madagascar The Page turner digital e-cookbook showing madagascar recipes, tips and Traditional Dishes and Foods
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Coconut milk chicken
The range of dishes eaten in Madagascar in the 21st century offers insight into the island's unique history and the diversity of the peoples who inhabit it today. The complexity of Malagasy meals can range from the simple, traditional preparations introduced by the earliest settlers, to the refined festival dishes prepared for the island's 19th-century monarchs.
Although the classic Malagasy meal of rice and its accompaniment remains predominant, over the past 100 years other food types and combinations have been popularized by French colonists and immigrants from China and India. Consequently, Malagasy cuisine is traditional while also assimilating newly emergent cultural influences.
Throughout almost the entire island, the contemporary cuisine of Madagascar typically consists of a base of rice served with an accompaniment.
The many varieties may be vegetarian or include animal proteins, and typically feature a sauce flavored with such ingredients as ginger, onion, garlic, tomato, vanilla, salt, curry powder, or, less commonly, other spices or herbs.
A wide variety of sweet and savory fritters as well as other street foods are available across the island, as are diverse tropical and temperate-climate fruits.

Appetizer
Smoked salmon mousse   Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
8 ounces smoked salmon
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup aspic jelly *
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
Remove bones and skin from the smoked salmon. Cut in pieces and mix in a food processor. Transfer to a mixing bowl and stir in the mayonnaise.
Run the mixture through a food mill. Mix in the cold liquid aspic jelly, lemon juice, wine and pepper.
Whip the cream until firm. Fold in the salmon mixture. Spoon the mousse into decorative molds.
Refrigerate until mousse is well set and firm. Unmold on serving dish or plate and surround with lettuce leaves.

* If aspic jelly is not available, substitute with 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin dissolved in 1/4 cup cold water. Set for 5 minutes. Melt over low heat, and use as directed for aspic jelly.

Appetizer
Cheese beignets  Print Recipe

may also be served as hors d'oeuvres.
Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
1 cup water 1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces
1 cup flour
4 large eggs
1 cup grated Swiss cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups parsley sprigs, cleaned and dried
2 cups tomato basil sauce
oil for deep frying
In a medium saucepan, heat water and butter to a simmer. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon over low heat until mixture no longer sticks to pan and forms into a ball. Remove from heat.
Beat eggs in thoroughly, one by one until mixture is smooth. Mix in the cheese and seasonings.
Transfer cheese mixture to a mixing bowl.
Heat the oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees. Carefully fry half of the dry parsley sprigs for about 10 to 12 seconds.
Transfer to a plate on a paper towel. Repeat with remaining parsley. Season with salt.
Spoon about 5 or 6 tablespoons of the cheese mixture into the oil. Do not crowd as they double in size and self rotate while cooking. Fry for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown. Drain on absorbent paper.
Keep beignets in a warm oven while frying the remaining. Arrange the warm cheese beignets on a platter with the fried parsley.
Serve with hot tomato basil.
Note: If served as hors d'oeuvres, fry teaspoonfuls of the cheese mixture.

Appetizer
Potato pancakes with smoked salmon and creme fraiche  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
2 lbs peeled and cubed potatoes
1/4 cup cream
1/4 cup wheat flour or cornstarch
2 eggs, lightly beaten
5 oz (150 g) smoked salmon slices
2 tbsp creme fraiche or light sour cream
garnish chives and lemon wedges
Cook potatoes in salted water for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain well and mash with 1 tablespoon cream.
Transfer potato to a large bowl. Whisk in flour, eggs and remaining cream. Season to taste.
Heat a large non-stick frying pan on medium spray with oil.
Add batter to the pan in 1/4 - cup measures. Cook pancakes, in batches, for 3-4 minutes, then flip over and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Transfer cooked pancakes to a baking tray and keep warm in the oven. Top pancakes with smoked salmon, creme fraiche and snipped chives. Serve with lemon wedges.

Appetizer
Smoked salmon with basil-dressed baby greens  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
for basil dressing:
1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves, washed and drained
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 pound smoked salmon, thinly sliced
1 pound mixed baby greens, cleaned and spinned
French bread
For the basil dressing: In a blender, combine the basil, olive oil, water, white wine vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Puree until smooth. Transfer to a bowl. Cover a set aside.
PRESENTATION
Toss the clean salad with the dressing. Divide the salad between the cold plates, and arrange in the center of the plates. Roll slices of smoked salmon.
Divide between the plates and arrange on top of the lettuce. Serve with French bread.

