Showing posts with label french. Show all posts
Showing posts with label french. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Rustic Tomato Galette with Gruyere & Thyme – Simple, Stunning, Delicious

A French-inspired twist on classic Southern tomato pie—this rustic galette with Gruyère, Dijon, and thyme celebrates summer tomatoes in all their glory.




Rustic Tomato Galette with Gruyere & Thyme – Simple, Stunning, Delicious


Summer reminds me of fresh vine-ripened tomatoes and all the dishes made from them. One of my favorite childhood memories is of my mom making a classic Southern tomato pie—juicy tomato slices layered into a buttery crust and topped with a tangy mix of cheese and mayo. It was simple, comforting, and deeply tied to the rhythm of summer.

This Rustic Tomato Galette with Gruyère & Thyme is my take on that tradition, reimagined with a French twist. I kept the essence—sun-ripened tomatoes and plenty of cheese—but traded the mayo topping for a swipe of bold Dijon and swapped in melty Gruyère and nutty Parmesan for a more savory, elegant feel. Wrapped in a flaky, golden crust and finished with fresh herbs, it’s just as nostalgic as the pie I grew up with, but elevated in the best way.

Whether you serve it warm on a breezy back porch or at room temp with a glass of chilled wine, this galette is pure summer—rustic, refined, and packed with the kind of flavor only a fresh tomato can deliver.

 




What Ingredients Do I Need?

This rustic tomato galette keeps things simple, letting seasonal ingredients shine. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it all together:

  • All-purpose flour – For the buttery homemade galette crust.

  • Unsalted butter – Keeps the crust rich and flaky.

  • Ice water – Helps the dough come together without overworking it.

  • Fresh tomatoes – Vine-ripened, juicy, and full of summer flavor.

  • Shallot – Adds a hint of mild, sweet onion flavor.

  • Olive oil – For tossing the tomato mixture and enhancing richness.

  • Fresh thyme – Brings an earthy, aromatic touch to the filling.

  • Garlic – Adds savory depth.

  • Dijon mustard – The secret layer of sharp, tangy contrast under the tomatoes.

  • Gruyère cheese – Melty, nutty, and rich.

  • Parmesan cheese – For a salty, umami finish.

  • Egg – Brushed on the crust for a beautiful golden color.

  • Fresh basil – A final herbal flourish before serving.

  • Salt & pepper – Seasoning to enhance every bite.





Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

Want to customize your galette or work with what you have on hand? Here are some easy swaps:

  • Gruyère cheese → Use sharp white cheddar, Fontina, or Comté for a similar melty texture and depth.

  • Parmesan cheese → Try Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even grated aged cheddar.

  • Shallot → Substitute with a few thin slices of red onion or green onions.

  • Fresh thyme → Dried thyme works in a pinch, or swap in oregano or Herbes de Provence.

  • Dijon mustard → Use whole grain mustard for texture or stone-ground mustard for a milder bite.

  • Tomatoes → Any variety works—heirloom, Roma, cherry (halved), or even a mix for added color.

  • Homemade crust → Short on time? A store-bought pie crust or puff pastry will do in a pinch—just adjust baking time as needed.


Variations

This tomato galette is endlessly versatile—perfect for adapting to what’s in season or what you’re craving. Here are two delicious variations to try:

  • Caprese-Inspired Galette:  Layer in a few slices of fresh mozzarella with the Gruyère, and top with cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking. Finish with fresh basil for a galette that echoes the flavors of a classic Caprese salad.
  • Roasted Mushroom & Tomato Galette:  Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms (cremini or shiitake work beautifully) beneath the tomatoes. The earthy mushrooms pair perfectly with the Gruyère and thyme, giving this variation a deeper, more savory flavor—great for late summer or early fall.



Kitchen Tips & Notes
  • Salt your tomatoes! – Don’t skip the salting and draining step—it’s key to preventing a soggy crust and concentrating tomato flavor.

  • Chill the dough thoroughly – A well-chilled dough rolls out more easily and bakes up flakier.

  • Don’t worry about perfection – The beauty of a galette is in its rustic charm. Pleat the edges loosely and let it be freeform.

  • Tomato variety matters – Use the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find—heirlooms, Romas, or even colorful cherry tomatoes all work well.

  • Leftovers? – Store any leftover slices in the fridge and reheat gently in a 300°F oven to revive the crisp crust.




