December 15, 2019

CEPE MUSHROOM AND ROCAMADOUR CHEESE CRUMBLE

A Quintessential French Dish

As a French woman living abroad, I am always on the lookout for delicious and easy-to-make dishes that showcase the flavours of my country’s diverse regions. And let me tell you, this Rocamadour cheese, cèpes, and apple savoury crumble is a true showstopper! It’s the perfect example of the quintessential ingredients of the French South West, combining rich and earthy mushrooms, tangy and creamy Rocamadour cheese, and sweet and tart apples in a delightful and oh-so-easy-to-make crumble.

Crumble-tastic

OMG! What a crumble! It’s hard not to be enthusiastic about this dish, which truly delivers on taste, texture, and presentation. With just a few ingredients, you can create a savoury crumble that is incredibly versatile, serving as a starter with a simple green salad, an accompaniment to a main course, or even as a standalone dessert. The possibilities are endless, and the choice is yours – how will you serve it?

The Star of the Show: About Rocamadour Cheese

While the composition of this dish are undoubtedly the stars of the show, it’s also worth noting the history and cultural significance of its ingredients. Rocamadour cheese, for example, is a small, tangy cheese made from raw goat’s milk and named after the town of Rocamadour in my Lot region of France. The cheese has been produced in this region for centuries and is now protected under the AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) designation, which means that it can only be produced in a specific geographic area and under strict production standards. This cheese is a true gem of French gastronomy that I used since my childhood, and using it in this crumble is a wonderful way to showcase its uniqueness.

Magic in the Mushrooms

Similarly, cèpes (also known as porcini mushrooms) are a beloved ingredient in French cuisine, particularly in the South West, where they grow abundantly in the forests. These meaty mushrooms have been used in French cooking for centuries and are often found in traditional dishes such as omelette aux cèpes. Using cèpes in this crumble adds a rich and earthy flavour that perfectly complements the tangy cheese and sweet apples.

Serving it Up in Style

For this savoury crumble, I recommend pairing it with a Coteaux de Glanes white wine from the South West. This wine is made from a blend of local grape varieties and used to be my uncle’s. its profile perfectly balances the richness of the cheese and mushrooms.

Discovering Coteaux de Glanes White Wines: A Wine-Lover’s Guide

Coteaux de Glanes is an appellation that should be on your radar. It used to be my uncle’s…. Made from seven permitted grape varieties, including Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, Coteaux de Glanes white wines are known for their complex tasting notes of oak, butter, exotic fruits, and white flesh fruits, balanced with a good level of acidity.

A Historical Appellation with a Unique Terroir

Coteaux de Glanes white wines have been produced in the Lot department on the left bank of the Dordogne Valley since 1981, when it was recognized as an official wine-growing appellation. This appellation is located in a region that has always had a significant historical and cultural significance, with Castelnau Bretenoux Castle and Padirac Chasm being two of the region’s most well-known landmarks.

As a native of the region, these landmarks hold a special place in my heart and are integral to the cultural identity of the area. The Coteaux de Glanes vineyards are among the smallest recognized vineyard areas in France, making their wines a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux: A Medieval Masterpiece

As a child, I vividly remember visiting the Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux every single year in the commune of Prudhomat, in the Lot département because my family house is there. This stunning castle, first fortified around 1100 by its owner Hugues de Castelnau and supervised by Hugh II, Baron of Castelnau, boasts a fascinating history that spans several centuries. As artillery evolved during the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle was modified to resist attack during Medieval wars. Today, it features six towers, enormous stone walls, and a gigantic medieval keep, making it a remarkable testament to the region’s architectural heritage.

Padirac Chasm: A Natural Wonder

Another childhood favourite of mine (and then of my children’s). was the Padirac Chasm, also known as the Gouffre de Padirac, a geological marvel located near Gramat in the Lot department. As one of the largest chasms in Europe, it holds a special place in my heart. The chasm was created at an undetermined point in time when the roof collapsed into a large internal cavern. Locals believed it to be a source of superstition, and it was inhabited during the 15th and 16th centuries when potassium nitrate was excavated from the area. It is known that the cavern existed in the 3rd century. It wasn’t until the famous French cave explorer Edouard Martel discovered it and opened it to the public in 1922 that it became the most frequently visited chasm in France.

The Padirac Chasm began just 1 or 2 million years ago, during the Quaternary Period, thanks to water seeping through a network of fissures. Visitors today can explore this impressive natural wonder and take a boat ride at a depth of 103 meters, a truly unforgettable experience.

Both the Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux and the Padirac Chasm are must-see destinations for anyone visiting the Lot department. The history and natural beauty of these landmarks are sure to captivate and inspire visitors of all ages.

Variations to Try with Rocamadour Cheese

Do not forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! And if you have any variation of this recipe that you would like to share, I would love to hear it. Happy cooking and bonne dégustation!

Sixtine ;)