Raymond and Oli Blanc webchat 3 February

iMac

What do you both make of Ludo Lefebvre as a judge on The Taste? Would you be interested in judging in the next series?

Actually I didn't see it. A few friends spoke to me about it but I haven't really heard of him so can't really comment but it's a very interesting programme because I've always tried to optimise taste and pass it on to my young chefs.

somewherehot

Can I ask what, in your view, are the best English dishes? Also, when I was (much) younger and a teenager, I stayed with a French family for a couple of weeks to learn French. The contrast between the mother's omelette and my own mother's was incredible - i don't really even like eggs, but she just made it taste so wonderful (sorry mum!). How do French people do this?!!

I'm sure an English omelette should taste exactly the same as a French one, but it comes down to skill and fresh ingredients. If you're able to add some small bacon, it will help to lift it up as well. One little tip - to give it the best texture, place it in with a little bit of foaming butter (only 10g per portion) and do not whisk immediately, let it sit for about 5-7 seconds. That's how you're going to get a wonderful texture.

granjura

Made me smile recently to see that 'saucisse de Morteau' a local produce, is becoming fashionable in the UK. First came about it at Hambleton Hall, a few years ago- and we really laughed as it was served to us as a very fancy starter, with lentils, toast and a balsamic reduction- but also a a small café we visit in Leicester, Mrs Bridge's, where one of my ex students is the Chef (taught French). Do you use 'saucisse de Morteau' yourself?

Saucisse de Morteau is, for me, the world's best sausage, and it's quite nice for my British friends to discover it. You can do fantastic, wholesome recipes with it and you will find it in my restaurant in all my Brasserie Blancs (Salade de Saucisse Morteau).

granjura

By the way, whenever I go to Besançon, I always look around for your mum Raymond. Saying that women in France to not get fat- as you know there are plenty of big women in rural Franche-Comté But your mum is so small and petite- and I'm sure I'd recognize her if I met her

Yes French women do get fat, but it seems that there is a food culture in France which often defines how people eat and in France we still eat well. Eating well, a varied diet (which omits bacon and eggs every morning or six glasses of wine at night) means a better diet. As far is my mum is concerned, she is tiny, like me she's always busy and she's a treasure - she's lovely.

dorish

Also if I am permitted a second question

We are always told that the French have a very dim view of British food. Is this really true and is it changing? I think things are pretty good here now

We've been very fortunate to have Raymond (Pops) work on the recipes for the app. With this in mind, the dishes are all seasonal, healthy, and are easy to make. The reason for this is that we want children to participate in the cooking with their parents and to enjoy the same food as their parents so we've created dishes they can all enjoy together. An example of a dish would be grilled peaches with vanilla.

cheesepuff

How are you finding working together? Are you going to be a dynasty like the Rouxs?

Oh no - nothing like that, but I'm extremely proud of what Olivier's done with his app. It really connects children with food, the garden and cooking.

granjura

Bonjour Raymond et Olivier et Bonne Année de Franche-Comté.
I live near Pontarlier but was in the UK for nearly 40 years- and was always interested in your use of local products from the Jura. Could you tell me what your favourite local French 'terroir' products from the Franche-Comté area of your birth you truly love.

Meilleures salutations Odile

At least I've got three saucisse de Morteau and my sons do as well - Oli is a Saucisse de Morteau fan!

Brabant

French women don't get fat....... er, well I became French in 2009 but I am still inclined to put on weight! Sigh. I live most of the time in France and revel in stunning food from even the most basic local resto. Is Henri le Worm up for a few weight control tips without dishing the salt butter and wine?

One glass a wine a day is better than six! Again, butter - just use a little and most important, do not eat after 7-o-clock in the evening. That's a big tip because most people eat more at night and that's when you put the weight on. Be aware of your snacks as well.

cinnamonstix

Hi. Can you recommend any French recipes that's 1) easy to cook at home 2) that would be a good to introduction to French foods for children?

So pancakes stuffed with spinach gratinated with comte cheese - delicious. It's a fantastic recipe as your child can make the pancake mix and chop the spinach (under supervision!) and the roll the pancake with the filling. It will be the next recipe going on the app so this is a preview!