Fall

The kick-off to patio season has to be celebrated with a great appetizer, right? Which is why today’s recipe is perfectly suited. This Ham, Olive and Cheese Bread is very popular in France, and a French aperitif favorite. Known in French as a “cake salé” (savory cake), you’ll often find this type of rustic bread/loaf served at friendly get-togethers or for pre-meal snacks and drinks in France. They come in all variations and are traditionally cut in thin slices or cubes for guests to pick at, while mingling before dinner. …

Growing up in Brittany, on the Atlantic coast, sardines were a staple food – coming in fresh every morning from the harbor and sold at the local “poissonnier” (fish shop); in cans or in the form of the utterly popular sardine rillettes. This tasty spread is a delight for sharing during the French Apéro (pre-meal drinks & small bites) and makes the perfect nutritious snack too. So what are “Rillettes”, exactly ? If you’re unacquainted with it, a “rillette” (pronounced “ree-yet”) in French is similar to a pâté, often made …

If you’re as fond of flaky pies bursting with fruits as I am, you’re in for a treat! This Jalousie Tart is named after its slatted puff-pastry top that allows the fruit filling to peek through, reminiscent of Jalousie shutters. In this lovely Spring variation, the crisp buttery puff-pastry encompasses an irresistible spiced berry filling bursting with sweetness and zing.

Who doesn’t love a perfectly roasted chicken, with juicy flavorful meat and crispy skin? One of the simplest and most delicious dinners, a roasted chicken sure is a crowd-pleaser. Now add slabs of tangy Dijon herb butter to the mix, and you’ll have yourself an unforgettable meal.

Crème Brûlée (which translates to “burnt cream”) is one of the most raved about French desserts of all time – and for good reason. The two contrasting layers of luscious vanilla cream under a crackly caramelized sugar top are a match made in heaven and make this dessert stand out from all the others.   Even better: you’ll be surprised at how simple it is to make Crème Brûlée in your own kitchen. You simply need 5 ingredients (that you probably already have on hand) and just a little knowledge …

Simpler to make than apple pie, a Tarte Tatin defies the cliché of fussy, flawless French desserts, while offering that same rich, sophisticated taste. Made with juicy apples doused in sweet caramel and draped with a buttery crust, it proves how simple ingredients can work magic together. An absolute must to have in your baking repertoire as a French host(ess)!  The difference between Apple Tarts and Tarte Tatin In France, classic apple tarts (tartes aux pommes) usually come in pretty crusts, sometimes filled with “compote” (apple sauce) or frangipane (almond …

Fork-tender beef in a rich red-wine gravy and nestled with veggies makes the Beef Bourguignon one of the most adored French recipes in the world. But beyond being a pilar of Classic French cooking, the Beef Bourguignon also embodies the essence of “French slow-cooking”, where one takes their time in the kitchen and enjoys the process every step of the way.  And I truly adore this concept, I really do. But sometimes, opting for short-cuts or more convenient solutions, like a slow-cooker, is just the way to go. The truth …

This Basque risotto, known as “riz Gaxuxa” (pronounced Gachoocha) is a quintessential dish from Basque country. This one-pot rice dish features smoky chorizo sausage, chicken, pancetta, bell peppers, and eggs, with a pinch of fiery Espelette Pepper. Here’s to an easy and wholesome dish that makes a perfect family meal for those busy weekday dinners.

Flans and custards of all kinds hold a high rank in French baking, and this Parisian Vanilla Custard Pie (more commonly known as a “Flan Parisien”) is no exception. This hefty pie features a sturdy, sandy blackened crust hiding a rich and creamy vanilla custard under a thick blackened skin. You’ll find it sold in most French bakeries, and basically every bakery in Paris, as it is inarguably a Parisian favorite. Like many rustic French flans, this Parisian Vanilla Custard Pie bears a black-spotted top that can give the impression …

Known in French as “Oeuf en Meurette”, this classic dish from Burgundy is a poached egg served on toast, and in a silky red wine sauce with mushrooms, pancetta bits and pearl onions.