Beignets, Mixed Fresh Berries and Cafe au Lait

Ingredients

• 250 g Strawberries (hulled and quartered)
• 150 g Blueberries
• 125 g Raspberries
• 125 g Blackberries
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)

Instructions

1. 1

   Wash and Dry the Berries (5 minutes)

   • Place all berries in a large colander.
   • Gently rinse them under cool, running water, being careful not to bruise the more delicate raspberries and blackberries.
   • Spread the washed berries in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
   • Gently pat them completely dry. This step is crucial to prevent a soggy fruit salad.
2. 2

   Prepare the Strawberries (2 minutes)

   • Once dry, remove the green leafy tops (hulls) from the strawberries using a small paring knife or a strawberry huller.
   • Cut the hulled strawberries into quarters or bite-sized pieces, depending on their size.
3. 3

   Combine and Serve (3 minutes)

   • In a medium-sized serving bowl, add the prepared strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
   • Drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the berries. The lemon juice prevents browning and enhances the natural flavors.
   • Using a large spoon or a rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture together until the berries are just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the raspberries intact.
   • Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp dark roast coffee with chicory (finely ground)
• 1 cup hot water (for brewing, just off the boil (around 200°F or 93°C))
• 1 cup whole milk (for the richest flavor)
• 2 tsp sugar (optional, adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   Brew the Coffee

   • Place the finely ground coffee with chicory into a French press or your preferred coffee maker.
   • Pour 1 cup of hot (not boiling) water over the grounds.
   • Allow the coffee to brew for 4-5 minutes to develop a strong, robust flavor. If using a French press, press the plunger down slowly and completely.
2. 2

   Heat the Milk

   • While the coffee is brewing, pour the whole milk into a small saucepan.
   • Heat over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until it is steaming and small bubbles appear around the edges. Be careful not to let it boil or scald.
   • For a frothier texture, use a milk frother to create a light foam.
3. 3

   Combine and Serve

   • This step is key to the traditional preparation. Warm two large, bowl-shaped mugs.
   • Hold the pot of brewed coffee in one hand and the pitcher of hot milk in the other.
   • Simultaneously pour the coffee and milk into the mugs from a slight height, dividing them evenly. This technique ensures they mix perfectly and creates a lovely integrated flavor and texture.
4. 4

   Sweeten and Enjoy

   • If desired, add sugar to taste and stir until dissolved.
   • Serve immediately, ideally alongside fresh beignets for the full New Orleans experience.