make.eat.share.
Summer hits
Wish you were feasting on Mediterranean flavours on a villa terrace in the south of France? Spirit yourself there with legendary chef Raymond Blanc’s laid-back recipes... Just add chilled rosé
Raymond Blanc’s
PHOTOGRAPHS STUART WEST FOOD STYLING KATY MCCLELLAND STYLING TONY HUTCHINSON
Poached artichoke with mustard vinaigrette
The ingredients at this time of year are wonderful – we’re spoiled for choice! It’s the time to gather with family and friends to enjoy our gardens and the great outdoors. The food doesn’t have to be complicated: lovely salads, cheeses and fresh bread – voilà, you have the perfect spread. But for something a little more elaborate, the recipes here are perfect for a get-together.
I have wonderful memories of growing up in France and summers with family and friends that will stay with me forever.
I still love going to the south of France, and the summer months are special as we all get together to catch up. Our lunches last all afternoon and into the evening.
To be outdoors with the sun setting and a pastis in your hand makes for treasured memories.
Going to the markets in France is one of my favourite things.
Buying local means you get fresher food and you’re supporting small producers and farmers, which has a positive knock-on effect on the local community.
I urge you to go to your nearest farmers’ market, speak to the growers and find out what to expect in the coming weeks. Visit a pick-your-own farm. Or, better still, grow your own. We run gardening courses at The Raymond Blanc Gardening School at Le Manoir, so if you need tips on getting started, come and join us.
“This is a simple dish, and simplicity is what my cuisine is all about. Make sure your ingredients are fresh, seasonal and grown close to home and they’ll require minimal preparation and cooking to taste amazing. You can buy artichokes ready-prepared, of course, but taking the time and love to prepare your own will shine through when you serve them. That’s the joy of food and cooking.”
RAYMOND BLANC
Poached artichoke with mustard vinaigrette
Serves 4
Hands-on time 10 min Simmering time 40 min Specialist kit Kitchen twine
RB’S TIP
Try to buy large, fat globes that are heavy for their size, healthylooking and free of discolouration