French Ingredients and their alternatives

Can't find some of those tongue-twisting French ingredients? Here are some alternatives available at any supermarket or grocer.

Extracted from Astroview June 2009

Fleur de Sel
What:
The top layer of hand-harvested sea salt, this grayish or pink salt is one of the more expensive types
Alternative:
Regular salt that is used in everyday cooking

Creme Fraiche
What:
Thick cream with a slightly sour taste
Alternative:
Mix a small amount of sour cream with normal heavy cream and leave it aside for several hours in room temperature

Mirepoix
What:
The holy trinity of French cooking, Mirepoix acts as a flavor base
Alternative:
Mirepoix is a combination of onions, celery and carrots (ratio 2:1:1) that are either raw, roasted or sauteed

Harissa
What:
Spicy hot sauce made of smoked chilli peppers, garlic and spices
Alternative:
Sambal or chilli sauce

Herbes de Provence
What:
A mixture of different cooking herbs native to the Provence region, South of France
Alternative:
Make your own mix using Thyme, Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary, Basil, Bay Leaves and Fennel