My Bûche de Noël or Chocolate Yule Log. One of the first things I can remember making every Christmas with my mum was a chocolate Yule log. Or to give it its rather grander name Bûche de Noël. Bûche de Noël is very popular in France, where it probably originated. The first recipes appeared in…
French Cooking
Baked Potatoes with Ratatouille
Baked Potatoes with Ratatouille. Today’s Meal Mates recipe is a great dish to make for loads of people. Very little extra effort is required to cook the dish for two or ten. After a busy day at work or running around at the weekend this is a really simple and hearty dish, perfect for families and vegan friendly.
Moules à la Normande with La Robeline Cider
Moules à la Normande are a variation of the classic Moules marinière using the cider produced in the region. Some recipes use mushrooms and some bacon which is how I like mine. We have a long tradition of cider making in the Channel Islands. For my recipe I am using La Robeline Cider. Since 2005 Richard and Sarah Matlock have been producing a ‘champagne’ style cider. Using a vintage French cider press shipped over from Normandy.
Chicken Forestière – a classic taste of Autumn
Chicken Forestière – a classic taste of Autumn. It is Autumn again, and possibly my favourite time of year for cooking, as it’s the season of stews and casseroles and proper puddings. Chicken Forestière is a real favourite and is packed full of the autumnal flavours of mushrooms, thyme, and garlic. My recipe is made…



