Hauts-de-France

  • Biscoff Tiramisu (Ch’tiramisu)

    by Audrey

    This Biscoff Tiramisu, knowned as “Ch’tiramisu” is the French answer to Tiramisu. This popular Northern French dessert is made from layers of mascarpone cream and coffee soaked speculoos cookies – giving it a subtly spiced and warming flavor. This simple yet utterly delicious twist on the famous treat is a great no-bake dessert that’s even better when made in advance. What’s not to love?

  • Thin Spiced Almond Cookies (Pains d’Amandes)

    by Audrey

    Known as “Pains d’Amandes”, these thin Spiced Almond Cookies are a beloved specialty from the Flanders region, straddling Northern France and Belgium. Made with cinnamon, nutmeg and almonds, these slice-and-bake oblong cookies pack warm holiday-spiced flavors and a great crunch.

  • Flemish Beef and Beer Stew (Carbonnade Flamande)

    by Audrey

    This Flemish Beef and Beer Stew, most commonly shortened as “Carbonnade”, is the stew of choice in Belgium as well as the North of France. With plenty of beef chunks, caramelized onions, brown ale and the inclusion of brown sugar, this dish has a distinct sweet and salty taste that makes it stand out from the crowd. Its rich glistening gravy and fork-tender beef chunks are pure comfort food, and makes it a perfect dish to indulge in during the cold season.

  • Belgian Endive and Ham Gratin (Endives au Jambon)

    by Audrey

    Known in French as “Endives Au Jambon”, this Belgian Endive and Ham Gratin is a typical dish from Northern France and Belgium. Endives are wrapped in ham slices, smothered in a thick layer of voluptuous Mornay Sauce and baked until bubbly perfection. It’s a great contrast of pleasantly bitter verdure under creamy deliciousness.

  • Since my recent trip to Lille, I have been obsessed with making Merveilleux at home. These meringue and chocolate cream sandwich pastries are a famous specialty from French and Belgian Flanders and can be spotted across bakeries and pastry shops all over the city of Lille. I actually spent several minutes staring at pastry chefs crafting them through the windows of Aux Merveilleux de Fred, one of the most famous spots in the city to buy and eat Merveilleux. So as soon as I was back in my kitchen in …

  • Beer and Cheddar Welsh from Hauts-de-France

    by Audrey

    Behold this winter-perfect dish: A scrumptious Beer and Cheddar Welsh, just like they make in Northern French brasseries. Now, you might have already heard of the Welsh Rarebit – a typical specialty from Wales – that is a combination of toasted bread and melted cheese. But did you know that this is insanely popular in the north of France too? This popular French dish hails from the Hauts-de-France, where they simply call it “Le Welsh”, and it is just a bit different than the actual Welsh version (and a bit more …

  • Sugar Pie from Hauts-de-France

    by Audrey

    The Sugar Pie from Hauts-de-France is an iconic dessert that can be found in any Northern brasserie and bakery. The authentic recipes call for the use of real vergeoise (beet brown sugar), though regular brown sugar will work well too. The Great Lille Braderie is just a few days away! This centuries-old street market is the largest one in Europe, and a time of festivities for locals and visitors. Over 2 days, the city center fills with thousands of vendors and millions of curious gawkers hoping to find antique gems …

Pardon your French

Let’s bring French flavors to your kitchen! I share uncomplicated and classic recipes, lesser-known regional dishes and a few modern takes. Making French cooking easy, approachable and cliché-free is my priority.