Snacks & Treats

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!

Chocolate lovers, you’re in for a treat! The Parisian Hot Chocolate is a notoriously thick, rich and amazingly creamy treat – all while being made with no cream! It relies solely on top-quality chocolate and warm milk to create the perfect balance of rich flavors and silky texture. It’s a treat that’s both comforting and luxurious. One that’ll transport you right to a cozy Parisian café on a crisp winter’s day.

Known as Croquettes de Courgettes, these French style Zucchini Fritters are a perfect Summer treat and delicious way to sneak more veggies into your day. They are made with a heaping amount of zucchini, onion, garlic and nutty Gruyère cheese – which makes these fritters perfectly tender inside and crispy outside. They’re fun and easy to make, and always disappear fast.

Few things can satisfy your sweet-tooth more than a quick, easy and extremely delicious chocolate cake. And for this, this Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Cake hits the mark with a bulls-eye. Made with olive oil instead of butter, its yields a deep dark chocolate taste, intensified by the richness of olive oil. It tastes very chocolatey, yet has an airy and light texture that makes it suited for any occasion, any toppings and any season.

Quintessentially French, Madeleines are dainty bite-sized cakes that yields a soft middle, crispy edges, and a distinctive buttery taste. Easy and fun to make at home, they are best known for their shell-like shape and their signature bump at the top. I am sharing my tips (and the bump secret!) to master madeleines at home.

This Mediterranean-style Lemon Olive Oil Cake is light, not too sweet and yields delicious fruity notes from the olive oil combined with citrusy flavors from the lemon zest and its juice. It keeps moist for days and bears a just so slightly crunchy top, which reminds of fried doughs. A perfect cake for an afternoon tea!

Known as Alsatian Schwowebredele, these Almond Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies belong to the long list of typical “bredele” cookies made over the holidays in Alsace, Eastern France. Made with ground almonds, a pinch of cinnamon and a generous amount of butter, these cut-outs are easy to make, deliciously sandy and taste just subtly spiced and nutty. A must-do recipe for your holiday cookie box!

Known in French as Gâteau Ardéchois, this Chestnut Cream Cake is a rustic recipe originating from the French Ardèche, in Southeastern France. Made with homemade chestnut cream, this simple cake yields an incomparable nutty taste and a wonderfully rich, moist texture from the chestnut spread. This is a home bakers’ favorite, and a great French classic to add to your Winter repertoire. 

Known in France as Gâteau Grenoblois, this French Walnut Coffee Cake is a specialty from Grenoble, in South Eastern France, where walnuts are plentiful. It features a fluffy crumb made with ground walnuts and is flavored with brewed coffee, all under a simple icing. This cake is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, but delivers the same richness as any rustic French cake.