Cooking is based on experiences often linked to travelling. Since Noé was born we haven’t been able to travel to a lot of foreign countries. However, we often go to the UK to see David’s family (Yes, I know UK is a foreign country). Their cuisine inspires me a lot as it is a lot more international than French cooking.

Last September we were invited to London for my sister-in-law Katherine’s 40th birthday. She organised a big party in her beautiful house. We were all chatting, dancing and drinking champagne or wine with some very good finger food.

It’s strange: we don’t have a word for “finger food” in France as it’s mostly something that comes from anglo-saxon culture. Some French journalists have tried to come up with a translation but we keep saying “finger food” with a French accent (“feengeurrr fewd”).

Out of all the finger food we had, I was most struck by the tortilla wrap. I don’t remember exactly what they were made of but I wanted to recreate the same sensation and I must admit I was quite happy with the result.

Here is my version :

For 4 people

2 free range chicken breasts
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp flour
2 tsp Cajun spices
8 tortillas
salad leaves and even better spinach leaves
2 tubs of Philadelphia cream cheese

You can find tortillas in most supermarkets (here in France it’s mostly El Paso). If you wish to find something more authentic, why don’t you go to your favourite Mexican restaurant and ask them to sell you some ? We used to do that at our local Mexican restaurant in Paris which was unfortunately forced to close its food store because of the supermarket competition. They will, however, still sell tortillas if you ask nicely.

AY! CARAMBA !!
59 rue de Mouzai
75019 Paris
Tél : 01 42 41 23 80

We were lucky to live just opposite this restaurant before Noé was born.

You can also find some good tortillas in Paris in the stores Thanksgiving and Israel both located in Le Marais. One day, I even made my own. It’s quite easy to make but too long in my opinion.

Chicken preparation

This way of preparing chicken is really easy and fun.

Apart from this finger food, you can also use this recipe for a simple meal and serve it warm with vegetables or cold in a salad. or a sandwich.

Preheat your oven to 210°C.
Cut each chicken breast into 4 long strips and put them in a bowl.
Add 2 Tbsp of olive oil in the bowl and mix well.
In another bowl, mix the flour and the Cajun spices and put them on the chicken.
Mix well: I use my hands so that each piece of the chicken is well coated with the flour and spices mix.
Lay the chicken strips on a baking tray.
Cook for 8 minutes turning the chicken half way.

Wrap preparation

On each tortilla spread some cream cheese. Then, add some salad leaves or even better some spinach leaves for a better look as spinach leaves are flatter.
Put a strip of chicken on the side of a tortilla and then, tightly roll the tortilla.
Repeat for the 8 tortillas.
Cut each tortilla into slices and hold it together with a wooden toothpick.

You can prepare these tortillas a couple of hours ahead. In this case, don’t cut them and protect them with cling film. Cut them into slices just before serving them.

Have a nice party !