Appetizer
Goat cheese gratin  Print Recipe

You will need six shallow 6-inch (15 cm) round gratin dishes or one 10 1/2-inch (27 cm) round baking dish
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:5 minutes
10 ounces (300 g) soft goat cheese or a mix of rindless soft goat and cow or sheep's milk cheese, cubed
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves
2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano leaves or a pinch of dried leaf oregano, crushed
1 1/2 to 2 cups (33 to 50 cl) homemade tomato Sauce, at room temperature
24 best-quality black olives (such as French Nyons), pitted

Preheat the broiler.
Scatter the cheese on the bottom of the baking dish or dishes. Sprinkle with half of the herbs. Spoon on just enough tomato sauce to evenly coat the cheese. Sprinkle with olives and the remaining herbs.
Place the baking dish or dishes under the broiler about 3 inches (8 cm) from the heat.
Broil until the cheese is melted and fragrant, and the tomato sauce is sizzling, 2 to 3 minutes.
variations:
Add julienned bits of prociutto, diced cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or marinated artichokes.

Appetizer
Apple blue cheese and hazelnut salad on endive leaves  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time:20 minutes
1 large Tart-sweet red apple, such as a gala or Braeburn. cored, cut into 1/8" dice.
3 ounces blue cheese, crumbled, to yield about 3/4 cup
3/4 cup (2 large) ribs celery, finely chopped
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Kosher Salt
5 Belgium endives, leaves separated; smaller leaves saved for another use
1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted and coarsley chopped
In a medium bowl, combine the apple, blue cheese, celery, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine. Season to taste with salt.
To assemble, mound a small spoonful of the apple mixture onto the core end of each endive leaf. Sprinkle with the hazelnuts and serve.

Appetizer
Asparagus with truffle broth   Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:8 minutes
1/4 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup peanut oil
2 1/2 ounces chopped black truffles
2 pounds asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
In a small bowl, whisk together stock, oil and truffles.
In a deep 10 -to 12-inch skillet bring 3 inches salted water to a boil and cook asparagus until crisp tender, 2 to 4 minutes. Drain asparagus. Pat dry. Transfer to a serving dish and toss with butter.
Spoon truffle broth over asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Serve asparagus warm or at room temperature.

Appetizer
Asparagus en croûte   Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
1 pound puff pastry sheet, thawed
1/2 pound Swiss cheese
4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
12 asparagus spears, cooked crisp
1 egg, beaten
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Roll puff pastry sheet on a floured work surface to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Cut into 4-inch squares.
Cut cheese into fingers about the size of asparagus spears.
Spread each pastry dough evenly with mustard.
Lay an asparagus spear and a strip of cheese on each pastry square. Roll them up, seal and place seam side down on a buttered baking sheet. Brush rolls with beaten egg.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until pastry is brown and cheese is melted

Main
Baked shrimp with orzo and feta  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time:20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
Kosher salt
Good olive oil
3/4 pound orzo pasta (rice-shaped pasta)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds (16 to 18 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined
3/4 cup minced scallions, white and green parts
3/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and medium-diced
1/2 cup small-diced red onion
3/4 pound good feta cheese, large diced
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Fill a large pot with water, add 1 teaspoon of salt and a tablespoon of oil, and bring the water to a boil. Add the orzo and simmer for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's cooked al dente.
Drain and pour into a large bowl.

Whisk together the lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
Pour over the hot pasta and stir well.

Meanwhile, place the shrimp on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and spread out in a single layer. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through. Don't overcook!

Add the shrimp to the orzo and then add the scallions, dill, parsley, cucumber, onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss well. Add the feta and stir carefully. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend, or refrigerate overnight. If refrigerated, taste again for seasonings and bring back to room temperature before serving.

Main
Coconut milk chicken  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time:10 minutes
Cooking time:25 minutes
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (1-inch to 1-1/2 inch thick)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups seeded and diced tomatoes, (or use 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, well drained)
1 can (14 ounces) unsweetened, lite coconut milk
chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels and set aside.
In a small mixing bowl combine cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper; stir until thoroughly incorporated.
Rub seasoning mixture all over chicken breasts.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken breasts to the heated oil and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until browned and almost cooked through. Cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts.
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate; keep covered.
Add remaining olive oil to the skillet; add onions to the heated oil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender and translucent.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add tomatoes and continue to cook for 5 minutes, or until tomatoes are soft.
Stir in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer; let simmer for 5 minutes, or until sauce thickens.
Return chicken breasts to the skillet; reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 4 to 5 more minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Chicken is done when internal temperature registers at 165˚F.
Taste sauce for salt and pepper; adjust accordingly.
Garnish with cilantro or parsley, and serve.

