Audrey

We’re in the thick of Summer, which means a lot of us are enjoying a much deserved vacation. So, what better time to indulge in new reads, and take some time to try out new recipes in the kitchen than now? If you’re in need of a little more inspiration, here is a list of some of my new favorite French or French-themed cookbooks, published in 2020, or late 2019. Most of them are in English, two in French, and the last two aren’t cookbooks, but fantastic reads for any Francophile. Enjoy …

I do love a good French yogurt cake during any season. And today’s late Summer version includes ripe seasonal blueberries paired with the tang of fresh lemons. It’s moist, zesty and has just the right amount of fresh ripe blueberries. As with most French yogurt cakes, this Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Loaf is an easy and foolproof recipe to make at home. The small trick here is to lightly toss the blueberries in flour so they don’t sink to the bottom of the pan while baking. This ensures the blueberries are …

Ubiquitous in France, this Classic French Celery Root Remoulade features raw celery root sticks tossed in a creamy mayonnaise and Dijon dressing with bits of tangy cornichons. It is a very popular salad in France, often served as a starter in school cantines, in bistros and sold in plastic-sealed containers in grocery stores or at the local butcher – often alongside the equally beloved “Carottes Rapées”. It’s a breeze to recreate at home, and tastes both crisp and creamy, tangy and smooth – it has it all!

A Galette, or a “Tarte Rustique” as we call it in France, is one of the easiest ways to showcase Summer fruits at their prime – and this Peach and Blueberry Galette is a perfect example of it. This rustic fruit tart features a flaky all-butter crust, folded in a free form manner over ripe Summer fruits. It is an uncomplicated dessert to make during these late-Summer nights, and it doesn’t require much time to assemble. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice-cream on top will …

No mayo, fresh herbs and zippy add-ons are what make a Classic French-Style Potato Salad a Summer favorite! In comparison to its American counterpart, almost always thickly dressed with mayonnaise, the French-style potato salad relies on a lively vinaigrette dressing to create a more elegant and lighter version of this staple.

Chicken, fresh tarragon, cream and white wine are no strangers to a French kitchen – and they all come together wonderfully in this classic French-bistro fare. This creamy French Chicken Tarragon, known as “Poulet à l’Estragon”, is a simple one-pan recipe that’s both comforting and fresh tasting. Chicken thighs are first browned and braised in white wine for tenderness. Cream is then added for extra richness. But it’s really fresh tarragon, a staple herb in French cooking with assertive aniseed-like notes, that gives the distinctive flavor to this unique dish. 

This Apricot Frangipane Tart is a French Summer classic, through and through. Made with ripe apricots baked in an almond frangipane over a buttery crust, it is a favorite to bake in French households during stone fruit season. The nutty and creamy texture of the Frangipane filling is so satisfying and perfectly complements the sweet tartness of the apricots. Top this tart with a light dusting of icing sugar, and it will look straight out of a bakery. 

This savory Tomato Mustard Tart is a classic Summer recipe that French home cooks love to make every year when tomatoes are in season. It features a buttery puff pastry, with in-season ripe tomatoes, a sprinkle of grated cheese and a heavy smear of Dijon Mustard at the bottom. There are a number of variations to this classic Summer dish, including some with ham, anchovies, olives, etc… But if you ask me, this basic one is simply wonderful as is.

This Lemon-Lime Basil Tart is a summer twist on my Classic French Tarte au Citron, which is one of the most popular recipes on this blog. The basil infused lime filling tastes both fresh and creamy, and is the perfect pairing to a crisp buttery pâte sucrée, made the true French way. This Tart is perfectly zesty, not too sweet, and makes for a refreshing dessert on a hot Summer day.

A lightly crisp top, a moist center and a subtle nuttiness are what make Financiers a French favorite! These little cakes made of ground almonds with beurre-noisette and fluffy egg whites are a staple of the French baking repertoire – and for very good reasons. They’re quick and easy to make, and adaptable to any season or fixings. With fresh blueberries and crisp almond shavings, these Blueberry Almond Financiers are one of my favorite Summer twists on these marvelous little cakes.