Food&drink
Chef Héloïse Brion on why she loves the simplicity of French cuisine
Juicy seared steaks topped with a slowly melting knob of herby butter. Thick slices of crusty baguette, served with wedges of creamy cheese. And silky-smooth crème brûlée, hidden beneath a thin, crisp layer of golden sugar.
Yes, French cuisine is known for its decadence, and is revered as an integral part of everyday life for those lucky enough to call the country home.
As renowned American chef Julia Child once eloquently explained:“in France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport” – and one cook who knows the importance of those words is Héloïse Brion, founder of popular lifestyle and cooking website, Miss Maggie’s Kitchen.
In fact, with her passion for classic French-style recipes with a modern twist, Héloïse – who grew up in the United States and France – is perhaps the Julia Child of the Instagram generation. After 15 years working in the fashion industry, and approaching her 40th birthday, in 2017 the mum-of-two decided to turn her life-long love for cooking into an online journal, where she could share her love of all things Française with the world.
Now, four years and countless dishes later, Héloïse’s passion project has resulted in her debut cookbook, which brings together simple and quick-to-cook recipes with tips for hosting elegant dinner parties.
Inspired by the childhood meals lovingly prepared by her mother, Héloïse says, for her, cooking and eating has always been about more than just sustenance.
“Ever since I was little, I have loved going to markets, tasting new flavours, and I was fascinated by kitchens, where I could see the passion people have for preparing delicious meals, with love, for family and friends,” explained Héloïse, who lives with her family in an old hunting lodge in Normandy, France.
“Eating is a necessity but also a time we share. A time to feed our bodies, of course, but also our hearts and souls.”
Although French cooking is often considered very rich, complicated and difficult to reproduce at home, Héloïse believes it can be a much more simple affair – once you gain a little confidence in the kitchen.
“My recipes are simple to follow and the ingredients are easy to find. I want people to feel good and stressfree in the kitchen. Preparing a meal should be joyful and relaxing.
“Many people lack confidence in the kitchen, but you just need to begin with a few very good but basic ingredients and tools.
“Choose a recipe you have wanted to test and go for it. Then, as you cook more and more, try bringing your own touch to the recipe – perhaps by changing a spice or herbs or adding different veg. Trust yourself and let your creativity flow.
“And keep in mind that some of the most delicious recipes are the result of a mistake – the tarte tatin for example!”
In her book, Miss Maggie’s Kitchen: Relaxed French Entertaining, Héloïse uses simple ingredients to great effect, and outlines how everything from the table settings to the cutlery and plates can help to create a magical feast.
She explained:“it can be simple details such as flowers and candles or pretty vintage plates – that makes all of the difference! I love imagining new table decors each time I entertain, as it makes the moments we share even more special.
“I always say that what’s on a plate is what counts, but the table is just as important – it sets the scene and mood.”
Miss Maggie’s Kitchen: Relaxed French Entertaining by Héloïse Brion, published by Flammarion, is out September 10