Kiwi squares

When you have too many kiwis in the house and you don't really like to eat them, this is what you do.    These are similar to lemon squares but they are green (think Christmas here...)  The original recipe was quite sweet so I reduced the amount of sugar and added more kiwis... Also, this is a gluten-free version but you can replace the flours with regular all-purpose flour.  Enjoy!

Crust:
1 cup gluten-free flour (I used a Schar GF flour)
6 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 cup (50 grs) almond flour
1/4 cup (40 grs) brown rice flour
12 tablespoons (150 grs) unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
Large pinch of salt

Filling:
4 ripe kiwis
3 eggs
1 cup (200 grs) granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
A pinch of salt

Preheat the oven to 350ºF or 175ºC.  In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, process all the ingredients for the crust until it resembles a coarse meal.  Transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish, lined with parchment paper.  Pat the mixture into an even crust.

Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes.  While the crust is baking prepare the filling.  Place all the ingredients in the bowl of the food processor (no need to wash it).  Process until almost smooth.  

Transfer to the baking dish on top of the crust and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until set.

Cool completely and refrigerate.  Cut into small squares and serve.  Makes about 48 small squares.

(May be made the day before and ket refrigerated until ready to serve)

Potimarron Spice Cake (gluten-free)

A couple months ago, I was visiting my aunt and on her living room's buffet was standing this odd looking squash.  Odd because I had never seen one like it.  It is called a potimarron.  We decided to cook it and eat it!  It was delicious, very similar to a kabocha squash, a mix between a butternut squash and a sweet potato.  The good thing about it too is that you boil the whole thing for about 20 minutes, open it up, remove the seeds and mash the whole thing, skin and all.  We made a puree out of it but this time I decided to make something like a pumpkin bread.

During the holidays when I lived in California I loved everything pumpkin.  So in the spirit of Thanksgiving this week, I created this gluten-free and absolutely delicious potimarron cake.  I took it to a party today and everyone loved it.  The proof is in the pudding, or in this case, the cake that tastes like a very moist pumpkin bread.

3/4 cup (95 grs or 3.3 oz.) cornstarch (or gluten-free flour)
1 cup (165 grs) brown rice flour (or regular flour)
3/4 cup (70 grs) almond flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (100 grs) brown sugar
3/4 cup (150 grs) granulated sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 cups mashed potimarron (pumpkin puree)
4 small eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup golden raisins

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. (175ºC.)  Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.  In a large bowl, mix the flours, spices, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  In an another bowl, mix the sugars, honey, potimarron, eggs, vanilla and oil with a whisk.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.  Stir the raisins.

Transfer this batter to the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.  Cool to room temperature.  Cut into small or large squares (24 or 48) and frost with cream cheese frosting.

1 cup cream cheese (Philadelphia), at room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Sprinkles

In a bowl, with an electric mixer, blend the cream cheese and butter.  Add the vanilla and sugar and mix well.  Pipe onto each square and decorate with sprinkles.

 

Spiced Chard, Tomato and Chickpea Soup

In my house, during the winter, we eat soup every night.  As a kid, I hated it.  But I had no choice.   As an adult, I enjoy it much more.  Usually mom makes the soup and it is delicious but it is always kind of the same... So today I'm making it and it will be different!  I hope they like it...  Here is the recipe:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 small onions, diced
1 very large Swiss chard bunch, stems chopped and leaves coarsely chopped, both separated
3 small carrots, diced
5 large garlic cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups peeled chopped tomatoes
2 quarts chicken broth (I used water and chicken bouillon)
1 large bay leaf
1 small can crushed tomatoes
2 cups cut-up flat or regular green greens
1 large jar or 2 cans drained chickpeas
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large 8-quart stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the onions, chard stems and carrots.  Saute for 10 minutes, stirring often.  Add the garlic and spices and cook for 2 minutes.  Add the fresh tomatoes and cook 1 minute.  Add the broth, bay leaf and canned tomatoes and bring to a boil.

Simmer the soup for 15 minutes.  Add the green beans and chard leaves.  Return to a boil and simmer for another 15 minutes.   Add the chickpeas and adjust seasonings.

Gratitude...