Main
Romazava  Print Recipe

Romazava is Madagascar’s national dish.
Serves: 6
Preparation time:20 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 lb.beef chuck cut into bite size pieces
1 pork loin chop cut into bite size pieces
one skinless chicken breast cut into bite size pieces
1 14 oz can of diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken or beef stock
1/2 large yellow onion diced
5 cloves garlic peeled and minced
2 1/2 ” of ginger peeled and minced
3 serrano chilies minced
A bunch mustard greens chopped
1 combination bag or baby spinach and arugula or a bunch or each
salt and pepper to taste.
In a large dutch oven heat the oil and brown the beef on all sides.
Add the tomatoes, stock, onion, chilies, garlic and ginger and bring to a simmer.
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low and let stew for about 30 minutes
Add in the pork and the chicken pieces and bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and cover for another 10-15 minutes.
Add in the greens, it will seem like too much greens but they wilt down quickly.
cover and stew for another 10 minutes
Add salt and pepper to taste
Serve over steamed white rice and be sure to have some sakay on hand as that is what makes the dish delicious!

Main
Ugali corn fufu   Print Recipe

Ugali is a thick porridge made from white maize meal cooked in water or milk until it becomes a thick dough. A piece of ugali serves as a spoon. Make a dent in the middle (swallow), and spoon a bite of draw soup (ogbono and okra soup are two examples).Ugali can also be made using sorghum, cassava or millet flour.
It is often called Sadza in Zimbabwe, pap in South Africa, Ugali in Tanzania, in Uganda, it’s called Posho. It is also popularly known as Nshima and mielie pap.
Serves: 5
Preparation time:5 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
2 cups maize flour (coarse cornmeal)
4 cups water
½ teaspoon of salt
Boil – Add about 4 cups of water to a large heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, remove a cup of water, and set aside.
Add Cornmeal – Stir in the cornmeal a little at a time with a wooden spoon until it’s all in the pot. Keep stirring to prevent lumps. To avoid burning, you may have to take the saucepan off the heat while removing lumps.

Reduce heat and cook on low until the mixture thickens.

Final Stretch – Add the remaining boiled water, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 more minutes. Add some more water if it looks like it needs it. Turn off the heat.

Serve – Scoop out balls of the ugali mixture with a small bowl. Roll it into a ball by rolling it around the bowl. Or shape it by wrapping it in a plastic wrap. Serve ugali while hot with Kachumbari, nyama choma, sukuma wiki, or your favourite dishes.

Main
Apple blue cheese and hazelnut salad on endive leaves  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time:20 minutes
1 large Tart-sweet red apple, such as a gala or Braeburn. cored, cut into 1/8" dice.
3 ounces blue cheese, crumbled, to yield about 3/4 cup
3/4 cup (2 large) ribs celery, finely chopped
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Kosher Salt
5 Belgium endives, leaves separated; smaller leaves saved for another use
1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted and coarsley chopped
In a medium bowl, combine the apple, blue cheese, celery, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine. Season to taste with salt.
To assemble, mound a small spoonful of the apple mixture onto the core end of each endive leaf. Sprinkle with the hazelnuts and serve.

Main
Carrot soufflé  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 tablespoon flour

1 cup carrot puree *
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 1/2 cups milk
salt, and freshly ground pepper
6 eggs yolks
1/2 cup finely chopped basil
6 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
* Peel and cook sliced carrots until soft. Drain, and place carrot slices in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. Puree in a mixer. The carrot puree should be thick.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Brush the interior of a 6-cup soufflé mold with the softened butter.
In a heavy saucepan heat the olive oil. Add the onions and garlic. Cook briefly while stirring, until onions are wilted. Stir in the flour and cornstarch. Add the milk. Cook while whisking until sauce becomes thick.
Tranfer the bubbly sauce to a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper and mix in chopped basil.
Mix egg yolks, and carrot puree into the thick cream sauce. This mixture can be prepared 2 hours ahead.
Using an electric beater, whip the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff and glossy. Do not overbeat. Gently fold into cream sauce mixture. Pour and scrape the mixture into the prepared soufflé mold.
Place on a baking sheet. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes. Serve at once.

Main
Artichoke pâté  Print Recipe


Serves: 12
Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time:1 hour
5 ounces pork fatback
8 ounces boneless veal
8 ounces boneless pork
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup diced onion
1 1/2 cups cream
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon mixed seasonings
1 teaspoon chopped basil
12 artichoke hearts
1 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons Brandy
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
Diced ham
pastry dough
Sherry wine aspic
Dice and freeze fatback. Dice the veal and pork. Heat oil in skillet. Sauté the onions. Combine meat, onion, and seasonings in a bowl. Mix cream and egg whites. Pour over meat. Refrigerate for a few hours.
Marinate artichokes in wine, brandy. Season with salt and pepper. Puree the meat with fatback. Add the pistachios and ham.
Grease a 5 cup mold and line top and bottom with pastry dough. Alternate forcemeat and artichokes ending with forcemeat.
Cover pâté with pastry. Brush with egg yolk.
Cut an opening in the center.
Bake at 350 degree for about an hour. When cold, fill the pate with sherry wine aspic.

