Easy Entertaining: Apps in a Bag

New York residents are notorious for not using their tiny kitchens and ordering take out most nights of the week. This results in a staggering population of talented, driven individuals who even into their 30s and 40s, cannot cook much other than eggs and pasta. But entertaining and cooking isn’t always about skill, it’s about savvy and finding the right ingredients. Thanks to Canada’s Maison Le Grand, Americans everywhere can buy products in a pouch that double as marinades and upscale dips.

The company was founded by Quebec-based couple Bernard Le Grand and Tatiana Bossy, who originally launched the brand after developing it in their sandwich shop. Years later, after many taste tests and new recipes, the company brought its sophisticated, ready-made spreads and sauces to the U.S., in 2008. The collection includes a base of many pesto variations, a cheese-heavy variety, vegan options, and a few tapenades. Word is they are also working on a Taziki recipe too.

Tasting many, the first impressive characteristic about the products is their versatility. At first glance, they appear to be marinades. But the thick consistency stemming from the pesto base in many makes some of them more applicable to use dipping veggies or spreading on crackers and dark breads. Still, there is another use–building upon the flavor of a dish, such as pasta sauce. 

Naturally, the most simple spreads–the basic Garden Pesto and the 4 Nuts and Cheese Pesto, are winners anyone would like. Best used as a base for sauces, these are bold flavors with just enough ingredients and great texture that would go well with pastas such as fusilli or ziti.

The tapenades are bolder flavors that might serve as a good base for a poultry or meat marinade, compounded with oil and other condiments. But, these are also great ready made dips and toppings that would work well on a cheese plate with nutty crackers and chopped peppers and broccoli. The Spicy Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade is a rich flavor with jalapenos, sun-dried tomatoes and of course, olives that truly satisfies.

Still the must-have Maison Le Grand flavor is Lemon Confit & Pumpkin Seed Aromatic Sauce. Even if you are not a fan of pumpkin or the various confit recipes, this sauce is worth a try. The complex flavors of lemon, confit and pumpkin, aged and blended with a rough chop, result in bold textures and flavors. Use it as the base of a chicken marinade, recipe courtesy of Maison Le Grand. Blend two tablespoons each of the sauce and lemon juice with minced onion and garlic, one teaspoon each of turmeric and curry powder and a dash of nutmeg. Marinate for at least 20 minutes and cook in a covered casserole for 10-15 minutes. We recommend serving with brown rice or white quinoa.

For easy weeknight meals, a go-to appetizer platter addition or a gourmet addition to the camping or vacation meal, try Maison Le Grand products. Each 5.5 ounce pouch has five servings and costs about $6.99  Products are available at Whole Foods, The Fresh Market and in NYC at Zabar’s. Click here for more locations.

Tweet This Post