The best thing I ever ate? Mum’s boeuf à la mode on my 21st birthday
She prepared a miraculous feat for my celebration. The very thought of it still makes me smile
TL;DR
- The author reflects on their mother's cooking, particularly a boeuf à la mode prepared for the author's 21st birthday.
- The dish, a classic of French provincial cooking from Elizabeth David's book, involved barding, rolling, and simmering beef in wine and herbs, set in a clear jelly with carrots.
- For the same birthday celebration, the author baked a unique chocolate cake shaped like a cabbage, inspired by a book by Judith Olney.
- The meal was a significant event, remembered for the impressive food and a beautifully laid table.