I have always wanted to make a clafoutis. So when I spotted ripe red glossy cherries at the local market here, I knew this was the right time to try out one. Since my first visit to the market and local vegetable/fruit shop in our area, I’ve been eyeing these cherries, so last weekend, I got a bunch determined to finally make a clafoutis.
I’ve been away from the kitchen for the last few days. We were in the Netherlands for a close friend’s wedding and spent some time visiting family while we were there.
The weather has not been kind lately. Instead of glorious sunny spring days, we’ve been having a lot of rain with temperatures completely wrong for this time of the year. Yesterday was an exception though. The sun was shining and the skies were bright. I took this as a sign to make something nice after what’s been a long enough break.
I recently bought a madeleine mould. Never had one but it’s not long before you give in and get one when you live in France. So I couldn’t wait to use it. Madeleines have always been a favourite of ours. You can’t really resist these pint sized cakes which can take any flavour you want to add to them. I thought of chocolate madeleines because it brings back warm memories of my 1-month course stint at the Dublin Cookery School. It’s been a year now since I did that course (how time flies!) and the first thing that both of us remember is the taste of lovely, crumbly chocolate madeleines that we were welcomed with when we went to have a look around before I decided on joining in. A plate of madeleines and hot cups of coffee later, I was truly and completely sold.
I’ve tried making pita bread only once before. The results were quite mediocre which is why I was never tempted to try it again. However, as time has passed, I’ve gained a little experience and confidence in the baking department. The other day, when we were stuck at home thanks to a continuous downpour that showed no signs of stopping, I had to think of something for supper.
Sometimes I get this strong feeling to bake something. It usually strikes over the weekend (although, we’re off full time work at the moment so every day is a weekend day ;)), on those lazy days when you’ve not done anything too productive and feel like filling the afternoon hours with some kitchen activity.
This last weekend was one such time and when we were in the supermarket, I stood in the baking products aisle for a good few minutes wandering up and down without much inspiration. This is when Peter suggested what about making a simple sponge cake maybe flavoured with lemon and cardamom? Not a bad idea I thought. Later at home, I found an unused bag of dessicated coconut in the kitchen cupboard and decided to throw that in too. I’ve always liked the flavour of coconut in both sweet and savoury dishes, maybe it’s got to do with the coconut rich food I grew up with but it instantly comforts me.
