I have found a very quick and easy lunch menu that everyone likes… I mentioned a few weeks ago how to caramelise and slow bake tomatoes ( recipe here) so once you have done that the rest is easy… I usually make two different tarts for this lunch menu … tomato with black tapenade and the other with pancetta and crème fraîche. If you cannot find crème fraîche substitute thick sour cream… Here’s how… and for me it’s all about the… Quick + Easy = Delicious
Tomato and Black Olive Tart
Pepper and salt to taste
Pancetta and Crème Fraîche Tart
Add freshly ground pepper to taste
The green salad is a staple in my menu… whether I offer it with a main course, independently or as an accompaniment to cheese. Sometimes I add all and everything to the mix but when I serve it with these tomato and pancetta tarts, I prefer a simple salad. There are a few secrets to a great green salad… the leaves must be crisp. the dressing tangy and the serving bowl interesting. I have been using this large glass bowl (which I think is a vase) for my green salads… the mixed leaves look pretty, it is easy to toss and the bowl holds a good amount. I learnt how to make my dressing from the wife of our farm manager… Christiane is one of the best cooks I know…. She told me that the trick is to let the salt and pepper dissolve into the balsamic vinaigrette before adding the olive oil. Her recipe is simple… but delicious..
Vinaigrette Dressing
Just before serving add the mixed green leaves but do not toss…
A great way to keep salad leaves crisp is to wash and pat dry then wrap them in a linen tea towel and place in the fridge. Lettuce and salad greens can be kept that way for several days…
I always present the salad at the table un-tossed and mix it once everyone is ready to eat… This way the salad stays crisp and fresh looking
Have a fabulous lunch this weekend… xv
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Holy happiness – You had me at tart! xo
These sound so delicious. I will definitely be giving these a go. Thank you for sharing. Have a great weekend… Jx
Yum, yum and yum. That is all I have to say.
That and beautifully photographed and styled!
Bon weekend,
Heather
looks so delicious
What a fabulous way to start off my morning my dear! Summer is still here and there is much room for crisp and fresh produce on my table before the hot soups start to take center stage! Anita
I know what I will be making this weekend! These look divine! Thanks for sharing them! Have a wonderful weekend!
That Tomato and Tapenade Tart looks incredibly delicious. With a salad bowl, thats this Saturday’s lunch done! Thanks Vicki!
Mmm perfect eating!
I need to make thos tomatoes. I have so many from my garden
This would be a perfect recipe to use them
Xx
Callie
So beautiful, and yet so simple. I’m thinking this is certainly something I can make this weekend. Wishing you, my beautiful and fabulous friend, a weekend that is filled with happiness and relaxation.
Oh! Thank you Vicki, I am going to roast my tomatoes today, in fact, they will remain in the oven while I run out to have my car inspected before September first! I’m so glad you provided the link, and I love the tart recipes, I shall make them as well.
the salad greens look fresh and so inviting in the glass bowl.
I adore that silverware on your table, I have been searching for an old set with rounded handles like yours, full rounds, ever since I saw an antique pair of servers a few years ago.
Wishing a lovely weekend to you and all of us fellow readers and commentors!
For some reason everyone in my family really hates typical American lunch food, so we often have what my 9 year old (who has never been to Paris!) a ‘Paris lunch’ – a bit of fresh baguette, some fruit, and cheese, plus olives if we have them.
I will have to make this ‘French lunch’ for them!
- Holly
Frais et facile à préparer. La perfection. Bravo, Vicki, et bon weekend! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
The tomato tart sounds wonderful! I’m going to pick some of my Dad’s tomatoes tonight…I’m having a girls’ night at my house tomorrow…this recipe is meant to be!
Hi Vicki, This sounds divine. I had never thought of putting the dressing on the bottom, but it makes perfect sense. I’m definitely going to try the tart recipes. Have a wonderful week-end. It will be a long holiday week-end here; so I’m expecting lots of business. Fingers Crossed. Mary
We in the Southern Hemisphere are so looking forward to Summer and these recipes are already going to be my favourites. Thank you for sharing them.
If I wasn’t so busy packing for my trip to your Australia I’d be making the tomato and black olive tart right this minute – love that type of meal with plenty of salad.
I’m heading to The Kimberley next week….did you ever visit there Vicki? Will fly LA to Sydney, then across to Broome and sail from there to Darwin – an expedition adventure, and it will be very hot!!!
Happy weekend – Mary X
I have never been… I am envious, I think you will have an incredible time with the most spectacular scenery… xv
Vicki,
I think these items look delicious…simple is my favorite ingredient in any menu.
Karen
I quickly looked through my e/m before going shopping this morning. I liked the look of your salad bowl; and while shopping in KMart I saw one just the same as yours. Of course I bought it and why wouldn’t I atthe tiny price of $3.00.
Thankyou Vicki, I have all the recipes copied must invites some people soon.
Super..j’arrive mais je vais m’envoler le long du canal…
Belle journée Vicky
Manon
Wonderful recipe(s) Vicki! Thank you so much for sharing, I loved the little detail about making the salad dressing–I’ve always wondered how to make this simple dressing have the perfect tangy taste. I am hoping to practice this recipe this weekend and then make it for guests next week.
Hope you have a lovely weekend!
xo Mary Jo
I made this for a dinner party this weekend, topped with the tomatoes provencal (recipe that you had provided earlier this month). Not only was it super easy and fast, it was beautiful and very yummy! I’ll certainly be making it again very soon! Thanks for the fabulous-ness!
ok..so I’m busy reading your past blog entries..I should be making dinner. Loving these tart recipes. The puff pastry here is my new best friend. And we have been roasting tomatoes nightly!
Salads for me need cheese on them or else they just taste bare to me.