Main
Steamed mussels in white wine   Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:25 minutes
5 pounds fresh mussels
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
1 1/2 cups white wine
1 tablespoon chopped shallots
1 teaspoon butter
1 teaspoon flour
1/4 teaspoon saffron
2 egg yolks
Scrub and debeard mussels. In a large kettle, combine parsley, white wine, and shallots, and bring to a boil. Steam the mussels in the boiling liquid until opened. Drain and save the cooking stock. Remove only top shells of mussels and discard.
Arrange mussels in ovenproof serving casserole. Strain cooking liquid through cheese cloth. Pour in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
In a small saucepan, melt butter, and add flour to make roux. Stir roux in stock and whisk to thicken. Add the saffron. Pour a little sauce into egg yolks. Mix well and stir into remaining sauce.
Heat sauce but do not boil. Season to taste with salt, pepper.
Do not add salt since the mussel stock is salty. Pour sauce over the hot mussels. Serve immediately.

Main
Ham aspic with egg salad and avocado  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
12 slices thin ham
1 1/2 cups egg salad
1 cup aspic jelly
avocado slices
egg slices
Make ham rolls stuffing the egg salad in each slice. Pour liquid aspic in an 8 by 8-inch dish.
Let set until firm. Arrange stuffed ham on a platter. Decorate with avocado and egg slices.
Decorate platter with chopped aspic jelly. Refrigerate before serving.

Main
Asparagus with truffle broth   Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:8 minutes
1/4 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup peanut oil
2 1/2 ounces chopped black truffles
2 pounds asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
In a small bowl, whisk together stock, oil and truffles.
In a deep 10 -to 12-inch skillet bring 3 inches salted water to a boil and cook asparagus until crisp tender, 2 to 4 minutes. Drain asparagus. Pat dry. Transfer to a serving dish and toss with butter.
Spoon truffle broth over asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Serve asparagus warm or at room temperature.

Main
Potato pancakes with smoked salmon and creme fraiche  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
2 lbs peeled and cubed potatoes
1/4 cup cream
1/4 cup wheat flour or cornstarch
2 eggs, lightly beaten
5 oz (150 g) smoked salmon slices
2 tbsp creme fraiche or light sour cream
garnish chives and lemon wedges
Cook potatoes in salted water for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain well and mash with 1 tablespoon cream.
Transfer potato to a large bowl. Whisk in flour, eggs and remaining cream. Season to taste.
Heat a large non-stick frying pan on medium spray with oil.
Add batter to the pan in 1/4 - cup measures. Cook pancakes, in batches, for 3-4 minutes, then flip over and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Transfer cooked pancakes to a baking tray and keep warm in the oven. Top pancakes with smoked salmon, creme fraiche and snipped chives. Serve with lemon wedges.

Main
Smoked salmon roll  Print Recipe

The lox or Nova salmon is wrapped around a savory cream cheese mixture and served as appetizer on slices of cucumber. Can be prepared 24 hours before serving.
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
8 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1 tablespoon dill, chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
8 ounces lox or Nova salmon, sliced
1 hothouse cucumber
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon rind, lemon juice, capers, dill, mustard, and pepper until smooth. On a large sheet of wax paper, spread out the slices of salmon to form a rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the surface of the salmon.
Roll up the salmon tightly from one end, jelly roll style. Enclose in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Wash cucumber, dry and slice across into 1/4-inch slices.
Just before serving, slice the smoked salmon roll into -inch slices. Top each cucumber slice with a slice of salmon roll. Serve at once.

PRESENTATION
Serve this hors d'oeuvre on a tray. Arrange the cucumber and salmon rolls on the tray into two circles. Garnish center of tray with parsley or dill sprigs.

Main
Marinated goat cheese crostini  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 12 hours
Cooking time:5 minutes
1 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
2 teaspoons chopped thyme leaves
1 teaspoon chopped oregano
1 clove garlic, chopped
sprigs whole thyme and rosemary
4 individual goat cheese, like Crottin de Chavignol, picodon halved horizontally
2 plum tomatoes, stemmed and chopped
3 green onions, chopped
8 slices crusty French bread, lightly toasted
1 clove garlic, split in half
ground pepper
Heat oil in a saucepan. Do not overheat place herbs in a metal bowl. Pour oil over them. Cool completely and pour oil and herbs in a large jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add garlic and herb sprigs. Add goat cheese. Marinate 3 days in the refrigerator. Remove cheese from oil and drain. Refrigerate herb oil for other uses.

