"provence"

A regional recipe from southern France’s Provence, this Roasted Red Pepper Dip known as Poivronade, is a staple of the French “apéro” (pre-dinner drinks and snacks). It features blistery roasted bell peppers blended with feta, parmesan, pine nuts and fresh basil leaves. Creamy and full of sun-kissed flavors, you can enjoy it as a spread on toast or as a dip, alongside chilled drinks and good company. 

A Classic Vegetable Tian embodies the essence of Provençal cooking during Summer: it’s simple and makes do with the abundance of vegetables available from this sun-drenched region of France. This iconic dish that alternates slices of tomatoes, zucchini and eggplants, is colorful, full of flavor and the perfect side dish for your Summer feasts.

Known in French as “croquants”, these little twice-baked cookies may remind you of the Italian biscotti, but I promise they are French through and through. They are very popular in the South of France, and especially in Provence, where almonds grow abundantly. Just like biscotti, they are quick and easy to assemble, cut cross-ways and twice baked for an incomparable crispness. And they are very hard to stop at one!

If you’re attending a barbecue or outdoor get-together in the thick of Summer in France, there’s a good chance you’ll stumble on these Provence-Style Tomatoes topped with Breadcrumbs and Herbs. Known as “Tomates à la Provençale”, this typical warm-weather dish from Provence calls for fresh, seasonal tomatoes slowly confit’d on the stove-top (meaning they’re slowly cooked in their own juice). The confit tomatoes are then finished off in the oven topped with breadcrumbs, garlic and Herbes de Provence, and cooked until crisp and golden. Like most rustic French recipes, it …

This chickpea flatbread (known as “socca”) is a little culinary treasure hailing from the sun-kissed Ligurian Coast, stretching from Italy to France. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, this delectable and rustic chick pea flatbread has seen a big revival in these past few years. But its recipe is truly as ancient as can be – and very, very easy. In Italy, from Ventimiglia to La Spezia, it is known as the “farinata”. In the Piemonte Region, people call it the “belecàuda” (meaning literally, beautiful and hot).  And in the South of …

Also called “quince cheese” (maybe because it’s so delicious paired with cheese?), Quince Pâte De Fruit is one of the famous 13 desserts, traditionally served to end Christmas supper in Provence, France. It is such a dainty little treat to enjoy on its own or with some crackers and a slice of cheese (but if you want to enjoy it with some cheese, I would recommend you do not coat it in sugar.)

Welcome to the 5th edition of my monthly newsletter! Each month, I intend to share a personal round up of the past weeks to give you a glimpse into my French life. I also share links I love, seasonal recipe inspirations and try to answer some of the questions I’ve received through social media as well.

January in France is the month of the King’s Galette, or if you are in Provence, the King’s Brioche. This sweet, crown-shaped citrus-flavored brioche is adorned with candied fruits and traditionally enjoyed the first few weeks of the year to help celebrate the Epiphany. This bakery staple is easy to recreate at home, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the fun tradition that comes along with it!

Halfway between a cake and a pie, the classic Basque Cake, known as “Gâteau Basque”, is a staple from southern France and northern Spain – the lands of the Basque people. It has a deliciously rich and buttery double layered crust encasing a delicious pastry cream. Although locals tradtionally serve this cake to accompany coffee or tea, its elegant crosshatch pattern on the top gives it a rustic charm and makes this cake plenty elegant for special occasions, or as a centerpiece for dessert.

Meet “Cake Aux Fruits Confits” – a French-style fruit cake that brings all the festive vibes, without overwhelming sweetness or booziness – unlike its American or British counterparts. It features lightly rum-soaked candied fruits, plump raisins and chunks of tender marzipan in a buttery, airy crumb. This lighter take on the classic fruit cake might just win you over if you weren’t a fan before. Get ready to savor the joy of every bite!