Creme fraiche

The recipe is taken from the book "Scandinavian Summer". "I believe in quick and easy cooking on weekdays, especially in the summer when you want to spend as much time as possible outdoors. Cod with mustard in various variations is popular all over Scandinavia. This recipe requires only about three minutes of preparation plus baking time, when the fish is briefly cooked in the oven, and you can make side dishes for it. I usually choose various greens, although many people prefer mashed boiled potatoes with butter and parsley. Crithmum grows off the west coast of Denmark, in salty bays, and all along the North Sea coast from Norway to Sweden and Finland. Oddly enough, I did not like it while living in Scandinavia, but in the UK, critmum has recently become so popular that I tried it, and it has taken pride of place in my diet. I love it - it's full of all sorts of useful things and practically no calories. It's also naturally salty , so salt it very moderately.

The recipe is taken from the book "French regional cuisine" by Joël Robuchon and Loïc Bienassy. This is an old recipe, a classic of Alsatian cuisine. Choucroute with salmon was prepared on fasting days and during Lent. In a slightly modified form (one of the options is in the photo), this dish is still represented in the gastronomy of Alsace.

Pumpkin puree with buckwheat crème brûlée and roasted carrots is a true masterpiece of French culinary art. Its velvety texture and subtle aroma of nutmeg combined with the light sweetness of pumpkin create a refined harmony of flavors. The buckwheat crème brûlée adds an unexpected textural play—delicate and slightly nutty, it highlights the natural sweetness of roasted carrots. The addition of orange flesh and pomegranate seeds brings a refreshing fruity note, while the mix of greens and pumpkin seeds completes the ensemble with vibrant hues and a light crunch. This dish is perfect for a cozy home dinner or a special culinary experience when you want to savor French elegance in every spoonful.

Cabbage rolls with vegetables are a delightful dish of Ukrainian cuisine, combining the tenderness of cabbage leaves with a fragrant filling of potatoes, chestnuts, and greens. This traditional dish has deep roots in rural cooking, where cabbage served as the basis for many recipes. The taste of cabbage rolls unfolds with a harmonious blend of creamy potatoes, a light nutty note from chestnuts, and the freshness of greens. Crème fraîche and Gouda cheese add softness to the filling, while stewing in vegetable broth and wine enhances richness. Cabbage rolls are served cut open with an aromatic sauce infused with the juices of bacon and vegetables. They pair perfectly with rice or fresh bread, and their rich flavor makes them a true festive treat suitable for cozy home dinners as well as formal events.

Rhenish potato soup is a traditional dish of German cuisine, especially popular in the Rhineland region. Its delicate texture and rich flavor combine the simplicity of rustic cooking with the sophistication of creamy notes. Potatoes give the soup heartiness, while leeks add a light spiciness. Crème fraîche and cream make it soft and velvety, while nutmeg and black pepper add refined spice. This soup warms you in cold weather and pairs excellently with crispy croutons or rye bread. It is prepared both in cozy home settings and served in restaurants that value traditional German recipes. It is wonderful as a main dish or light lunch, bringing warmth and comfort to everyone who tries it.

Chicken fricassée with mushrooms and bell peppers is a refined dish of French cuisine that carefully preserves the traditions of sophistication. Fricassée, derived from the French 'fricassée', means tender stewing of meat in a rich sauce. In this recipe, juicy chicken fillet is marinated in crème fraîche, making it especially tender, and then sautéed with mushrooms and sweet bell peppers. Creamy sauce creates a delicate velvety texture that harmoniously unites all flavor nuances. The dish is characterized by lightness and softness, where fresh parsley and garlic add piquant notes. Fricassée pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes for a cozy yet aristocratic dinner. This recipe embodies French culinary art where simplicity of ingredients transforms into refined enjoyment.

Eggs baked with spinach and mushrooms is a refined dish of European cuisine that combines the tenderness of eggs, the rich flavor of mushrooms, and the freshness of spinach. This recipe has roots in French gastronomy traditions where eggs are often baked with various sauces and fillings. Crème fraîche and Dijon mustard add creaminess and subtle spiciness to the sauce, while Gruyère cheese contributes a unique creamy taste. The dish is perfect for a cozy breakfast or light dinner, especially accompanied by crispy toast. Each serving boasts a rich flavor and dense texture, creating harmony between creamy spinach, juicy mushrooms, and baked eggs. It is a true delight for gourmets who appreciate a balance of flavors and delicate consistency.

