoa Salad with Almond, Feta cheese & Pomegranate

Quinoa Salad with Almond, Feta cheese & Pomegranate

This colorful & energizing dish is inspired from a small recipe book I love : Cantine California by Jordan Feilders. I do want to thank him and his team; I was sincerely moved by their timely response and enthusiasm as we were communicating by mail. The cheeseburger recipe 

Avocado Beet Pear and banana smoothie

Avocado Beet Pear and banana smoothie

Valerie found this recipe on the internet. We were 8 to taste and we loved it! Julia is a French Blogger. COOKING JULIA is her blog. I’m very pleased to share her recipe in English with you.

Spinach leaf basket

Spinach leaf basket

If you are not feeling confident about cooking, limiting yourself to this kind of recipe is a good way to start.

Energizing fruit cocktail

Energizing fruit cocktail

This drink is a nutritious way to help you feel better and give your brain a boost!

Frozen tiramisu

Frozen tiramisu

It only takes about 20 minutes to prepare this frozen dessert which can be kept in the freezer for months. This frozen tiramisu will also be appreciated by your guests for a special dinner party and you will enjoy the idea of having your dessert