Friday, March 4, 2011

French Fridays with Dorie: Savory Cheese and Chive Bread


Welcome back to French Fridays at FlavorSings. I've been absent from the group for a bit; I wasn't feeling inspired by the braised ribs, or the green beans. To be honest, I almost didn't make this recipe either. But I'm so glad I did. A quick bread didn't feel very French to me, and maybe I wanted more of a challenge--an adventure or a profound story to tell. There isn't one. This is as easy as it looks, but a thousand times more delicious than words could convey. This bread comes together like any coffee cake or banana bread you've made before. The big difference is the addition of olive oil, cheese and herbs to make a savory snack. I love how adaptable this can be to what you may have on hand. I used white cheddar and chives, but I'd like to try a Swiss and dill version of this, or maybe Parmesan and fresh basil when our garden gets started again. The texture is soft and moist and would show off any combination of flavors nicely.


Now that I think about it, sliced thinly, this bread might make an amazing grilled cheese sandwich. Because there is no such thing as too much cheese. A glass of white wine would be perfect with it, as would a bowl of soup. This bread is just waiting for ways to be used creatively. Don't forget to see how the other cooks over at French Fridays with Dorie did with their bread. I'm looking forward to seeing the variations and getting some fun ideas.


15 comments:

  1. You are right about the soup with this bread. I made a potato soup w cabbage and they went together beautifully with the bread.

    Your bread looks fabulous.

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  2. I agree...this is a great bread to compliment soup. Beautiful bread!

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  3. Or to make a Croque Madame with this bread. It is simple, but you are right so worth it!

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  4. Soup! What a great idea. I was struggling to come up with what would go with the bread. This group has given me so many great ideas!

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  5. I am so glad you did a FFwD recipe this week, Christina! Your bread looks fabulous and it would go wonderfully with a bowl of soup.

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  6. I popped some in the toaster to go with my soup and it was just sublime! Your bread looks great!

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  7. Oh wow... a grilled cheese on this bread sounds out of this world! :)

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  8. Grilled chees? Good idea! Welcome back.

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  9. Your bread is so beautiful and your photos are great! I've been eating slices with my scrambled eggs in the morning...such a great way to start the day!

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  10. Grilled cheese with cheesy bread? Brilliant!

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  11. What a great idea you have about the grilled sandwich - never thought of that ! So glad you made this week's and good for you for "keeping it real" and posting your honest opinion about the other recipes. Nana and I have been lucky and truly liked the recent recipes, but can not say they have all been on the "we will repeat" list :)

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  12. It looks great and yes I could so have some melted cheese on it!

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  13. Thanks for the comments everybody! Tricia-- I really would like to make the recipes I skipped, I just am very motivated to cook what sounds good to me at that moment. If I'm not excited by something, I won't have very much to write about. I can't wait to try the green beans this summer when I can get them fresh and local. I may only be good for one beef recipe every four months or so..... not a big red meat eater. But it will definitely get made! Thanks for the love, you guys!

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  14. He, he, I was planning on making grilled cheese with the remnants, except there were no remnants:) Kids loved it, and ate it for breakfast, snack, and lunch. I am not complaining.
    I just wish that I had put walnuts in, only for me - I love the crunch of nuts in savory snacks:)

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  15. Welcome back! I almost didn't make this one either, but, agreed, so glad I did! I ended eating it for breakfast the next day.

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