From the farmers’ market to your French countryside kitchen ..
When you picture your perfect holiday home, chances are you’re dreaming of comfort, style, and a space that truly feels like you. At Halcyon Retreat, we’re building something special – not just beautiful holiday accommodation, but a real home away from home. One of the little luxuries that makes our properties stand out? Each one comes with a fully equipped kitchen, thoughtfully designed so that when you feel like cooking, it’s never a chore – it’s a joy.
Of course, holidays are also about putting your feet up, letting someone else do the dishes, and discovering fabulous local restaurants. But there’s something quietly magical about preparing a relaxed meal in your own kitchen using fresh ingredients from the local farmers’ markets and traditional French boulangeries. It’s one of life’s simplest pleasures – unpacking your basket of regional produce and cooking up something delicious, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the French countryside.
That’s why we’re excited to launch Halcyon Treats – a new blog series celebrating our favourite French recipes and seasonal dishes. First up: a rustic classic you’ll find on many summer tables – Hazelnut Creusois. Bon appétit!
When it comes to sweet treats, you’ll soon fall in love with one of our regional favourites: the Creusois hazelnut cake. Native to the Creuse region and baked with finely ground hazelnuts, this charming cake is both rustic and elegant – lightly golden, soft and fluffy inside, and with a flavour that’s rich but never heavy. It’s the kind of cake that becomes a family tradition, enjoyed on the terrace with a cup of coffee or packed for a lakeside picnic.
Try our recipe:
Gateaux Creusois
Ingredients:
- 6 egg whites
- 150g ground hazelnuts
- 150g icing sugar
- 40g plain flour
- 100g melted butter
- A pinch of salt
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form soft peaks.
- Gently fold in the icing sugar, ground hazelnuts, and flour until well combined.
- Stir in the melted butter.
- Pour into a lined or greased rectangular baking tin.
- Bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until golden and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
- Let it cool, slice it up, and enjoy – ideally somewhere with a view.
Whether you’re baking, dining, or simply unwinding, life at Halcyon Retreat is about slowing down and savouring every moment.