In a small bowl, combine tomatoes, green onions and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Rub one side of toasts with cut garlic.
Preheat broiler. Spoon tomato mixture onto the toast slices. Arrange on a baking sheet. Place one piece of cheese on each toast.
Broil 2 minutes or until cheese starts melting.
Serve immediately. Garnish with parsley sprigs.

Main
Asparagus en croûte   Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
1 pound puff pastry sheet, thawed
1/2 pound Swiss cheese
4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
12 asparagus spears, cooked crisp
1 egg, beaten
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Roll puff pastry sheet on a floured work surface to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Cut into 4-inch squares.
Cut cheese into fingers about the size of asparagus spears.
Spread each pastry dough evenly with mustard.
Lay an asparagus spear and a strip of cheese on each pastry square. Roll them up, seal and place seam side down on a buttered baking sheet. Brush rolls with beaten egg.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until pastry is brown and cheese is melted

Side Dish
Asparagus and tomato salad with feta  Print Recipe

This Asparagus and Tomato Salad is easy to make with steamed asparagus, grape tomatoes, creamy feta, fresh herbs and a light dressing. The tarragon gives it a welcome hint of licorice. It can be eaten cold, warm or hot.
Asparagus is popular in the spring, especially around Easter and in the summer. It's peak season is April. This dish makes a great vegetable side dish and pairs perfectly with Easter.
Serves: 4
Preparation time:10 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
1 tsp dried tarragon (use 1 tablespoon if using fresh)
2 lbs asparagus, trimmed - 2 bunches
3 green onions, chopped
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved (551 ml)
3/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
Snap off the woody ends of asparagus where they naturally break when you bend them or cut them off with a knife.

Boil water in a large pot or saucepan with steamer then reduce to simmer, add asparagus, cover with lid and steam asparagus until tender (about 8-10 minutes) *This will depend on your preference.

Use tongs to remove asparagus

In a small bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar, oil, red wine, dijon mustard, salt and pepper together.

Cover and set aside until ready to use.

Arrange cooked asparagus tomatoes on a large platter.

Sprinkle with feta cheese and parsley.


Drizzle with ½ the dressing and serve the remainder on the side *Can be served warm, room temperature or chilled.



????Variations & Substitutions
Tomatoes- you could use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes
Asparagus -you could use grilled or oven-roasted asparagus instead of steamed
Tarragon- fresh tarragon is ideal, but you can use dried
Feta cheese - you can use regular, light or fat-free feta or use goat cheese
Add-ins- you could also sprinkle on a little parmesan cheese and/or add red onions or green onion

Side Dish
Potatoes fondantes  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
5 pounds potatoes
4 ounces butter
1 quart chicken broth
salt to taste
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Peel and wash potatoes. Shape into the size of whole walnuts. Wash and put in a roasting pan in one layer.
Cover the potatoes half way with the broth. Bring to a boil on top of the stove. Add 2 ounces butter.
Place in the oven. Cook until potatoes are tender. Brush occasionally some melted butter over potatoes. Season with salt.

Side Dish
Asparagus with morels and tarragon   Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
1 pound white asparagus, trimmed, peeled, and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 pound green asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots (2 large)
1/4 pound fresh morels, cleaned and halved lengthwise if large
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Garnish: chopped fresh tarragon
Cook white and green asparagus separately in a 5- to 6-quart pot of boiling salted water, uncovered, until just tender, about 5 minutes for white asparagus; about 3 minutes for green asparagus.
Transfer asparagus with a slotted spoon to a colander and rinse under cold water (to stop cooking), then drain again. Pat dry.
Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté shallots, stirring, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add morels and sauté, stirring frequently, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add asparagus, tarragon, salt, pepper, and remaining 3 tablespoons butter and sauté, stirring, until heated through, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Serve immediately.

Side Dish
Crispy leeks  Print Recipe


Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:3 minutes
2 leeks
1/4 cup vegetable oil
coarse salt
Trim leeks of all green parts. Cut them in half lengthwise. Holding each half together.
Wash all grit away under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Lay each half, cut side down, on a cutting board. and slice lengthwise into fine julienne. Again pat dry with paper towel.
Heat oil in non stick pan over medium heat. add the leeks and fry for about 3 minutes or until golden and crisp. Remove to paper towels and allow to drain well. Season to taste with salt.
When reheating, lay in a single layer.

Side Dish
Croquette potatoes  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time:30 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
2 pounds potatoes
3 ounces butter, soft
4 egg yolks
to taste salt and pepper
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg

for breading:
3 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup flour
2 cups fresh breadcrumbs g
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut potatoes into large cubes. Boil in salted boiling water until tender. Drain well, and put through a ricer. Mix well and combine with butter, egg yolks, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mixture should be thick.
Cool the prepared mixture and shape into small logs, (1 inch round by 3 inches long).

