Pâtes à Tartiner

10 September 2010

Apologies for neglecting my blog once again – it’s been a really busy summer and I’ve been travelling a lot for work. Although I shouldn’t be complaining about being busy, my poor kitchen has also been sadly neglected (I’m the only cook in the house) and I’m hoping to get back to some autumn cooking soon.

Before I go off again, I wanted to share an exciting project I worked on earlier this year. I had fun shooting a cookbook for French publisher Marabout, with the talented food writer Rachel Khoo. I’ve known Rachel since I visited her at La Cocotte, a lovely cookbook shop in Paris, a couple of years ago – and so it was great to work with her on this project.
 




Born in England, Rachel graduated from St Martins in London and, after starting work in PR, went on to pursue her passion for food by studying at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, gaining a pastry degree. Her huge talent and creativity proved a hit at La Cocotte, leading her to start a successful career as a food writer, consultant, chef and teacher, having run workshops all over Europe and even as far as Australia.

Her lovely first book, Barres de Céréales, Muesli et Granola Maison was beautifully shot by the very talented Akiko Ida; this is Rachel’s second book and it’s all about spreads. Featuring around 50 mouthwatering recipes, as well as the classics such as chocolate, caramel, nuts and fruits, Rachel surprised us with some modern twists like coconut jam, goat cheese cream with macadamia nuts and salmon pate with wasabi – to name a few. So, needless to say, I enjoyed tasting all types of really delicious spreads – both sweet and savoury :)
 





The other great member of the team was French stylist Elodie Rambaud. I’m sure many of you have seen her gorgeous work somewhere – she worked her magic (effortlessly) throughout the shoot and it made me realise again how important it is to have a good eye for styling. Her beautiful props made me green with envy – as did the gorgeous studio in the 10th that we were lucky enough to work in.
 




Rachel kindly agreed to share a couple of recipes here in English – white chocolate spreads, one with tonka bean and another with matcha. They are some of my favourites, I’m not normally a big white chocolate fan, but I’m totally hooked on these flavours (and they are very easy to make); I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Rachel will be holding a book signing at La Cocotte on the 18th September. There will be a selection of delicious spreads for everyone to taste – I’ll be popping in during the event, so I look forward to meeting some of you then!
 

White chocolate and matcha tea spread

250g white chocolate, chopped finely
150ml double cream
Pinch of salt
2 tsps of matcha tea powder

Bring the cream and the salt to a boil, whisk in the matcha powder. Set aside. Melt the chocolate in a heat proof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally. Once melted stir in the cream. Should there still be any lumps, place the bowl over the pot of simmering water again and stir until there are none. Store covered in the fridge, it will keep for a couple of weeks.
 

Tonka bean white chocolate spread

250g white chocolate, chopped finely
150ml double cream
Pinch of salt
1/2 tonka bean

Finely grate half a tonka bean into the cream with the salt before boiling for 2 minutes. Set aside. Melt the chocolate in a heat proof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally. Once melted stir in the cream. Should there still be any lumps, place the bowl over the pot of simmering water again and stir until there are none. Store covered in the fridge, it will keep for a couple of weeks.
 

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  • Oh holy guacamole, look at that PROP TABLE!!!!! Green with envy. Lovely, lovely shots Keiko – Rachel is so lucky to have had you to bring her creations to life. Stunning, light-filled shots. x

    Posted by Jeanne @ CookSister! | 10 September 2010 #

  • Great pics and I will try the tonka bean white chocolate spread soon as it sounds fantastic!

    Posted by Emmas Kök | 10 September 2010 #

  • Congratulations, your work in photography is stunning and very inspiring. Thanx for sharing.

    Posted by juliethealkalinesister | 10 September 2010 #

  • Congratulations Keiko! This book looks so beautiful! I just ordered myself one because of your lovely photos (I’ll muddle my way through the French!)

