Discover the exquisite flavors of the French countryside with Recipes from Le Rouzet: An English Cook in France by Berkshire’s Cathy Gayner. This beautifully curated collection features 125 mouthwatering recipes, perfect for evoking memories of sun-drenched days in rural France. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, these easy-to-follow recipes will transport you straight to the heart of French gastronomy.
3 Easy French Recipes
Baked Chocolate Mousse – A Decadent French Dessert
Our elder son John and his wife Tessa chose this pudding, a delicious and easy recipe I have been making at Le Rouzet for years, for their wedding dinner. I always used to serve it with crème fraiche, but they vastly improved it by serving it with honeycomb ice cream. The two together make a wonderful combination
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
This rich and indulgent baked chocolate mousse has been a staple at Le Rouzet for years. A favorite at Cathy’s son’s wedding, it pairs beautifully with honeycomb ice cream, creating an unforgettable dessert experience.
Ingredients:
- 150g butter, plus extra for greasing
- 150g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 150g dark chocolate (70%)
- Icing sugar, to serve
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 170°C/Fan 150°C/Gas 3.
- Grease a 20cm loose-bottomed cake tin.
- Beat the butter and sugar until pale, then mix in the egg yolks.
- Melt the chocolate over a pan of simmering water and let it cool slightly before adding to the butter mixture.
- Whisk egg whites until stiff and gently fold them into the chocolate mixture.
- Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 1 hour.
- Cool in the tin on a rack, then dust with icing sugar before serving.
Serving Tip: Enjoy with honeycomb ice cream for the ultimate treat!
Chicken Stuffed with Tapenade – A Quick & Flavorful Dish
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: Varies by weight
For a fast yet gourmet meal, this tapenade-stuffed chicken is a must-try. Serve it warm or cold – it’s delicious either way!
Ingredients:
- 1 pot of tapenade
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 whole chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6.
- Mix tapenade, lemon zest, garlic, and parsley.
- Gently separate the chicken skin from the flesh and spoon in the tapenade mixture.
- Season the skin, drizzle with oil and lemon juice.
- Roast for 20 minutes per 500g, plus an extra 20 minutes.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and a simple green salad.
Asparagus Tart – The Easiest French-Inspired Tart
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
This elegant yet effortless tart requires no pre-cooking of the asparagus, making it an ideal dish for entertaining or a quick midweek meal.
Ingredients:
Cheese Pastry:
- 110g unsalted butter
- 140g plain flour
- 30g grated strong Cheddar or Parmesan
Filling:
- 1 bunch of asparagus, woody ends trimmed
- 100g Parmesan, grated
- 200ml double cream
- 2 eggs + 2 extra yolks
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas 4.
- Blend all pastry ingredients in a food processor until a dough forms.
- Press dough into a 20cm tart tin, prick all over, and chill.
- Bake for 15 minutes until pale golden.
- Mix cream, eggs, and cheese in a bowl; season well.
- Arrange asparagus in a wheel or rows in the tart tin.
- Pour over the cream mixture and bake for 40 minutes.
About the Book: Recipes from Le Rouzet
Price: £16.99
Where to Buy: CathyGayner.com
100% of proceeds from this book go to Age Unlimited, a charity co-founded by Cathy Gayner and Henrietta Nettlefold. The organization supports disadvantaged youth and elderly individuals facing hardship.
Why You’ll Love This Cookbook
Authentic French flavors made simple for home cooking
Elegant and easy recipes perfect for every occasion
Supports a great cause, making every purchase meaningful
Experience the magic of French cuisine with Recipes from Le Rouzet – a book that brings people together through the joy of cooking!
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