Elegantly-designed motifs of plants decorate the famous tablecloths of Provence, France. Traditionally, these textiles are made of pure cotton; some modern versions are made from spill-resistant polyester and are more durable, like the one pictured here. ©M-J de Mesterton

  Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce, Accompanied by New Potatoes and Lingonberries

  By melting dark chocolate in a double-boiler and whisking-in some dairy cream, I made ganache with which to cover these cupcakes. ©M-J de Mesterton 2022

  I used my old recipe for chocolate cake, filled cupcake pans large and small, then used a tea-strainer to dust the cakes with powdered sugar before arranging them on platters.. ©M-J de Mesterton 2022

  A simple salad with cucumbers as its main ingredient, with celery and feta cheese chunks, dressed in a plain vinaigrette with pimientos, is a beautiful component of an elegant luncheon. ©M-J de Mesterton 2010

 These stainless steel pans full of chocolate chip dough (Trader Joe's recipe) were created using a melon-baller that's also useful in the production of Swedish meatballs and elegant salad design . ©M-J de Mesterton, Elegant Cook

 

 

  "Mr Chablis", Michel Laroche

 Pieces of ripe pear decorate a bowl of strained yoghurt laced with maple syrup, creating an elegant dessert. @M-J de Mesterton 2021

 Eggs are beaten and poured into a hot, buttered pan and cooked until light brown on the bottom, then placed under a broiler after sautéed potato chunks and shredded cheese are added to the top. This version of the Spanish tortilla makes a hearty luncheon dish. ©M-J de Mesterton 2021

  Featured in 2006 at M-J's Site, Elegant Survival, Les Cornuds 2005 by Vinsobres Côtes du Rhône Villages~ Perrin & Fils Beaucastel

 Boca Burgers in M-J's Home-Made Brioche Buns, a Light and Delicious Luncheon Dish

 

                                                      M-J de Mesterton, the Elegant Cook