The Traditional Tablecloths of Provence March 07, 2022 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 Read more
Elegant Austerity Dish: Swedish Meatballs March 06, 2022 Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce, Accompanied by New Potatoes and Lingonberries Read more
Chocolate Cupcakes Decorated Simply with Ganache March 04, 2022 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 Read more
Chocolate Cupcakes Dusted with Powdered Sugar March 03, 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 Read more
Elegant Salad with Cucumbers November 19, 2021 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 Read more
When Chocolate Chip Cookie-Making Gets Serious November 19, 2021 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 Read more
M-J's Elegant and Easy Pear Dessert February 24, 2021 Pieces of ripe pear decorate a bowl of strained yoghurt laced with maple syrup, creating an elegant dessert. @M-J de Mesterton 2021 Read more
Elegant Tortilla with Crispy Potatoes February 24, 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 Read more
The Elegant Cook Recommends Vinsobres Côtes du Rhône Villages, Perrin & Fils February 13, 2021 Featured in 2006 at M-J's Site, Elegant Survival, Les Cornuds 2005 by Vinsobres Côtes du Rhône Villages~ Perrin & Fils Beaucastel Read more
Elegant Vegetarian Burgers February 13, 2021 Boca Burgers in M-J's Home-Made Brioche Buns, a Light and Delicious Luncheon Dish Read more