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Classic French Recipes

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Classic French Recipes

While nothing really beats enjoying some authentic French cuisine in France, you do not have to hold out till your next holiday to savour some French food. Why not attempt some top French recipes yourself?

1. Beef Bourguignon

Pressed for time but craving a meaty meal? Check out the slow cooker recipe of this French classic and you can look forward to returning home to a hearty meal after a busy day! You can also prepare your beef bourguigon over the stovetop if you prefer. 

2. Coq Au Vin

If you love eating chicken, a meal of coq au vin will surely delight you. Like beef bourguigon, you can prepare it either using the stove or the slow cooker. 

3. Duck confit

If you miss the duck confit meal you had while on vacation, you can soon satisfy your craving with this recipe!

4. Ratatouille

Perhaps first known to many as a film, ratatouille is also a traditional French stewed veggie dish. Feed the goodness of plants to your family with this recipe! You can eat this dish as a side or serve it as a main, accompanied with rice or bread. 

5. Quiche Lorraine

One of the easiest French classics to make and a brunch favourite. You can prepare the traditional version which uses bacon or have it vegetarian if you do not take meat. 

 

 

Don't fancy cooking? Let our French hosts in Paris, Nice and Lyon do it for you!

 

 

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Foodie Guide to an Indulgence at Europe’s Christmas Markets

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Foodie Guide to an Indulgence at Europe's Christmas Markets

Ho ho ho! The year-end festive period sees Christmas markets sprouting all across Europe. These markets are immensely popular with both locals and travellers alike; filled with stalls selling handmade Christmas souvenirs and an abundance of treats, they are the perfect spots to shop for gifts for your loved ones and to grab a bite. Check out our guick foodie guide to make sure you don't miss out on the best treats in the markets!

1. Mulled Wine

Downing a warm beverage is especially comforting during the cold season. Stick to an all-time favourite at Christmas markets – mulled wine. Those who love their booze will not be able to resist this spiced drink.

2. Crepe

Satisfy your sweet tooth with piping hot crepes made on the spot. You will probably discern the delightful aroma of crepes wafting in the air before you spot a stall selling this treat. Most stalls offer a variety of sweet toppings, so go ahead and create a flavourful treat for yourself. Those without a sweet tooth will not be denied the joy of consuming this delectable treat – simply opt for a selection of savoury toppings to be loaded upon your crepe. 

3. Bratwurst

Delicious either fried or grilled, the bratwurst is a Christmas market staple not to be missed! It comes as no surprise that bratwurst is typically found in Germany's Christmas markets, as well as German-inspired Christmas markets across Europe as sausages are icons of German cuisine. At certain bratwurst stalls, you can ask for fries to go along with your sausage roll. It is vacation time after all, so do not hold back on indulging in decadent treats!

4. Apple Strudel

Warm and sweet, a serving of apple strudel drizzled with creamy vanilla sauce is the perfect antidote to combat winter blues. This is a must-eat treat for all dessert lovers!

5. Potato Pancakes

If you find yourself craving savoury, deep-fried fare, keep your eyes peeled for stalls selling potato pancakes. This German street food dish is usually served with applesauce, as the sweetness of the sauce balances out the salty flavours of the pancakes. Go for the sour cream dip if you are not a fan of contrasting sweet-and-salty flavours in a single dish. 

6. Gingerbread Cookies

No Christmas feast is complete without some spicy gingerbread cookies! You will easily spot these colourful treats from afar when you stroll through the market. Heartwarming messages and greetings are commonly writing in vibrantly-coloured icing on this cookie, making them ideal as gifts for your loved ones. Make sure you get some extra cookies, for you will not be able to resist biting into one right away!

 

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Desserts in Portugal: 6 Decadent Treats Not to be Missed

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Desserts in Portugal: 6 Decadent Treats Not to be Missed

There is no doubt that sweet treats are central to Portuguese cuisine – the abundance of pastry shops around the country is a clear testament to this. If you’re a traveller with a sweet tooth, we bring good news – here’s a list of Portuguese desserts to savour during your stay in Portugal:

1. Serradura

Serradura translates to mean ‘sawdust’ in English, and this dessert is also known as sawdust pudding. Unappetising as the name sounds, rest assured that this pudding is a lovely treat to be savoured. Crushed biscuits make up the layer of ‘sawdust’ sprinkled on the topmost layer of cream, spooned atop alternating layers of cream and tea biscuits. If you love desserts boasting contrasting textures, this creamy and crunchy treat is sure to hit a sweet spot.

2. Pudim Caseiro

This classic dessert is a household favourite made with ingredients such as eggs, milk, port wine, caramel, sugar and water. It is one of the many pudding desserts found in Portugal, and it is said that each household in the country prepares this dessert in different ways.

3. Toucinho do Ceu

Toucinho do Ceu translates to mean ‘bacon in heaven’ – but rest assured that this dessert does not contain any traces of the savoury cured meat. Infact, toucinho do ceu is a dessert of almond cake. Its unique name can be attributed to the fact that pork lard was traditionally used in the preparation of this dessert. Today, pork lard is not always used in the preparation of this cake, although bakers in certain regions of the country continue to follow this tradition.