Coat the logs in flour, dip and cover in beaten egg mixed with oil and roll in breadcrumbs.
Deep fry at 350 degrees F. until golden brown.

Side Dish
Gratin dauphinois  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:45 minutes
1 tablespoon butter
2 pounds potatoes
4 cloves minced garlic
3/4 cup milk
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups grated Swiss cheese (Gruyere or Emmenthal)
to taste salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Butter a baking dish about 6 by 10 inches. Peel potatoes and cut into 1/4-inch slices.
Blanch potatoes in salted boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain well.
In a large mixing bowl, combine potatoes, garlic, milk, cream and half of the grated cheese, salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon into prepared dish. It should be no more than 3/4 full. Sprinkle evenly with cheese. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and gratin is golden brown.

Side Dish
Tomatoes provencale  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:25 minutes
4 tomatoes
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
2 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Wash tomatoes. Cut the tomatoes in half crosswise, discarding the cores.
Put them in a buttered baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and oil, blending well to form a crumbly mixture.
Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over the tomatoes. Bake at 350 degrees until the tomatoes are tender.

Side Dish
Potato macaire  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes
4 pounds baking potatoes
4 ounces butter
To taste salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Wash and dry potatoes. Pierce skin before baking. Bake potatoes for about one hour, or until the inside of potatoes is cooked.
Cut potatoes lengthwise, Remove pulp and reserve in a mixing bowl. Break the pulp with a fork; season with salt and pepper, and mix in 4 ounces butter.
Lightly oil 2 small potato Anna molds or 8 4-inch round by 2-inch molds. Divide the potato mixture between molds to form two potato cakes.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes. Unmold on platter. Serve hot.

Dessert
Banana bread  Print Recipe

the recipe uses honey and applesauce instead of sugar and oil or shortening. Bread keeps, wrapped in plastic wrap, at room temperature 3 days or frozen 1 month.
Serves: 10
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
3/4 cup honey
2 eggs, beaten
3 mashed overripe bananas
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix together applesauce and honey. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Dessert
Raspberry champagne  Print Recipe


Serves: 20
Preparation time: 10 minutes
1/2 cup Framboise liqueur
1/2 cup brandy
1/2 cup orange liqueur
1/2 cup sugar
3 lemons, unpeeled
5 oranges, unpeeled
2 cups raspberries
6 bottles champagne, chilled
block of ice
Combine Framboise liqueur, brandy, orange liqueur and sugar in large container and shake to dissolve sugar. Slice oranges and lemons; add to container.
Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 2 to 3 hours.
Chill punch bowl.
To serve, add block of ice to punch bowl and pour in chilled mixture along with raspberries; pour in champagne. Include a fresh raspberry in each serving.
To be consumed while the punch is still fizzing.

Dessert
Banana soufflé  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time:40 minutes
1 teaspoon butter, softened
1 teaspoon sugar
4 bananas, thinly diced
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup dark rum
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup flour
2 cups milk, scalded
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar
5 egg yolks
5 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Makes two 1-quart soufflés
Prepare the soufflé molds:
Butter the bottom and sides of molds. Coat the inside surface with sugar.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl, combine the bananas, sugar and rum. Let macerate at room temperature for 1/2 hour.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, stir in the flour, and whisk in the milk. Stir over medium heat till thick. Stir in the vanilla and sugar. Continue to cook over low heat for 5 more minutes.
Transfer to a large bowl. Cool mixture for 20 to 30 minutes. Mix in the egg yolks one at the time. Blend in the banana mixture.
Beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until medium-firm. Fold into the banana mixture.
Spoon into the soufflé dishes. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.

Dessert
Chocolate marquise with orange sauce  Print Recipe


Serves: 10
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
For the mousse:
4 ounces semi sweet chocolate
5 large egg yolks
1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups cocoa powder
2 cups heavy cream

for the orange sauce:
1/2 cup orange juice
2 large eggs
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
For the mousse:
Melt chocolate in a double boiler.
Beat egg yolks with confectioners sugar until light an thick. Beat in the melted chocolate until mixture is smooth.
Gradually add the soft butter and sifted cocoa, beating until mixture is well blended. Whip the cream to a medium peak.
Fold in the chocolate mixture.
Spoon mousse in a decorative mold. Chill for 2 to 3 hours.
For the orange sauce:
Boil the orange juice and reduce to half. Beat the eggs with the sugar. Add the scalded milk and orange rind. Cook over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until thick. Do not boil. Add orange juice. Refrigerate. Unmold mousse. Serve with the sauce.