What to Serve with Rustic Tomato Galette with Gruyere & Thyme

This rustic tomato galette makes a gorgeous centerpiece for any summer meal. Here are a few favorite ways to serve it:

  • Pair with a crisp green salad – A simple mix of arugula or baby greens with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the galette.

  • Serve as a brunch or lunch main – Slice it into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature with iced tea, sparkling water, or a light white wine.

  • Add it to a summer picnic spread – This galette travels well and doesn’t mind being eaten at room temp—perfect for park blankets or backyard tables.

  • Make it part of a casual dinner – Round out the meal with grilled veggies, corn on the cob, or a chilled cucumber soup.




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Sunday, March 9, 2025

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Swiss Chicken Crepes – Ultimate Comfort Food!

Indulgent, Cheesy, and Comforting – These Swiss Chicken Crepes Are Pure Bliss!






Melt-in-Your-Mouth Swiss Chicken Crepes – Ultimate Comfort Food!



There’s something undeniably special about Swiss Chicken Crepes—a dish that feels both elegant and deeply comforting. My love affair with chicken crepes began years ago when I first stepped into a charming French café. The delicate, golden crepes filled with tender chicken and smothered in a creamy Swiss cheese sauce were pure magic, and from that moment on, I was hooked. Now, I’m bringing that same indulgent experience to my own kitchen with this easy-to-make, utterly satisfying recipe.

These crepes are the perfect balance of rich and delicate. The homemade crepes are light and slightly buttery, while the filling is packed with shredded chicken, fresh spinach, Swiss cheese, and a hint of garlic for depth. But the real star? The luscious Swiss cheese sauce that coats every bite in creamy, melty goodness. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to slow down and savor every forkful.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend dinner, a dish to impress guests, or a comforting meal for a special occasion, these Swiss Chicken Crepes fit the bill. They’re elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight when you’re craving something indulgent. Plus, they can be made ahead of time—simply assemble the crepes, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready to serve.

If you love classic comfort food with a touch of sophistication, these crepes are a must-try. They bring together everything we crave—warmth, nostalgia, and pure, cheesy satisfaction. Serve them with a simple side salad or a glass of white wine, and you have a meal that feels like a trip to a Parisian café, right from the comfort of home!

Enjoy!






What Ingredients do I need?

For the Crepes:

  • Eggs
  • All-purpose flour
  • Milk
  • Butter

For the Filling:

  • Cooked chicken breasts (shredded)
  • Fresh baby spinach
  • Swiss cheese (shredded)
  • Garlic
  • Black pepper

For the Swiss Cheese Sauce:

  • Half-and-half
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Swiss cheese (shredded)

For Assembly & Garnish:

  • Parsley (chopped)
  • Aluminum foil (for baking)







Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

  • Crepes →  substitute store bought crepes for quick and easy preparation.
  • Chicken → Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, turkey for a twist, or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
  • Baby Spinach → Swap with kale, arugula, or Swiss chard.
  • Swiss Cheese → Gruyère, Emmental, or mozzarella work well.
  • Garlic → Use garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
  • Half-and-Half → Replace with whole milk for a lighter sauce or heavy cream for extra richness.

Variations

  • Mushroom & Swiss Crepes – Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and onions for a delicious vegetarian twist. Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
  • Ham & Swiss Crepes (Savory Croque-Style) – Replace the chicken with thinly sliced ham and a touch of Dijon mustard inside the filling for a French-inspired variation.
  • Seafood Crepes – Use cooked shrimp, crab, or a mix of seafood in place of chicken. A sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning adds a coastal flair.
  • Herb & Spinach Crepes – Add fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the filling for a fresh, aromatic touch.




Kitchen Tips and Notes

  • Use a Nonstick Pan or Crepe Pan – A well-greased nonstick skillet or crepe pan makes flipping the crepes much easier. Keep melted butter nearby to lightly grease the pan between each crepe.
  • Thin Batter is Key – Crepe batter should have a thin, pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, whisk in a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time.
  • Don’t Overfill the Crepes – A generous, but not overloaded, filling ensures they roll up neatly and stay intact while baking.
  • Make-Ahead Tip – Crepes can be made in advance and stored in the fridge (stacked with parchment paper in between) for up to 2 days. The entire dish can also be assembled a day ahead and baked when ready to serve.
  • Cheese Sauce Consistency – If the Swiss cheese sauce is too thick, whisk in a little warm milk or half-and-half until smooth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
  • Freezing Instructions – Freeze unbaked crepes (without sauce) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. When ready to use, thaw, add the sauce, and bake as directed.