As of today, it's been 5 months since I returned to France.  I checked in at 3 months and wrote a quick post for this blog and then got busy at the 4th month mark while visiting Antwerp in Belgium.  It's gorgeous by the way.  Thinking about today, I decided to take a break and be grateful.  Well, I also made some killer mashed potatoes and enjoyed scrumptious wild mushrooms with my mom and uncle for lunch. So afterwards I started to write this post and list all the things I am grateful for.  Then I was talking with mom and realized even more how fortunate I am...  She reminded me of the high death toll and the missing persons caused by the horrible devastating fires happening in California.  I didn't know what to do..  Should I post this while people are loosing loved ones and everything they worked for and a beautiful land I've loved so much is being destroyed?  A feeling of sadness came over me...  At the same time, it really made me feel even more grateful to have all these wonderful things.  But my heart is aching for my old sweet home and my prayers are with you there.

So here is my not-so-humble-but-all-so-true list because things can disappear in a moment so I'll be grateful for what I have now:

• I get to wake up everyday on the French Riviera and it is just beautiful.
• My family is geographically close now and I get to know more parts of it too!
• I'm able to help my sick uncle and my mom, visit my aunt, spend time and sometimes help my cousins.  They all help me a lot as well and I'm very grateful for that.
• My godfather rocks.
• I live in the house I grew up in.
• I love to hear my uncle's endless stories.  They are something else and pretty funny.  He's got some good jokes too.
• I like when his friends come and visit him.  Especially when they bring delicious wild mushrooms (sanguins).
• I eat some awesome foods.  All the time!
• My mom gave me this old truly amazing electric potato ricer that makes the best mashed potatoes!  Which we had for lunch with a bit of butter, cream cheese, cream, garlic, almond milk and chives.  They were delicious.
• I get to spend time with my mom and help her.  It makes her very happy.
• I'm reconnecting with old friends and it is so nice.
• I've been able to spend time with some of my American friends and we went to 4 countries, Bordeaux, Carcassonne and Paris.
• I got to work with my cousins in Marrakech.  They are amazing!  Go Roni Fleurs, Go!!
• I visited 9 countries this year.
• Gloria, I'm very grateful for Gloria.  She's been taking care of Califrench Cuisine in Orange County.  She's doing an awesome job and everyone is happy!
• We've had a lot of rain lately (I wish I could send some to California...) and today it stopped and it was a pleasant day. Of course, after the rain come the mushrooms my uncle's friend brought from the mountains. I know I'm talking about mushrooms again, but they were so good!!!  They are called sanguins and just sautéed with a bit of oil with garlic and parsley they are the best!!! My mom is also prepping some to be preserved in olive oil.  Which by the way, was given to us from Tunisia. Is this enough food talk for a food blog? 😝
• I have time to rest.  Which I need because travelling can be exhausting. 😉
• I have health insurance, it is free and sooooo much better than the one I had in the states!
• You.  I'm grateful for you since you are here and still reading this...  Thank you!

I don't mean to brag really, especially while I'm thinking of the Golden State... but sometimes, you have to stop and look at what you have and in my case, it's a lot.  Of course, nothing is perfect but doesn't it sound like it is?! 😎

I hope you too can write a list like this and that your family and friends are safe and healthy.  It's good sometimes to take the time to stop and be thankful.   Thanksgiving is coming, it might be a good time to make a list and check it twice...

With love,

Caroline

The best potato ricer ever!!

The Sanguins

Chive Mashed Potato and Sanguins for lunch

Wedding in Marrakech by Roni Fleurs

Wedding in Marrakech by Roni Fleurs

Wedding in Marrakech by Roni Fleurs

Lunch at Le P'tit Cageot in Antibes

3 months already...

Tomorrow will mark the day I arrived on the French Riviera, 3 months ago... It is crazy how time flies and things move along without noticing... though, if I stop and look, things have changed...  Life is simpler (unless you deal with French bureaucratie) and slower, yet I don't seem to stop all day!  When people ask me what I do, I say that I am my family assistant!  And really, it is true.

I now live with my mom and uncle.  Yes, I am almost 50!  And yes, I am here, living in the house my grand-father built 60 years ago.  I made my little nest and as long as mama bird lets me be, I fly in and out of it nicely...  Mostly, I stay in and when I leave, it is to see the rest of my family and friends from high school!

It's been wonderful in many ways to reconnect with all my cousins, aunts and uncles.  They are all amazing in many ways.  My cousins have taken after their dad and build beautiful flower creations.  Check them out on their instagrams roni_shops, roni_yacht, roni_floral_design.  I am in awe at what they do and so proud of them!!

As for cooking, I do it almost everyday at home.  Sometimes I take pictures but mostly I just do it, enjoy doing it without documenting it and everyone loves it!   I should be better about posting the recipes as well... I'll blame it on living in the moment, enjoying life and getting away from my computer...  but soon, I'll be getting ready to travel again...

