Eggnog Creme Brulee
I am an absolute sucker for custards, which makes this eggnog creme brulee my new favorite way to have that old holiday favorite. Eggnog is already pretty decadent, but it’s Christmas time, why not gild the lily?
French
Chicken Provencal
In honor of Les Bleus’ attempt at a second consecutive World Cup tomorrow, here is my take on a classic French dish, chicken Provencal. Skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs are braised in white wine alongside shallots, garlic, tomatoes, olives, and chard, creating succulent meat, tender vegetables, …
Crepes Four Ways
Crepes were my father’s Sunday morning specialty. He would crank them out by the dozen, while all of us kids sat at the table, scarfing them down and battling each other to get the next one fresh out of the pan, stuffing ourselves until our …
Mousse Parfait
When it comes to making desserts in a tiny kitchen or even in a campground, there are few better options than mousse. It is light and airy, but also rich and decadent. And, as it turns out, it is really easy to make just about …
Stovetop Roast Chicken with Lemon Gravy
For our first Christmas in the bus I wanted to do a very French menu. It was the cuisine that I was working on at the time, and it just felt like it would be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, everything I read told me …
Rosemary Gratin Dauphinoise
Gratin Dauphinois is an absolutely delicious, absolutely decadent potato dish that will knock everyone’s socks off at your next vanlife gathering. Thinly sliced potatoes baked in rosemary-infused cream and topped with melted cheese, it is good enough to be a main course, but is even …
Smoked Salmon Canapes
The French love seafood at Christmas. When trying to find traditional French Christmas foods, it was all oysters, lobster, and fish, and unfortunately fresh seafood just does not jibe all that well with buslife (depending on where you’re parked, of course). These smoked salmon canapes …
Steak au Poivre
Steak au Poivre is a classic French dish of pepper-crusted steak with a cognac and cream pan sauce. A crust of coarse, freshly ground pepper provides a zingy counterpoint to the beef, with the cream sauce adding sweetness and depth. It is undoubtedly delicious, and …
French Onion Soup
Ahh, French onion soup, that glorious bowl of caramelized onions in a rich, sherry and thyme-laced broth. It is a time-consuming dish to prepare, but worth every minute spent stirring those onions as they slowly brown and sweeten. Optionally topped with a slice of bread …
Dad’s Steak Bearnaise
Steak Bearnaise is without a doubt one of the best dishes out there. What on earth is more luxurious than a fine piece of grilled beef drizzled with a hot butter sauce? Flavored with tarragon, shallots, and white wine vinegar, bearnaise sauce somehow adds both …