Audrey

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.

Welcome to the 3rd edition of my monthly newsletter! Each month, I intend to share a personal round up of the past weeks to give you a glimpse into my French life. I also share links I love, seasonal recipe inspirations and try to answer some of the questions I’ve received through social media as well.

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.

We’re quickly approaching American Thanksgiving, which I know is a celebration many of you are looking forward to every year. It is such a wonderful time to cook, gather with family, friends and loved ones, share a meal and make memories to last a lifetime. And although we do not celebrate Thanksgiving in France, I have become accustomed with this tradition after living many years in North America and having a Canadian husband.

This Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tarte Soleil – known as a “Sun Tart”, in English – is a gorgeous tear-and-share French appetizer. It features two layers of buttery puff pastry with a filling of cream cheese and smoked salmon, cut and twisted into tearable strands.  This is a very simple recipe for a really impressive appetizer for the Holiday season!

Welcome to the 2nd edition of my monthly newsletter! Each month, I intend to share a personal round up of the past weeks to give you a glimpse into my French life. I also share links I love, seasonal recipe inspiration and try to answer some of the questions I’ve received through social media as well.

This Red Kuri Squash Blue Cheese Gratin is a simple and utterly comforting dish, making do with “Potimarron” (red kuri squash): a star of French market stalls during the Fall and Winter months. This gratin features layers of tender and sweet squash, tangy blue cheese with crème fraiche, walnuts and pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. This is a great dish for vegetarians, or a festive side dish to serve alongside meat or fish during gatherings – especially perfect for a unique Thanksgiving side!

The Fall and Winter months call for cozy, warming and preferably served-in-a-bowl recipes – and soups perfectly fit the bill. Whether you are yearning for a robust bowl of ham and bean soup, a chunky lentil soup, a healthy vegetable velouté or a cheesy onion soup, the French repertoire boasts a great deal of soup recipes to match your cravings and warm you right up.

Whether it’s a comforting stew, a one-pan dinner, or an elegant dish for hosting – a weeknight chicken recipe is always winner. And for that, the classic French cooking repertoire has it all figured out with delicious chicken recipes you can easily recreate at home.