    -L

    Posted by L | 10 September 2010 #

  • this is such a beautiful post, and you’re making me very hungry too… :)

    Posted by Lil | 10 September 2010 #

  • Welcome back! Looks amazing and your photos are as stunning as ever

    Posted by Tim | 10 September 2010 #

  • Absolutely beautiful…　お元気ですか？あちこちで活躍されているようで、すごい！とても嬉しいです！私は今もベイエリアにいます。米国のフードシーンもとても賑わいをみせてきて、競争も激化していてますます楽しいです。近い将来SFとか来られる予定はないのでしょうか！？再会できるのを心待ちにしています．．．。寒くなりますので、ご自愛ください〜。

    Posted by Misuzu | 10 September 2010 #

  • Absolutely stunning photos! But I wouldn’t expect anything less from you :) congratulations!

    Posted by rick @ alamode | 10 September 2010 #

  • As usual, so inspiring ! An outstanding team work !

    Posted by Vanille | 10 September 2010 #

  • Keiko. These are lovely. You have done a great job. I think I need to makesomeof the white chocolate/matcha spread.It sounds delicous and pretty.I have never heard of,or seen a tonka bean.

    Posted by barbara | 10 September 2010 #

  • J’ai le premier livre de Rachel khoo(barres de céréales) et je le trouve formidable, des recettes réussies, des astuces et une mine d’informations. Celui-ci a l’air tout aussi tentant! Tes photos sont absolument superbes!!

    Posted by Kouka | 11 September 2010 #

  • good to see this, keiko. your amazing photos always fill me with awe.
    i have news to share. i will be moving out of Tokyo to Paris in october for a year. very excited but bidding goodbye to tokyo is sad too. hope to see you around sometimes. take care :)

    Posted by shereen | 11 September 2010 #

  • Just found your blog. You inspire others, including me. Your photography gives feeling, warmth, an passion to the food.

    Posted by Gale Reeves | 11 September 2010 #

  • I can’t wait to get this one too! Love the works and talents of all involved in this project so I know I will love it :)

    Posted by Helene | 11 September 2010 #

  • oh how nice to read from you again. this post is amazing. welcome back!

    Posted by irene | 11 September 2010 #

  • Beautiful book! Can’t wait to see it. Congratulations.

    Posted by mami | 11 September 2010 #

  • Beautiful photos!
    Good to see you back!

    Posted by monika | 11 September 2010 #

  • Keiko darling, as usual great photos. And i love the post. I will be in Paris on 18 buy not on my own schedullle though.however of i can i will stop by for a signed copy.

    Posted by valentina | 11 September 2010 #

  • Oh it’s always such a pleasure to see there’s a new post from you and never disappointed in the beautiful photos, also great news about the book signing in Paris, hoping to be there and meet u in person
    liz

    Posted by liz | 11 September 2010 #

  • Hi Keiko san~~!

    I am so happy to see your new post! You always inspired me!
    Really breath taking!! I truly admire you :)

    I wish you a very best, and hope to see you again soon :)

    Posted by junko | 12 September 2010 #

  • WOW – these photographs are just beautiful. I love all the gorgeous dishes too. What a great excuse for not blogging when you are able to be part of this project. Lucky you.

    Posted by Victoria | 12 September 2010 #

  • Those spreads make me want to spread all over the kitchen table.

    PS. Nuts and chocolate together are like Rachel Ray and Guy Fierei, made for each other.

    Posted by Gabriel Hummel | 12 September 2010 #

  • I am in love with your talent: I adore your blissful captures and I absolutely want the book! It looks like being AMAZING!
    Greetings!

    Posted by Lilja | 12 September 2010 #

  • Je viens juste de faire celle au matcha ..
    Enfer et damnation, je n’ai qu’une envie : tester celle à la fève tonka !!!!
    C’est absolument divin !
    Merci de partager :)

    Posted by marion | 12 September 2010 #

  • How nice to have you back, and thanks for the beautiful pics.

    Posted by Debs | 13 September 2010 #

  • Sei bravissima
    paola italy

    Posted by paola | 13 September 2010 #

  • I do hope your friend’s book will be translated into English and sold in Australia. I for one would love a copy!

    Posted by Gummi Baby | 13 September 2010 #

  • Hi there,
    I love your blog for this reason I want to introduce you my new blog. I’m just starting but I promise u You’ll enjoy it.
    So click on and follow me
    http://foodoku-stefano.blogspot.com/

    Posted by stefano | 13 September 2010 #

  • Hi, Keiko san! Congratulations on your publishing work! What a lovely book project you participated in! Your photos are stunning as always. I don’t think you need to turn green with envy! I think you are very very talented in many people’s eyes. Your blog is one of the few ones that I read almost everything including all the comments!! It looks like there are many fans who love you and your work out there. Your blog is always very heart warming. Thanks for your posting!

