Whenever I yearn for a cake that beautifully showcases seasonal fruit (in this case, persimmon), a French Tatin Cake is usually my way to go. Not only does it taste delicious, but it truly allows the fruit to shine – visually – which usually makes it a dessert that your guests will lean towards.
In France, a proper Christmas dinner wouldn’t be complete without the traditional Bûche de Nöel. This wooden-log shaped dessert is a distinctly celebrated French tradition – or might I say, an institution! Proof is, every year in early December, the most renowned French pastry chefs unveil their new signature Bûche de Nöel – in what is the most awaited culinary moment of the year, in France. Chefs compete in showing off their skills with their most imaginative bûche yet, which are for the most part, far (in taste and look) from …
The Classic French madeleines get a Holiday twist, and an American twist too! Yes, most of you might not know it, but eggnog (in french “lait de poule”) is not common at all in France, apart from in the French Caribbean Islands. But while “French Christmas” and “eggnog” are terms usually not associated with one another, these French Eggnog Madeleines are the exception to the rule… And they are a match made in heaven!
What would a French Holiday Season be without a few slices of delicious Spiced Bread? Fragrant, sweet and comforting, it is simply a must. This recipe, by French Pastry Chef Michalak, combines sweet honey with bright citrus flavors, and is perfectly spiced. A pure pleasure!
After a wet summer, we’ve had an amazing Autumn here in Niagara (or should I say “Indian Summer”?). The weather has been unseasonably and delightfully warm and dry all throughout the middle and end of October. With this warm spell, grape harvest is still in full swing in our local vineyards. And this year’s grapes are full, rich and heavy. So, in celebration of this glorious season, I am sharing with you an old-school recipe that couldn’t be a better fit for this situation: a Grape Harvest Cake, from Moissac, …
At the heart of the Franco-Swiss border, the Jura region is home to a gorgeous mountain chain covered in lush evergreen forests and woods. Aside from being a nature-lover’s paradise, the region has a strong culinary profile, producing some of France’s most exceptional honeys. Honeys made from pine, fir, acacia, chestnut and wild flowers, by bees able to enjoy the purity of the Jura mountains. Naturally, honey features in many regional specialties of Jura, such as the Wine and Walnut tart and, of course, this delicious Honey & Walnut cake …
The classic French Apple Cake gets a twist with the use of spelt flour; adding nutty notes to its signature buttery crumb filled with big apple clusters. Like in many countries through Fall and Winter, the apple cake is a classic in households. Of all, the French version is probably one the most unpretentious and bare. With no use of cinnamon like in America, nor crumble top, nuts or glaze. A cake reminiscent of the German Versunkener Apfelken or the Russian Sharlotka, both made in similar ways, with more fruit …
The Sugar Pie from Hauts-de-France is an iconic dessert that can be found in any Northern brasserie and bakery. The authentic recipes call for the use of real vergeoise (beet brown sugar), though regular brown sugar will work well too. The Great Lille Braderie is just a few days away! This centuries-old street market is the largest one in Europe, and a time of festivities for locals and visitors. Over 2 days, the city center fills with thousands of vendors and millions of curious gawkers hoping to find antique gems …
A delicate texture, a buttery-nutty flavour and a signature bumped top make the French Butter Madeleines an essential of French Baking. Once in a while, going back to basics is essential. Especially in baking. Some people’s basics will be chocolate chip cookies, some others’ will be bran muffins or brownies. For me, it’s crepes and French butter madeleines. The warm nutty smell of butter wrapping up the whole kitchen while baking madeleines always brings me back to my French childhood. And every bite taken into these small cushiony cakes always …
The love of the French for “tatins” no longer needs to be proven. These classic French upside-down cakes or pies are traditionally made with apples, but you can embrace the season by using other fruits: peach, blueberry or pineapple, or vegetables: endives, carrots or tomatoes. This simple Rhubarb Tatin Cake embraces the late-spring/early summer season and offers a great way to showcase this perennial vegetable (yes, rhubarb is a vegetable!). The cake is simple and light, with small hints of vanilla and lemon, subtle enough to let the rhubarb shine …
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