Cornish Hens with Belgian Endives

Cornish Hens with Belgian Endives

The first time I had this dish, I was in Belgium, dining in the restaurant portion of Hotel Les Eleveurs.  Today, this hotel is 115 years old and run by the 4th generation of the DeBrouwer family.  If you're ever visiting Belgium and happen to be near a town called Halle, I highly recommend you take the time to dine here.  You won't be disappointed.  If you're lucky, and Pierre is still around, he may even make you his specialty dessert; crepes au pommes.

Belgian Endives ~ Flemish Style

Belgian Endives ~ Flemish Style

Belgian endives are one of those vegetables that acquire a taste.  They tend to be somewhat bitter, yet there are so many ways of cooking them to take that bitterness away.  For example, you could add brown sugar to this recipe and sweeten up this side dish, but that's for another post.

Belgian Endives au Gratin

Belgian Endives au Gratin

Here is an old family favourite recipe.  I've been making this dish ever since my girls were little and it always surprised me to see the joy in their eyes every time I served this meal.  They never seemed to be bothered by the bitterness of the endives.  Must be their love for Swiss Emmenthal Cheese that makes this meal one of my family's most requested.