    Posted by Kaho | 13 September 2010 #

  • Every time I look at your photos I am just enchanted at how magical they are. They just glow with creativity! I am sure this project will be a great success.

    Posted by Rachel K | 14 September 2010 #

  • Absolutely gorgeous work. I’m a fan.

    Posted by zenchef | 14 September 2010 #

  • Hi Keiko since I bumped into your beautiful blog I was waiting for your new post…
    your pictures are really cracking good!
    ...by the way I’ll try the whit choc + matcha
    Gio

    Posted by Gio | 14 September 2010 #

  • Welcome back Keiko! And please please don’t be away too long again. Lovely post, I want to get a copy of the new book. Look forward to your next post. :)

    Posted by Nur Suraya | 15 September 2010 #

  • こんにちは。
    美しいトーンですね。
    地味過ぎず、可愛い過ぎず、
    なんとも安らぐカラーコーディネート、
    勉強になります。

    Posted by y_and_r_d | 15 September 2010 #

  • I just ordered this book from amazon, can’t wait it to be here!!

    Posted by Gaia - the Cook | 15 September 2010 #

  • dearest keiko, it’s all so utterly beautiful and inspirational, as always! xo,joycelyn

    Posted by Joycelyn | 15 September 2010 #

  • such beautiful pictures! so glad to see the project go ahead and your work published keiko. love from istanbul…
    ilgin

    Posted by ilgin yorulmaz | 16 September 2010 #

  • Brings back memories of after school gouter of my youth

    Great blog

    Serge
    http://www.sergetheconcierge.com

    Posted by Serge Lescouarnec | 18 September 2010 #

  • Keiko your pictures are amazing! they look so ethereal, may I ask what camera you have and what your main lens is?

    Posted by Austin Nguonly | 18 September 2010 #

  • My first time here, and I am really too astonished to write something that does not sound too banal. Let me start just with “congratulations”

    Posted by Marilì - GustoShop | 18 September 2010 #

  • Keiko

    Followed the thread to La Cocotte and mentioned your site, book and book party in ‘Tartines and Hot Chocolate, Pates a Tartiner Book Party at La Cocotte, Paris, Sept 18’ on ‘Serge the Concierge’

    Bon week-end
    Serge
    ‘The French Guy from New Jersey’
    Twitter: @theconcierge

    Posted by Serge Lescouarnec | 18 September 2010 #

  • Congratulation for your work!
    Talent, passion, constance and doing things well always pay!
    I hope to become a professional food photographer… or maybe not, too difficult! I will be satisfy to be a personal chef for my friends! ;-)
    Congratulation again and thanks for sharing your experience!

    Posted by nico@spadellatore | 19 September 2010 #

  • Hi Keiko,

    I absolutely love your blog, it is simply exquistie. Can you please visit my blog, and tell me what you think, by leaving a comment. I will deeply appreciate it.

    www.fifideli.com

    Thanks

    Posted by Fifi | 19 September 2010 #

  • This looks amazing! I would love to have this book. Congratulations Keiko san!

    Posted by Jessie | 20 September 2010 #

  • Quite beautiful work, keep it up, you clearly have a talent to be envious of.

    Posted by gary | 21 September 2010 #

  • Beautiful pictures! Congratulations!
    I can’t wait to get hold of Rachel’s book :)

    Posted by Blandine | 21 September 2010 #

  • Always so happy to see a new post from you! Lovely!

    Posted by tiina { sparkling ink } | 21 September 2010 #

  • this is the most gorgeous blog I’ve seen in ages!

    Posted by shannon fricke | 24 September 2010 #

  • very inspiring :)

    Posted by risma dEwi | 24 September 2010 #

  • the combination of your food appreciation and photography, rachel’s sumptuous spreads and elodies styling, has created a blog entry worth the wait. thanks!! cheers kari

    Posted by make my day | 26 September 2010 #

  • Oh, a tonka bean recipe! We need more of those. Thanks for sharing. I’ll be thinking of this dreamy color palette for a while too.