4. Cavacas

Cavacas, also known as popover dessert, refers to a cupcake-style pastry topped with a sweet and creamy glaze. These decadent delights are a festive treat often served during holidays and celebrations. You will easily find it at Portuguese bakeries too, so you will not have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy this dessert.

5. Coscoroes

A festive treat commonly consumed during Christmas, coscoroes are fried pieces of dough with a crunchy texture and sweet flavour. The addition of orange and orange zest lend a citrusy note to the dessert, and a sprinkling of cinnamon brings a spicy kick to this treat.

6. Pastel De Nata

Pastel de nata, also known as Portuguese egg tarts, is a well-known Portuguese delicacy. This Portuguese classic was created by Catholic monks in a monastery in Lisbon prior to the 1800s. Fabrica de Pasteis de Belem, a pastry shop that has been operating since 1837, owns the original recipe of pastel de nata. Be sure to drop by this pastry store for a taste of the original Portuguese classic!

 

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Kid-friendly Travel: Top 10 Things to Do in Rome

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Kid-friendly Travel: Top 10 Things to Do in Rome

Beautiful Rome is home to myriad tourist attractions and activities. As a traveller in the city, you will be faced with the problem of having too many things to do, and too little time on your hands. Vacation makers travelling with their kids will have to fit in the demands and interests of their little ones as well. This makes it an even greater challenge to plan a fun-filled and well-scheduled trip…until you discover these ten travel attractions and activities!

1. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Hop on a bus, and discover the sounds and sights of Rome on four wheels! Starting from €25, these tours allow travellers to hop on and off the buses for an entire day. You and your little ones will enjoy cruising along the roads of Rome, keeping your eyes peeled for fascinating sites in the Vatican City, Pompeii, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum.

[ROMAN-HOSPITALITY https://www.bonappetour.com/s/Rome–Italy?lat=41.90278349999999&lng=12.496365500000024]
 

2. Learn to Cook Italian Dishes

If you and your family have an insatiable appetite, joining in a cooking class in Rome is a must-do on your travel itinerary. You will gain intriguing insights into the food and culture of Rome, and learn a wealth of cooking tips from your cooking host. Reap the fruits of your labour at the end of the session, by sitting down to enjoy a delectable meal together. The best part about this experience is that you can replicate the dishes and flavours in the comforts of your home, long after you have returned from your sojourns abroad.  

3. Indulge in Gelato

A smooth and creamy gelato is a universal treat, ideal at all times of the day, perfect for the young, young-at-heart and the not-so young-at-heart. Find out where to have the best gelatos in Rome, and make your way there to savour a serving (or two) of this decadent treat!

4. Explora: The Kids Museum

Let your little ones have a taste of what it is like to be an adult, filled with grown-up responsibilities. There are four sections in the museum displaying different activities and games for children up to the age of twelve. 

5. The Pantheon

Cultural buffs will not want to miss out on a visit to the magnificent Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the gods of Pagan Rome. You will set sight on an array of intricately-carved statues, beautiful Roman architecture and imposing pillars. A tour of the grounds of the temple will take about an hour, making it an ideal spot to slot into gaps within your travel itinerary. 

6. The Piazzas (Italy’s City Squares)

Cities throughout Italy are filled with a variety of vast piazzas, or city squares. Arm yourself with a picnic basket, grab a cup of coffee from one of the nearby coffee shops or bars, and enjoy a leisurely picnic session at the piazza. Once your kids have had their little tummies filled up with a spread of Italian delights, let them run free and play around in the commodious piazzas. 

7. Technotown

Similar to the Explora, Technotown is an appealing attraction for your children to explore and play at. In this innovative technological environment, the young and young-at-heart can try their hand at playing virtual football, watching 3D animation, as well as constructing and flying a motorised airplane. 

8. La Bocca della Verità (The Mouth of Truth)

Venture near the Church of Santa Maria, and you will find a huge marble face called the La Bocca della Verità. Play the game of truth by slipping your hand into the open mouth, and voice a statement aloud. Legend has it that individuals guilty of telling tales will have their hands bitten off by the highly perceptive marble face.

Regale this tale to your little ones, and watch as they nervously slip their hands into the hole. However, fret not, for there is little cause for worry – we have not heard of any cases of unfortunate visitors who have had their hands bitten off…yet. 

9. The Trevi Fountain

Holidaymakers cannot miss out on the oft-performed routine of tossing a coin into the sparkling waters of the Trevi Fountain. A note of caution – keep a wary lookout for pickpockets lurking around the Spanish Steps. Travellers, young and old, visiting this renowned site during the summer will enjoy the cooling breeze as they relax by the fountain area. 

*Update: As of June 2015, the Trevi Fountain is under renovation works. 

10. Eat With a Local

Make this trip your most memorable one yet, by joining in a social dining experience with the locals. Step into a Roman’s home, and tuck into a feast in an authentically Italian setting. A night of food, fun and engaging conversations await, leaving you with fond feelings and deep insights into the city. 

Travellers venturing to Rome in the summer should not miss out on a picnic by a picturesque castle, while a meal offering a classical selection of Roman dishes is perfect all year round. Your kids will love the experience, and delight in striking up a conversation with the affable hosts.

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