American friends are coming and I look forward to exploring the places around me and a bit further... I invite you to follow me on instagram: califrenchcuisine and come along...

In the meantime, here are some random pictures from the last 3 months... not much, but I promise I'll be better on instagram...

Back to my roots...

In the morning of June 13th, I finally got home to Antibes after a whirlwind trip south of the border of California.  I have been back now for 3 days and it's taking a bit of an adjustment but I think I am going to be okay...  It actually feels good.  It feels like home.  I am off the fast track and enjoying the slow lane...

I've moved in with my mom and my uncle in the house I grew up.  There's enough room for all of us and they could use a hand.  My mom does too much anyway and she needs a break.  She just has to learn to let go and let me do a few things...  It's different for all of us but we are starting to figure it out and I am glad to report we are doing great.  They love having me around and I love being here.  

I haven't made it past a mile from the house yet.  I am still adjusting and getting settled here.  It's gonna take a while... I look forward to exploring Antibes and surrounding areas and I promise to share my new adventures.

In the meantime, I'm enjoying spending time with mom and my uncle and soon the rest of the family, playing house in this beautiful home, watching the sun rise, enjoying long days, going to the beach, eating cheeses and charcuterie, reconnecting with old friends and figuring out how french people function!  And I'm even starting to cook again!  So this blog might come back to its original purpose a bit more.  Here is a start.  A simple lunch mom and I put together today.  

It was a "daurade" or sea bream baked with some tomatoes a bit of white wine, olive oil, whole unpeeled garlic cloves, Herbes de Provence, lemon slices and shallots.  Salt and pepper of course and the fish had some parsley, thyme and bay leaf inside.  We baked it at 400ºF for about 35 minutes.  I sauteed some Belgian endives in butter and olive oil with a bit of sugar, salt and pepper, covered, for about 5 minutes on each side.  We made some rice and voila!  It was absolutely delicious!!  It's good to be home... 

Before and after picture of the fish

Lunch on the French Riviera...

Mendoza

I am just now returning from 4 days in Mendoza, the most famous wine region of Argentina and the place I chose to celebrate my birthday cause I love Malbec... And it was not disappointed!  I mean, give me bold red wines, great foods to match and the snow-covered Andes in the background and it is a pretty good recipe for a fantastic time.

I arrived on Tuesday afternoon and I was starving.  Before I even checked into my hotel, I went straight to Azafran.  The food was simple and delicious and the Malbec to top it off was perfect.  I lingered the rest of the day in my luxurious hotel room.  I usually don’t spend much money on accommodations but it was my birthday after all so why not.  The Diplomatic Diplomatic Hotel was beautiful and had the best breakfast buffet every morning.  Which is exactly what you need before you start drinking wine by 10:30am...

So on my birthday, I took a tram to Maipu, the closest wine region to the city center of Mendoza.  I took a free tour at Lopez Bodega.  It was very informative and detailed and the wines were pretty nice too.

From there I took a 15-minute taxi ride to El El Enemigo.  I enjoyed a lovely hearty lunch paired with wines at their restaurant.  It was 45 degrees outside and the potato soup and lamb goulash were welcomed.   It is kind of strange to be spending my birthday in winter when I usually have sushi and a walk on the beach on a warm day.... It is still very sunny here and dry.  They get 300 days of sunshine but the difference in temperatures during winter and summer and days and nights is wide.  All these conditions make for colorful,  bold and delicious Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc.  To end a great birthday, I lounged in my hotel room and even got my own little birthday cake delivered from the front desk...

On my 3rd day, I signed up for a tour with Mendoza Wine Experience to take me around Lujan de Cuyo , another wine region in Mendoza, larger and closer to the Andes.  I joined a group of Australians, Brazilians and Argentinians.  We first headed to Renacer for a tour and tasting.  They have beautiful grounds and delicious wines.  From there, we headed to a much smaller and family-run winery, Caleum.  We finished our tour with a delicious 6-course lunch paired with wines, of course, at RucaMalen.  The food was outstanding, the wines were fabulous and the view was gorgeous.

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to stay an extra day.  The company that I booked my flight with  had cancelled my late-afternoon return flight to replace it with an early afternoon one.  After several emails, they changed my flight to a morning departure the day after.  So, I went on to visit the Uco Valley and I am so glad I did.  I booked a tour with the same company and they picked me up again early in the morning.  It was 8:30am and the sun was just rising.  I was with a whole group of very nice Brazilians.  We drove for about an hour and a half before we reached our first winery, Azul. Very small boutique wines that we enjoyed outside in a 44 degrees weather but the background and the wines were so good, you forget you are almost freezing.  From there we headed to Salentein.  This is a large winery owned by Dutch investors that went all out to build a magnificent yet understated bodega.  The building, the acoustic in the barrel room and the art are superb.  Their Primus Cabernet Sauvignon was the best I tasted all week.  Of course, at $50 a bottle, it is also the most expensive wine I’ve had.  