Dessert
Prune ice cream with armagnac  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time:15 minutes
2 cups water
2 tablespoons dry black tea
2 cups pitted prunes
3/4 cup Armagnac

Vanilla Custard Sauce
7 large egg yolks
2/3 cup sugar
pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups hot milk

Pour boiling water over tea and infuse for 5 minutes. Strain tea over the prunes, cover and soak for 1 hour. Drain the prunes, pack in a jar and pour Armagnac over to cover. Cover tightly and macerate for 3 hours or up to a 1 week.

In mixing bowl, mix the egg yolks and sugar with a wire whisk until lemon colored. Add the salt and vanilla and blend well.
In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. Gradually pour over egg mixture while whisking.
Transfer to a saucepan, and cook the mixture over medium heat, swirling it and constantly scraping the bottom and sides of the pan with a wooden spatula.
The custard is done when it coats the spatula evenly. The mixture must not boil. Pour the mixture through a fine strainer into a mixing bowl. Cool to room

For the ice cream:
Drain the prunes. Puree the fruit. Stir the puree into the cold custard and chill until very cold.
Pour the custard into an ice cream maker and follow manufacturer’s directions.

Dessert
Chocolate cake nancy  Print Recipe


Serves: 10
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:40 minutes
8 ounces (2 sticks) sweet butter
12 ounce dark semi sweet chocolate
10 egg yolks
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
10 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Put chocolate and butter in a saucepan. Melt over low heat.
Beat egg yolks and sugar in an electric mixer until mixture is light and lemon colored. Add vanilla, and continue beating for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the chocolate-butter mixture and blend well.
Beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until stiff and fold in the chocolate mixture.
Line the bottom of two 9 inch cake pans with a sheet of parchment paper.
Butter and flour the bottom and sides of pan.
Pour the mixture in the pan.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until center is firm.
Let the cake stand on a rack for 10 minutes. Unmold on a rack.

Dessert
Caramelized apricot tart  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:25 minutes
1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons whipping cream
9 fresh apricots, halved, pitted, or 18 canned apricot halves in extra light syrup well drained
1 9-ounce sheet frozen puff pastry thawed
Preheat to 425°F. Combine 1/2 cup sugar if using canned apricots (or 3/4 cup sugar if using fresh apricots) and 2 tablespoons water in heavy small saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves.
Increase heat and boil without stirring until syrup is deep amber, about 8 minutes.
Add butter and cream (mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir over low heat until any caramel bits are dissolved. Immediately pour caramel into nonstick 10-inch-diameter ovenproof skillet; swirl to cover bottom of skillet. Carefully place apricot halves, rounded side down, tightly together atop caramel.
Roll out puff pastry sheet on lightly floured surface to 12 1/2-inch square.
Using 12-inch tart pan bottom or platter as guide, cut pastry into 12-inch round. Place puff pastry round atop apricots in skillet.
Gently press down pastry around apricots at edge of skillet.
Bake tart until pastry is puffed and deep golden, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven; cool 1 minute.
Cut around edge of pastry to loosen. Place large rimmed platter atop skillet.
Using oven mitts as aid, hold skillet and platter tightly together and invert, allowing tart and syrup to fall onto platter.
Carefully lift off skillet. Rearrange any apricots that may have become dislodged. Serve warm.

Dessert
Almond strawberry cake  Print Recipe


Serves: 10
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:45 minutes
3/4 cup slivered almonds
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
For filling:
2 pints strawberries
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon gelatin powder
1 tablespoon water
3 large egg whites
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Lightly oil a 9-inch springform pan. Dust pan with flour, tilting to coat evenly and tapping out the excess. Line bottom with parchment or wax paper. Lightly oil paper.
Spread almonds in a shallow pan and bake for 4 to 8 minutes, until light golden. Let cool.
In a food processor or blender, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and toasted almonds. Process until almonds are ground. Set aside.
In a measuring cup, combine buttermilk, oil and vanilla and almond extracts. Set aside
In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, egg whites and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer at high speed until mixture is thick and pale, about 5 minutes. The beaters should leave a ribbon trail when lifted.
With a rubber spatula, alternately fold reserved dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture into egg mixture, making 3 additions of dry ingredients and 2 additions of liquid.
Gently spread batter in prepared pan and tap the pan once on the counter to release air bubbles. Bake for 45 minutes, or until top springs back when lightly touched and cake shrinks away slightly from sides of pan.
Place on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Loosen edges of cake from pan, remove pan rim and invert cake onto rack. Remove pan bottom, peel off paper and let cool completely.
To prepare berries: In a large bowl, toss strawberries with sugar. Set aside.
To make vanilla cream: Chill a mixing bowl. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over water; let stand for 1 minute.
In a large saucepan, bring about 1 inch of water to a simmer. Adjust heat so water barely simmers. In a heatproof mixing bowl large enough to fit over the saucepan, combine egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar and softened gelatin. Set the bowl over the simmering water and beat with an electric mixer at low speed until an instant-read thermometer registers 140 degrees F. Increase mixer speed to high and continue beating over the heat for 3½ minutes. Remove bowl from heat and beat meringue until completely cooled, about 4 minutes more.
In the chilled bowl, combine cream and vanilla and beat with electric mixer at medium speed until soft peaks form. Fold one-fourth of the meringue into the cream. Gently fold in remaining meringue.
To assemble cake:
No more than 2 hours before serving, place the cake on a serving plate. Using a serrated knife, slice cake horizontally into 2 layers.
Carefully lift off top layer. Spoon half the berries and all the juices onto the bottom layer. Spread with half the vanilla cream. Cover with the top layer. Spoon remaining vanilla cream on top and arrange remaining strawberries over cream. Refrigerate until serving time.

