Audrey

A classic from the French repertoire, this Carrot Soup (also known as Potage Crécy) mixes carrots and rice to create a deliciously thick and sweet soup. It is then enriched with crème fraiche for extra richness and body, making it perfect for dinner or packed up for a quick lunch. 

Behold this quick and simple recipe: chicken breasts cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce! It is a simple dish that can be made in a single pan or skillet, filled with so much flavor and comfort for a warming dinner. Best of all, it can be on the table in about half an hour, making it the perfect square family meal for any day of the week. 

Every bit as delicious as a pie, but with half the effort, a Galette is a rustic-looking tart that doesn’t require much time to assemble nor does it require a pie dish. It’s laid-back, forgiving and endlessly riffable, utilizing the fruits of your liking… Convinced yet?

Known as “Tomates Farcies”, these French-style Stuffed Tomatoes are the perfect addition to any Summer table – and a personal childhood favorite of mine. This typical Provençal recipe calls for stuffing tomatoes with beef, bread, cheese and Herbs de Provence, and roasting them on a bed of rice until tender and slightly charred on top. Naturally, this dish is best made at the peak of tomato season, when they are juicy, sweet and full of flavor.

Inspired by the Mediterranean tradition of bread and tomato salads, this Heirloom Tomato Bread Salad is made of perfectly ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, a tangy vinaigrette, and crunchy bread croutons. It is both refreshing and satisfying, with a great mix of soft and crunchy textures. An easy salad best made when tomatoes are in season.

Set on July 14th, Bastille Day is France’s National Day.  A day off for all citizens, Bastille Day is a fun and festive occasion where people gather to cook and eat all day, before watching the fireworks at night. Being in the middle of July, Bastille Day is often a hot day, which calls for light and fresh recipes that are best enjoyed outside during a picnic, by the beach or over big communal tables set up across towns and villages.

Ratatouille is a French Provencal stew of ripe Summer vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini and bell peppers) cooked together slowly until creamy soft. An uncomplicated recipe, making a good ratatouille does require a bit of time. Make this stovetop recipe on a weekend to enjoy it throughout the week… because a ratatouille tastes even better reheated!

A regional recipe from southern France’s Provence, this Roasted Red Pepper Dip known as Poivronade, is a staple of the French “apéro” (pre-dinner drinks and snacks). It features blistery roasted bell peppers blended with feta, parmesan, pine nuts and fresh basil leaves. Creamy and full of sun-kissed flavors, you can enjoy it as a spread on toast or as a dip, alongside chilled drinks and good company. 

The Classic Fruit French Tart – known as Tarte aux fruits frais – is an ultimate Summer show-stopper. It features a buttery, sweet pastry crust filled with rich pastry cream and topped with colorful fresh fruits and an apricot glaze. A refreshing yet decadent tart that’s perfect for hosting. Prepare each component ahead of time and assemble just before serving. 

3 steps, 3 ingredients and 30 minutes is all you need for this easy and delicious strawberry jam (no pectin added). This is my go-to recipe, which I love to make at the peak of strawberry season when this fruit is at its ripest. This jam is smooth, spreadable, and simply lets the strawberries shine.  A great small-batch recipe for first timers or any home cook to add to their repertoire.