Audrey

Translating in Provencal dialect as “boiled water”, the Aïgo Boulido is an unassuming broth of garlic and sage, enriched with eggs. It is delicately aromatic and believed to have powerful curative properties. This soup is widely consumed in the South of France to aid digestion, ward off winter ills, as a detox soup after days of feasting – and as a salving cure for hangovers too.

A staple of Brittany cooking, this Cauliflower Gratin (Gratin de Choufleur) is a homecook’s favorite, that hits all the right notes: veggie-focused, fairly easy to prepare and utterly comforting. Tender cauliflower florets are draped in a cheesy Mornay sauce, dotted with bacon bits and baked until bubbly. This results in a very creamy and delicious gratin that makes an incredible side dish for any occasion – be it a holiday feast or weekday dinner. 

This Watercress Soup, known as “Soupe de Cresson” in French, is a typical recette de grand–mère, aka a “grandmother’s recipe”. Made of onions, potatoes for extra body, and bright peppery-tasting watercress, this soup offers healthy comfort for the soul. But you can still dress it up with a dollop of crème fraiche for a touch of richness. 

It’s a wrap! Another year is coming to an end, so we’re sharing the 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2021. This year has seen a lot of cooking and baking in our kitchens, and lots of new recipes made their way onto the blog. From cozy stews, to classic French fruit tarts – these 10 most-visited and highest-rated recipes are nothing short of delicious.

This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Gruyère Gratin is an elegant yet cozy side dish to enjoy all throughout Winter. It features Brussels sprouts roasted until caramelized, coated in a rich creamy sauce laden with Gruyère cheese and finally baked until crisp and bubbly. This is a flavorful veggie-focused recipe that can be prepared in advance. Perfect for the Holidays or any chilly day, really! 

As a French food writer and passionate French home cook, one of the questions I get asked the most is what does a typical French meal look like? And since the Holidays are upon us, I wanted to share with you today the rituals and courses of a traditional French Christmas menu, known as “Le Repas de Noël,”

A Bûche de Noël is a must on the French Christmas table. But if the classic chocolate version is too rich for you, here is your answer… This lighter Raspberry Bûche de Noël features an airy Génoise cake rolled up with a subtle orange-flavored mascarpone filling with fresh raspberries. It is simpler and quicker to make than most Bûches recipes, but remains an ultimate show-stopper for the Holidays! 

This Radicchio Orange Pecan Salad is one of my favorite salads to make over the Winter. Bitter radicchio, fresh baby spinach, juicy orange supremes, toasted pecans and goat cheese are drizzled with a honey and Dijon vinaigrette – resulting in a delicious mix of bitter, sweet and savory flavors. This is a colorful side dish to serve over the Holidays, or to enjoy as a weekday dinner on its own as well.

Known as “Torsades au Fromage”, these Gruyère Cheese Twists are the perfect crowd pleasers to serve with the French apéro – the traditional pre-dinner drinks and snacks in France. Made of flaky puff pastry twisted with nutty Gruyère Cheese, they are quickly assembled and deliver big buttery and cheesy flavors. If you’re looking for a no-stress finger food recipe for your next get-together, this is the one!

This creamy chestnut soup, or “Soupe Aux Marrons” is a wholesome soup and a French favorite all throughout Winter. Fresh chestnuts are simmered in an aromatic broth and then pureed until smooth, creating a luxuriously thick, creamy texture with the full-on sweet buttery taste of fresh chestnuts. This is a delicious starter to cozy up to and impress with over the Holiday season.