Lima Beans Leek Quiche

I'm trying to get everyone healthier so I opted for a light meal today. I decided to make a lima beans leek tartelette served with a green salad. Leeks are a nice substitute for onions and lima beans are a great source of protein. They are full of magnesium which helps control hypertension and prevent cardiovascular disease and contain folate which helps your body defend against cancer.

Lemon Creme Brulee

The creme brulee is a classic French dessert. The base is just your average  custard, but you can add your own twist to it by using different chocolate chips  (milk, dark, white, butterscotch, peanut butter, lemon, mint) or by adding an  extract to the vanilla chips (rose, pandan, peppermint, mocha). It is a true  culinary chameleon.  

What really sets the creme brulee apart though is the crunch when you break  through the burnt sugar crust. I think that's what truly gives it its status and  sophistication. It somehow brings a smile to your face, no matter how old you  are. It reminds me of the scene in Amelie when she breaks through the crust and grins.  

Mon Poulet Roti (Roast Chicken wih a citrus butter marinade)

This recipe is in honor of my mom, who would serve "un poulet rôti" every week when I was growing up. My dad was all for the breast and neck, my mom for the wings, my little brother and big sister and I were all crazy about the thighs and the most succulent part: the "soliles" - in English it is referred to as the "oyster" of the chicken. It's the little oval pieces of dark meat next to the thighs that you can find on each side of the carcass.

To make this recipe, I've combined the tips and secrets from all the mamas that I know.  Regardless of which part of the chicken is your favorite, you are guaranteed to produce a moist, crispy-skinned chicken.  It takes time to prepare, but the results are well worth the wait. The chicken may look fantastic, but I guarantee that by the end of the meal you'll have rolled up your sleeves and will be sucking every last drop of goodness from the leftover bones. Vegetarians, avert your eyes!

Gratin Dauphinois (Scalloped Potatoes)

Some of the tastiest things in life are made of few simple ingredients. Gratin dauphinois is one of those dishes. It consists of just potatoes, cream, cheese and butter, with a little salt and fresh cut herbs as garnish. Ok, it's not the healthiest meal in the world but that's why they invented treadmills.

When it comes out of the oven, hissing and bubbling, you and your guests are definitely in for a treat. Having a simple recipe like this gratin dauphinois in your culinary arsenal can help you out when you're pressed for time or when you have unexpected guests, which is often my case.

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