Recipes

A French Chicken Fricassée is the perfect combination of simplicity and comfort. This French classic featuring chicken seared in butter and then braised in white wine, likely knows as many variations as there are grandmothers in France – and for good reason. It is a simple single-pot recipe that uses humble ingredients, comes together easily and is very versatile. With shallots and bacon, this version of a Chicken Fricassée is deliciously sweet, salty, and full of comfort.

“Artichauts Vinaigrette” is likely the simplest, yet most delicious way to enjoy globe artichokes: simply boiled and eaten leaf after leaf dipped in a tangy vinaigrette. This staple starter is a French favorite, especially in my home region of Brittany where artichokes are plentiful. This is a classic recipe that is quick, easy and fun to eat too, as you work your way to the tender heart of the artichoke.

Simplicity is often the golden rule of allowing seasonal fruits to shine – and this Strawberry Flaugnarde is the perfect example of this. Just like a Clafoutis, this classic French dessert is a custardy baked flan nestled with seasonal fruits. It’s tender and creamy in the center, with satisfyingly puffy and chewy rims. The best part: you only need a few basic baking ingredients (flour, sugar, eggs and milk) and fresh seasonal strawberries to recreate this delicious dessert in your own kitchen.

Asparagus season is here, and this spring-like Asparagus and Goat Cheese quiche is the perfect way to celebrate. The buttery “Pâte Brisée” crust and the eggy filling are the perfect vessel for crisp asparagus and slightly tangy and earthy goat cheese. This quiche comes together in a breeze and is a great make-ahead recipe since it is just as delicious enjoyed warm or cool.

This Classic French Pear Cake features tender pear chunks nestled in a light and airy crumb, flavored with almond extract. Right before baking, the cake gets dusted with sugar to create a signature crackly top. It’s super-easy to make and is just sweet enough, with a delightful more-pear-than-crumb-ratio. If you love pears, this recipe will become a staple in your repertoire. 

Behold this quintessential French-bistro classic – the Croque Monsieur. This iconic French sandwich is filled with Paris ham and French hard mountain cheese, grilled to perfection, then covered with a creamy Béchamel sauce and finished under the broiler. It’s cheesy, gooey, chewy with crisp edges… in essence, it’s irresistible.

This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is proof that healthier desserts don’t have to be boring. Made of melty apples under a crisp gluten-free topping of ground almond, oats and pecans, this rustic dessert is pure comfort. I love how it’s a snap to prepare, it doesn’t have to look perfect and it’s a delicious crowd pleaser.

Potatoes, milk, cream and a touch of other ingredients. The Classic French Gratin Dauphinois is proof that French cuisine doesn’t have to be complicated and often relies on simple ingredients to create a decadent dish. In this traditional French gratin, thinly sliced potatoes are baked slowly in creamy milk until utterly tender. It is a great classic of the French culinary repertoire, and one of the most beloved dishes to make in the Winter. 

Decadent yet elegant, a Classic French Chocolate Mousse is a must in your repertoire as a French host(ess), or just to treat yourself. This timeless dessert relies on only a few ingredients – chocolate, eggs, butter and sugar – to create a smooth, airy texture with intense chocolatey taste. It is a great make-ahead dessert to serve in individual cups.

The Garbure is a rustic soup from the Gascony region consisting of smoked ham hock, beans, cabbage and seasonal vegetables slowly stewed. It’s rich, full of smokey flavor and intentionally thick: it’s said a Garbure is ready when the ladle can stand upright in the pot. This robust soup is a great classic of French mountain cooking and best enjoyed on a blistery Winter day.