Dessert
Gum paste - pastillage  Print Recipe

Keep the pastillage in a sealed bag as it dries rapidly
Serves: 24
Preparation time:15 minutes
2 packets unflavored gelatin I used Knox gelatin
1/3 cup water
6 cups powdered sugar lightly spooned into cup
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
2 tbsp corn syrup
Combine the powdered sugar and the cream of tartar in a mixing bowl.
Place the water into a 2 cup heatproof glass and sprinkle the gelatin. Let it stand until the gelatin blooms (about 5 minutes), then place in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Stir until the gelatin is dissolved. Then add the corn syrup and continue to stir until no lumps appear.
Make a well in the center of the powdered sugar and add the gelatin mixture. Mix slowly until everything is incorporated. Turn off the mixer and knead by hand for a few minutes. If it is too dry add a few drops of water and continue to knead. When the pastillage is pliable, wrap in plastic and place into a zip lock bag. You should be able to use immediately.
To make the pastillage workable heat small pieces in the microwave for 10 seconds or less. Be careful, if you heat it up too much it will become soft and sticky and/or too hot. If this happens, just let it sit for a few minutes.
conversion of liquids
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Gallons - gal
Pints - pt
Cups - c
Ounces liquids - fl oz
Tablespoons - tbsp
Teaspoons - tsp
Weights
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Kilogramms :  kg
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Degrees Celsius :  °C
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Measures of non liquid ingredients



Non-liquid ingredients in volume converted
into weight using the table below.
For products not included, use a metric scale
Weight of specific 'ingredients in grams

Ingredient

1 cup

3/4 cup

2/3 cup

1/2 cup

1/3 cup

1/4 cup

2 tablespoons

All-purpose wheat flour 120 g 90 g 80 g 60 g 40 g 30 g 15 g
All-purpose sifted wheat flour 110 g 80 g 70 g 55 g 35 g 27 g 13 g
White sugar 200 g 150 g 130 g 100 g 65 g 50 g 25 g
Powdered sugar/Icing sugar 100 g 75 g 70 g 50 g 35 g 25 g 13 g
Brown sugar normally packed 180 g 135 g 120 g 90 g 60 g 45 g 23 g
Corn flour 160 g 120 g 100 g 80 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
Cornstarch 120 g 90 g 80 g 60 g 40 g 30 g 15 g
Rice (not-cooked) 190 g 140 g 125 g 95 g 65 g 48 g 24 g
Macaroni (uncooked) 140 g 100 g 90 g 70 g 45 g 35 g 17 g
Couscous (uncooked) 180 g 135 g 120 g 90 g 60 g 45 g 22 g
Quick oatmeal (uncooked) 90 g 65 g 60 g 45 g 30 g 22 g 11 g
Table salt 300 g 230 g 200 g 150 g 100 g 75 g 40 g
Butter / Margarine 240 g 180 g 160 g 120 g 80 g 60 g 30 g
Shortening 190 g 140 g 125 g 95 g 65 g 48 g 24 g
Fruits and légumes chopped 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
chopped walnuts 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
Nuts /ground almonds 120 g 90 g 80 g 60 g 40 g 30 g 15 g
Fresh bread crumbs (not packed) 60 g 45 g 40 g 30 g 20 g 15 g 8 g
Dry bread crumbs 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
Parmesan grated 90 g 65 g 60 g 45 g 30 g 22 g 11 g
Chocolate chips 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 38 g  19 g
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As the sun rises or sets in

MADAGASCAR

"May every sunrise hold more promise, and every sunset hold more peace."

The {Page Turner} E-Cookbooks Library on a world cooking journey
39 Recipes

8 Appetizers

14 Main dishes

8 Side dishes

9 Desserts