French Friday with Dorie
After last week's tart, it was nice to have a simple recipe to prepare, but even though it was simple to prepare I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do with it. While I was catching up with some recent tapings of The Martha Show that I had on the DVR, I was inspired by an appearance by Beatrice Peltre from La Tartine Gourmande where she made tartines with spring vegetables, ricotta cheese spread and smoked salmon.
Dorie's spread of ricotta cheese (I used part skim) mixed with minced garlic, shallot, some parsley, chives, tarragon, some olive oil and red wine vinegar was a perfect dressing for a sandwich. I added just a little bit of lemon juice and zest and salt to the herb cheese for some extra flavor.
Since we were having a late afternoon lunch and both of us were starving, I spread a thick layer on the country bread. I topped it with some baby lettuce, and some prosciutto. I had some fava beans from our fresh farm box that I had blanched and I found some cute little mini heirloom tomatoes at Trader Joes that I added to the sandwich. I knew they would fall off and be a little messy in an open-faced sandwich, but that's part of the fun of eating outdoors, isn't it?
I also made Dorie's basil coulis and drizzled some over the tops of the tartines. The basil and olive oil gave the tartines so much flavor and was just the right touch. This was a perfect lunch for a warm spring afternoon.
There are so many different toppings that you could use with this spread on a tartine. Beatrice used the smoked salmon on a bed of watercress which I think would also be delicious. I will be experimenting more with this, for sure. One tartine was not enough for John and since he's not used to eating open-faced sandwiches, he rolled his up so the veggies wouldn't slide off. He was still hungry after his tartines, so I made him a second one, but sliced the tomatoes and added another piece of bread on top so he could eat it American-style.
Both versions were given a thumbs up. You can visit French Fridays with Dorie to see what the rest of the group made with their herb cheese spread.
You really made good use of this spread. The tartine idea was perfect! The prosciutto and peppery arugula should be a great combination.
ReplyDeleteElaine - how pretty! What a fresh and summer-y way to use this up.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
What a creative idea! I'm so jealous of your fresh fava beans. Your tartines are lovely.
ReplyDeleteI'd give it a thumbs-up too! It looks like a delicious lunch.
ReplyDeleteI like your open face sandwich, such a great use of the herbed cheese;-) Such a perfect Summer al fresco lunch. Enjoy your holiday weekend;-)
ReplyDeletePerfect, Elaine! What a lovely little lunch... I'm sure is was delicious! :)
ReplyDeleteElaine, what delicious looking tartines - I absolutely love the photos and it all looks so appetizing. Wonderful! What a nice way to enjoy some really good food al fresco!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend!
Yum, that looks like one of the tastiest preparations yet! Well done.
ReplyDeleteYummy, I like how you shot the pictures outside, and the recipe looks really colorful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely lunch!
ReplyDeleteOh this looks like a perfect brunch, especially for warm weather :)
ReplyDeleteso jealous of those toms! :) Lookin good this week!
ReplyDeletePerfect cheese for a crostini lunch - looks so delicious :D
ReplyDeleteCheers
Choc Chip Uru
Elaine, I love the idea of using this as the base for a tartine. I assume you didn't toast the country bread but that would be a good idea also. I think the herb cheese lacked a little something in flavor so by your adding all the fresh and tasty additions, it was probably perfect. Good idea. I am going to tinker with this recipe and definitely will use it with sandwiches.
ReplyDeleteThat looks fairly easy to make and tasty.
ReplyDeleteYour tartines look divine, Elaine! What a great looking lunch. I know I would have to make at least one more for my husband if I stole your idea. :-)
ReplyDeletelooks absolutely amazing
ReplyDeleteElaine, those tartines look amazing. I liked this cheese spread on bread (toast). Your toppings are putting ideas in my head for lunch tomorrow. So many possibilities. I hope have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteHow creative, Elaine! I loved the touch of lemon with this, too. This cheese has endless possibilities, but not much can top what you did with it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind wishes & have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Beautifully and creatively done. I was considering lemon juice and zest, but I told myself that I put lemon or orange in 95% of everything I make...so try something different. I think I should have added some. Even with all my additions, my ricotta version still lacked "something." I think your additions are smart and your sandwiches make a lovely meal. Then...I saw your Jeni's ice cream post. I was just telling my girls yesterday that I want to make a few of Jeni's recipes...I've also had the book for about a year and it sits waiting patiently on my shelf. This holiday weekend will be a good time to try it out! I'm encouraged by you. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteyum. SO TEMPTING. Nom nom.
ReplyDeleteYour sandwiches look great - a hearty and practical way to use this cheese.
ReplyDeleteElaine, Your tartine look heavenly! Love that vibrant color…and your cheese looks so smooth and delicious! Simply beautiful table…I’d love to be sitting there enjoying this lunch with you! Have a wonderful Memorial Day!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done, Elaine! I'm loving your idea of a tartine..with all those yummy ingredients!
ReplyDeleteLooks wonderful!! Great photos. Love your idea of the tartine!
ReplyDeleteI definitely think I would've enjoyed this more as a sandwich spread instead of a dip. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteThese open sandwiches are perfect especially if you get to enjoy them out in the patio!
ReplyDeletelooks very yummmy..with inviting cliks
ReplyDeleteTasty Appetite
And, congratulations back to you, my friend. I saw last night that you had been nominated. It's just fun, isn't it.
ReplyDeleteElaine, I was going to nominate you as well, alas, I seem to be too late - there seem to be so many nominations that it is easy to loose track, therefore, I am just going to nominate you a second time, you sure deserve it!!
ReplyDeleteI've yet to make this recipe, but looking at your tartines is making me think I should do so soon. It's not quite summer here yet, but I find I'm craving summery food lately.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous spread! Sounds like Dorie's mix was a hit. I love little nibbly bites like these- perfect for summertime weather!
ReplyDeleteI like the spread. I bet it would keep for a day or two if I prepare for the whole weekend. I would not have thought to add fava beans to my sandwich. That is something I will try next time. Looks like a wonderful mix.
ReplyDelete