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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Swiss Chicken Crepes


serves 4




Crepes:
3 large eggs
2/3 cup flour
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter


Filling:
3 cups shredded, cooked chicken breasts
1/2 5 oz package fresh baby spinach, chopped
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon pepper
8 crepes
Swiss Cheese Sauce
parsley, chopped (garnish)


Swiss Cheese Sauce:
3 cups half-and-half
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups shredded Swiss Cheese


Make the Crepes: In a medium bowl add 3 eggs and beat until emulsified. Add in flour and milk and stir until well combined. Let crepe batter rest for 20 minutes. Heat a small skillet or a crepe pan over medium heat, brush with melted butter and pour 1/3 cup of batter into the pan and immediately swirl or tilt the pan so the batter coats the entire skillet. (keep butter nearby for greasing the pan between each crepe) Let the batter cook until it appears dry and starts to pull away from the sides. Flip and cook until lightly browned and moves freely in the pan. Prepare remaining crepes in the same manner, brushing pan with butter each time. Stack crepes until ready to fill.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare the Swiss Cheese Sauce: In saucepan add half-and-half and cornstarch. Whisk in salt and pepper and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Boil 1 minute until sauce has thickened. Add cheese , reduce heat to low, and simmer, whisking constantly for 1 minute. Remove from heat and use immediately.

Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl add chicken, spinach, Swiss cheese, garlic and pepper, and 1 cup of Swiss Cheese Sauce.

Filling the Crepes: Pour a little of the cheese sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Divide the chicken mixture among each crepe, spooning down the center. Gently roll up the crepe and place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with all crepes. Top with remaining Swiss cheese sauce. Cover with Aluminum foil

Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and garnish with parsley and serve.
















 

Saturday, July 8, 2023

Spice it Up!

Try making one or more of my spice blends to use this summer for a flavor boost in a variety of dishes!






Spice it Up!


One of the easiest ways to make food tasty is using a spice blend.  Today I'm going to give you recipes for some basic but popular spice blends along with some ideas for using them all summer long.

All you need are some basic spices and an empty jar.  Mix these together and they will last for several months in the pantry.

Enjoy!





Italian Seasoning

Combine 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper; 1 Tbsp dried thyme, crushed; 1 Tbsp dried rosemary, crushed; 1 Tbsp dried oregano, crushed; and 1 Tbsp dried basil, crushed.  Makes 1/4 cup.


Use In:



Greek Seasoning

Combine 1/2 tsp dried minced garlic; 1 tsp dried minced onion; 1 tsp dried marjoram, crushed; 1 tsp dried basil, crushed; 2 tsp dried thyme, crushed; and 1 Tbsp dried oregano, crushed.  Makes about 3 Tbsp.


Use In:

  • Grilled Chicken Souvlaki or Chicken Gyros
  • Greek Grilled Pork Chops
  • Greek Salad Dressing
  • Greek Oven Roasted Potatoes
  • Add to sour cream or yogurt with some lemon for a great dip
  • Make Greek chicken, turkey, or beef burgers






Taco Seasoning

Combine 1 Tbsp salt; 1-2 tsp onion powder; 1-2 tsp black pepper; 3-4 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried oregano, crushed; 2 Tbsp. ground cumin, 1/2 - 1 tsp crushed red pepper; and 3-4 Tbsp chili powder.  Makes about 2/3 cup.


Use In:



Herbes de Provence

Combine 1 tsp fennel seeds, crushed; 1 tsp dried lavender, crushed; 1 tsp dried sage, crushed, 1 dried rosemary, crushed; 1 Tbsp dried marjoram, crushed; 1 tsp dried thyme, crushed; and 1 tsp dried basil, crushed.  Makes about 3 Tbsp.


Use In:

  • Sprinkle in rice
  • Grilled Chicken sprinkled with Herbes de Provence
  • Summer Ratatouille
  • Roasted Fish
  • Roasted Vegetables sprinkled with Herbes de Provence







Suggested Items




24Pcs,Glass Spices Container Set with White Printed Labels $27.97



General Storage Tips

Pour these spice blends into a small glass or plastic jars with tight-fitting lids.  Store in a cool, dark place for 6 months.  




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