Spring

Just like Crêpes or the Apple Tarte Tatin, this Orange Yogurt Cake is a must-have in your baking repertoire if you are French.  It is one of the most popular cakes to bake (and eat) in the country, as it is a perfect heirloom recipe: it is simple, but it just works so well. A “Gâteau au Yaourt” is actually the first cake I ever baked. One day in primary school, our teacher brought a pack of yogurt cups and we all gathered around a table to make the simplest …

Marmalades and fruit jams of all kinds play a huge part in French gastronomy. Of course, they’re ubiquitous on the breakfast table, enjoyed with the staple bread and butter. But they’re also deeply anchored in a “no-waste” French philosophy. Making jams, marmalades and preserves has always been a privileged tradition in France for home-cooks to ensure no seasonal fruits went to waste, and that they could be enjoyed all year round. So with Spring just around the corner, I wanted to bid a proper farewell to Winter by jarring (literally) …

A crisp buttery crust with a smooth tangy lemon custard. That is all you need to recreate this utterly iconic French dessert: a Classic French Lemon Tart. A must to have in your baking repertoire as a French host(ess). This is a perfect dessert to transition from Winter to Spring. It’s bright and sunny, while still making the best of these citrusy winter fruits.

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.

Known in French as Lunettes de Romans, these Raspberry Jam Filled Sablé Sandwiches are delicious cookies hailing from the little town of Romans-sur-Isère, in South Eastern France. Made from two layers of “pate sablée” and a jammy filling, they are the perfect mix of buttery/tangy and crisp/tender.

In French, “Merde de chien” or in English, “Dog’s poo” (to remain polite), these “Merda de Can” are a scrumptious specialty from Nice, on the French Riviera. Don’t be fooled by the extremely unappealing name of this extremely delectable dish! These homemade Swiss Chard and Potato Gnocchi (named after their shape) are delicious and very popular in this region of France. You can find them on many restaurants’ menus and they are home-cooks’ favorites, as they’re a great way to sneak greens into a dish (and are so fun to …