Taste the Region: Discovering Norman Flavours in and around Trie-Château

There’s no better way to experience Normandy than through its food. From buttery pastries and creamy cheeses to sweet apples and sparkling cider, the region is a treasure trove for food lovers. Whether you’re shopping at the local market in Gisors or stopping by a roadside farm shop, you’ll find plenty of fresh, seasonal ingredients to enjoy during your stay at La Maison de Colette.

Here are three easy and delicious recipes you can make in our guest kitchen – perfect for a relaxed countryside lunch or cozy dinner at home.

🧀 1. Warm Camembert with Apples and Walnuts

A classic Norman starter that’s as indulgent as it is simple.

Ingredients (serves 2–4):

• • 1 whole Camembert de Normandie (in a wooden box)

• • 1 firm apple (e.g., Elstar or Pink Lady)

• • A handful of walnuts

• • A drizzle of Norman honey

• • Fresh baguette, to serve

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

1. 1. Remove plastic and place the Camembert back in its wooden box (lid off), or in a small baking dish.

1. 1. Slice the apple thinly and arrange slices on top with walnuts.

1. 1. Drizzle with a little honey and bake for 15–20 minutes until soft and gooey.

1. 1. Serve immediately with fresh bread.

🥘 2. Chicken à la Normande

A creamy apple-and-cider chicken dish that feels luxurious but takes less than an hour.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• • 4 chicken thighs or breasts

• • 2 apples, peeled and sliced

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • 1 cup dry Norman cider

• • ½ cup heavy cream

• • 1 tbsp butter

• • Salt, pepper, thyme

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large pan, melt butter and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove and set aside.

1. 1. In the same pan, sauté onion and apple slices until soft.

1. 1. Return chicken to the pan, pour in cider, and add thyme. Simmer covered for 25 minutes.

1. 1. Stir in the cream, simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes. Season to taste.

1. 1. Serve with potatoes or crusty bread.

🍎 3. Tarte Fine aux Pommes (Thin Apple Tart)

Simple, rustic, and beautiful — a staple of Normandy dessert tables.

Ingredients (serves 4–6):

• • 1 sheet of puff pastry

• • 2–3 apples, thinly sliced

• • 2 tbsp sugar

• • 1 tbsp butter, melted

• • Optional: a spoonful of apricot jam for glazing

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).

1. 1. Roll out puff pastry on baking paper and place on a tray.

1. 1. Arrange apple slices in overlapping rows. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.

1. 1. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy.

1. 1. Optional: Brush with warm apricot jam for shine.

🧺 Where to shop?

• • Gisors Market (Sundays and Thursdays) – for fresh fruit, cider, cheese, bread

• • Trie-Château boulangerie – for local pastries and daily baguettes

• • Ferme de la Fosse (nearby) – often sells local honey, eggs, and apple juice

Bon appétit — and enjoy every bite of the Norman countryside!
Would you like a downloadable PDF version of these recipes for your guests?