For lunch we went to the nearby Domaine Bousquet and enjoyed a nice lunch at their Gaia Restaurant in a relaxing atmosphere.

I am very glad I came to this part of Argentina and truly enjoyed the bounties of the region.  It was a perfect place to celebrate my last birthday in my forties... I was even blessed with a stunning sunrise on my way out at the airport.

Buenos Aires

It’s been 5 days now that I’ve been in the autonomous city of  Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Winter arrived the day after I landed and it’s been cold and rainy which is weird for me because it is June.  I’m not used to spending my birthday bundled up like an Eskimo.  I’m sure I’ll manage cause I’ll be drinking Malbec in Mendoza...

Anyway, armed with my umbrella, I’ve really been enjoying this big city with European influence. It has some cobblestone-lined streets, small and big markets, amazing restaurants, exquisite architecture, many plazas and fun bars, great neighborhoods, lively parties and a pretty good bus-subway-taxi system to get around.

Argentinians stay up late.  They eat late.  They party late.  They sleep not too late.  I’m glad I arrived with a 2-hour difference from Peru, I jumped right in.  Literally, as my friends took me to a bar where a 14-piece band was playing some latin music, on a Monday night, when I arrived.  We got there by 10:30pm and danced till midnight. Yup, I loved it.  I also went dancing on Thursday at Club 69 where they had an on-going show all night.  We left just before from 4am.  No I haven’t danced tango yet.  I went to a class but it was not happening.  I still have time...

So far, I’ve visited the neighborhoods  of Palermo, Recoleta and Centro.  The cemetery and the Teatro Colon are two of my favorite things I’ve seen so far.  Two great restaurants to try: Sunae  and Proper.  After Proper, have a drink at Verne.

Today, we went out of the city to spend the day at Tiger Isle and it was just beautiful and tranquile on the river.  The trees have colorful fall foliage. Oh yeah, that’s right it’s June in Argentina and it’s almost 10pm. I have to get ready to go out...

The Amazon

Let me just start by saying that Peru is an outstanding and gorgeous country.  The last two weeks have been like a dream.  I’ve been to the mountains and the jungle.  It’s hard to explain the feeling from being here.  The culture, the scenery and the people are just amazing.  I just got back from the amazon and it was really beautiful and humbling.  So different from the mountains and the sacred valley.  The jungle covers 60% of the country and as soon as I landed I could smell the green and the humidity.  I really felt like a visitor in its kingdom.  There are things happening everywhere all the time and even with a guide, I only saw a little piece of it but I saw a lot!   It was a wonderful experience.  Charlie from Green House Tambopata planned my whole trip and made sure that I was well taken care of.  Here are some things that I got to do this week: 

• I ate many types of citrus, fresh cocoa beans, other fruits I can’t even recall and termites
• I zip lined, walked onto a 6-inch plank for 70 meters above 30 meters off the ground and climbed onto a canopy in the trees
• I floated onto two rivers (Madre de Dios and Tambopata) and one lake (Sandoval)
• I walked in the jungle at night and saw many bugs, snakes, spiders and monkeys
• I danced lambada to the moonlight
• I talked to the monkeys at night
• I made new friends from France, Australia and Peru
• I swam in the lake next to the butterflies
• I saw caymans, turtles, butterflies, squirrels, birds, giant guinea pig-looking animals and giant rats too, tapir and lizards
• The sounds of the jungle at night are out of this world and the mornings are foggy and gorgeous on the river
• I got hit on by so many short Peruvian men, it is kind of funny..
• I rode on a scooter twice
• I drank chicha fuerte (corn cider)
• I took cold showers the whole week
• I never watched tv and checked the internet only once as I was in town for a couple of hours
• At sunset, the mosquitos are out and they bit me even though I had protection.  I got bit by an ant too and I’m sure other bugs I don’t even know
• I drank crappy Peruvian wine by the river and enjoyed every bit of it
• I swung in a hammock a couple times, resting and thinking how lucky I am

So go visit Charlie, he will take good take of you.  Stay for a while, it is rustic but you will be safe and blown away.   Make sure to stay for the night or get up early and listen to the jungle.  It makes you feel so small and it is fascinating!!