This delicate lasagna with pumpkin, ricotta, and sage is a true masterpiece of European cuisine, blending warm autumn aromas and creamy texture. The pumpkin, roasted to golden softness, gives the dish a sweet depth, while the ricotta makes it airy and creamy. Sage adds a refined spicy note, giving the lasagna a noble character. Cream-fresh with parmesan unites the flavors into a harmonious whole, creating a sauce that envelops the filling in soft velvetiness. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners and special occasions when you want to enjoy culinary art at its best.

Salmon mousse tartlets are an exquisite dish embodying the elegance of European cuisine. This recipe is inspired by French gastronomy, where airy mousses and crispy pastry come together in perfect harmony. The delicate smoked salmon mousse with a spicy hint of horseradish and the freshness of lime creates a delightful balance of flavors. The puff pastry, baked to a golden crisp, serves as an elegant base for this culinary gem. Crème fraîche completes the composition, adding softness and sophistication. These tartlets are perfect for festive occasions and cozy evenings when you want to treat yourself and loved ones to something special. They pair wonderfully with white wine, highlighting the depth of flavor nuances. They can be served as an appetizer or light snack, offering a moment of true gastronomic pleasure.

Linguini with salmon in creamy sauce is a refined dish of Italian cuisine that combines the tenderness of pasta with the richness of smoked salmon flavor. The origins of this recipe trace back to the traditional Italian love for seafood and creamy sauces. Linguini, with their smooth texture, perfectly envelop in delicate crème fraîche with subtle hints of horseradish, creating a harmony of flavors. Capers add a light spiciness while spinach brings freshness. This recipe is especially great for a romantic dinner or festive table when you want to indulge yourself and loved ones with something sophisticated. Lemon slices complement the dish, allowing everyone to adjust the flavor balance. The perfect combination of ease of preparation and restaurant-quality taste makes this dish a true gem of Mediterranean cuisine.

Smoked salmon with parsnip and beetroot rösti is an exquisite dish of European cuisine that combines the tenderness of fish with crispy vegetable notes. Rösti, a traditional Swiss dish, gains a new flavor from the parsnip and beetroot that add sweetness and a light earthy depth. Cream-fresh with dill and horseradish adds piquancy, highlighting the delicate taste of smoked salmon. Lemon freshness completes the harmony of the dish, making it perfect for a festive dinner or refined lunch. This combination of flavors creates a balance between the tenderness of the fish and the crispy texture of rösti, delivering true gastronomic pleasure.

Terrine with smoked salmon is a refined dish of European cuisine that combines the creaminess of cheese, the zest of smoked salmon, and the freshness of herbs. This recipe has its roots in French gastronomy, where terrines hold a special place on festive tables. The flavor of the dish is a harmony of creamy, salty, and slightly spicy notes highlighted by lemon acidity and horseradish aroma. Terrine is perfect as an appetizer or main course, especially when paired with crispy baguette and capers. The marinated celery adds a subtle textural play while pink pepper adds a touch of sophistication. Served chilled, it makes an excellent choice for summer dinners or formal events.

Spicy fried crab meat with pickled cucumbers is an exquisite dish of Chinese cuisine that embodies a harmony of flavors and textures. Tender crab meat, divided into white and brown parts, gains a rich taste from the combination of crème fraîche, lime, and spicy chili pepper. Fragrant dill and horse parsley add freshness and depth. Pickled cucumbers, marinated in white wine vinegar with spices, bring crunch and a slight tanginess that perfectly complements the juiciness of the crab. Served on crispy white bread creates a balance of softness and textural contrast. This dish not only delights gourmets with its vibrant flavors but also exemplifies the blend of classic Chinese cooking methods with European notes, making it unique and unforgettable.

This roasted beet and walnut sauce is a true masterpiece of Italian cuisine, combining the earthy sweetness of beets with nutty richness and aromatic herbs. Its roots trace back to the traditions of southern Italy, where natural flavors and harmonious combinations are cherished. The velvety texture and subtle balance of sherry vinegar's acidity make it an ideal complement to meats, cheeses, or fresh bread. Cumin seeds and dill add freshness and depth of flavor, while crème fraîche provides creaminess. This sauce not only beautifies your table but also offers culinary delight in every bite.

Fish slow-cooked with mustard and dill embodies the elegance of French cuisine. This dish, prepared with care and attention, reveals the depth of flavors of sea bass, highlighting its delicate texture and rich aroma. Cooking in parchment preserves the fish's juiciness, while the combination of Dijon mustard, fresh dill, and lemon adds a refined zest. A sauce based on crème fraîche with hints of ginger and white wine complements the dish with subtle nuances. It is perfect for a cozy dinner or as an elegant festive treat. The presentation of the fish, neatly layered and topped with velvety sauce, transforms the meal into a true gastronomic delight.