    Posted by Stella | 27 September 2010 #

  • wow … great ideas!

    Posted by thatssoron | 27 September 2010 #

  • what a lovely book all of you created. your photography is breathtaking keiko. congrats!

    Posted by Aran | 27 September 2010 #

  • everything looks very good and well done! congratulations! I have a cooking blog, though I’d love to come and visit. this is my address http://whitedarkmilkchocolate.blogspot.com/
    greetings from italy

    Posted by Giovanna Tamiazzo | 28 September 2010 #

  • Gorgeous work Keiko. But then, I am not surprised!

    Posted by bea | 1 October 2010 #

  • great photos. I want to try them all. thanks for sharing

    Posted by Style Your Food Recipes | 1 October 2010 #

  • This looks like a wonderful project!
    Sadly no Tonka beans in the US—they are banned.

    Posted by Sarah | 2 October 2010 #

  • Great work,as always…

    Posted by the kitchen of Oz | 3 October 2010 #

  • I’ll bake some bread today for trying these new pates à tartiner. The photos make me feel happy, and hungry indeed. Great project!

    Posted by Lucia | 4 October 2010 #

  • everything looks so delicious!!!!!

    Posted by Núria | 6 October 2010 #

  • Wow, these photos are absolutely gorgeous.

    Posted by Rachel@Tasty Thailand | 10 October 2010 #

  • First time here, Keiko love and love…gorgeous pictures am drooling over the choco spoon :)

    Posted by Ananda Rajashekar | 10 October 2010 #

  • Wonderful recipes. Will you do something on moulded jellies?

    Posted by Donna | 11 October 2010 #

  • けい子さん、こんばんは。
    コメント欄の方ではお久しぶりです。

    優しく穏やかでありつつ、一点の隙もない洗練された写真の数々に見惚れました。見つめていると、涙がにじんでくるほど美しい。

    またメールさせてくださいね。
    けい子さんも、よかったら近況など:-)

    Posted by Rie | 12 October 2010 #

  • Stunning photos. So stunning, in fact, that I was inspired to wade through Amazon.fr to try and order the book. Amazon.uk says it’s unavailable. It appears to be unavailable on the French site as well. Has there been a delay in the release? It’s your photos that sold me!

    Posted by Kimberley | 14 October 2010 #

  • very nice job!

    Posted by Dan | 25 October 2010 #

  • Amazing post, amazing photos! Really inspiring :)

    Posted by Danny | 25 October 2010 #

  • Amazing post, thank you so much for the lovely recipes!

    Posted by Katie Kirby | 26 October 2010 #

  • i love chocolates and the nice presentation and photography made me love them even more. with just the look of the chocolates on the photos makes me crave to try the recipe. really mouth watery.

    Posted by pinky black | 27 October 2010 #

  • Such beautiful photos. I can’t help but drool over that prop table! All of you ladies have amazing talent. I followed your links to Elodie’s and Rachel’s websites and they are filled with inspiration. In awe, and inspired by you guys, thanks for making my day!

    Posted by heavenwildfleur | 28 October 2010 #

  • Keiko! Very very beautiful photo and all. Gorgeous work!!! I LOVE YOUR WEBSITE :)

    Posted by FuoridiZucca | 28 October 2010 #

  • Your photos always takes me to my happy place.

    Posted by Oishii Eats | 7 November 2010 #

  • after such a long silence it’s good to finally hear that you are well! it needs to be said that your adventures look as picturesque as always :D

    Posted by cathy x. | 9 November 2010 #

  • I bought the book after visiting this site (I love all your pictures and recipes). It’s a really beautifful book (pictures of course and all the recipes are mouth watering). I hope we’ll see more of your work in other cookbooks soon!

    Posted by julie | 12 November 2010 #

  • Beautiful photos!I love all of them!

    Posted by Hurricane | 19 November 2010 #

  • Dear Keiko, I bought this book when i was in Paris at the time of its signing. it is beautiful not only on the recipes but also your shots. each shot ‘sets up a mood’, and I feel like entering the photos and ‘living’that moment.

    Posted by valentina | 25 November 2010 #

  • The pictures are amazing.. they are alive.. make me wanna be at the time of shooting and eat some of these spreads with some bread.

    Posted by Fragolina | 13 December 2010 #

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