Summer

This quick version of my Classic French Croissants recipe includes a few short cuts, takes only 7 hours to make (with extended inactive period of times) and still gives billowy, flaky, buttery croissants.   In comparison to my 2-Day version or 3-Day version, these croissants are more buttery, with smaller air bubbles inside and a satisfyingly chewy crumb. A great compromise if you don’t have two or three days to create the real deal! 

This two-day version of my Classic French Croissant recipe is ideal for starting in the afternoon, to have freshly baked croissants the next morning. This recipe will give you 12 of these iconic French pastries, with a great flakiness, a satisfying bubbly crumb and lovely buttery notes. In comparison to my One-Day Classic French Croissants recipe, the crumb of these 2-day croissants is more aerated and offers lovely subtle butter notes. The three-day version of this recipe has more depth in taste and texture, but if you only have two …

This three-day version of my Classic French Croissant is the real deal! There are no shortcuts, but you will achieve the closest thing to real French Bakery Croissants (if not the same). The three days necessary for the process offers the proper time for the dough to develop, relax and build a rich complexity in taste and texture. A great weekend project, worth every effort and minute! In comparison to my One-day or Two-day Classic French Croissants recipe, these will have the flakiest outside, most aerated crumb and have the …

Pot de crème, crème brûlée, mousse, riz-au-lait, sabayon … there is undoubtedly a strong tradition of creamy, cup-contained desserts in France. And even though the classic “pudding” (pouding, in French) is moreso a British import, it is just as much of a beloved and popular dessert in France.

Since my recent trip to Lille, I have been obsessed with making Merveilleux at home. These meringue and chocolate cream sandwich pastries are a famous specialty from French and Belgian Flanders and can be spotted across bakeries and pastry shops all over the city of Lille. I actually spent several minutes staring at pastry chefs crafting them through the windows of Aux Merveilleux de Fred, one of the most famous spots in the city to buy and eat Merveilleux. So as soon as I was back in my kitchen in …

If there’s one type of cookie that defined my childhood in Brittany, it’s the Sablé Breton! These traditional French salted butter cookies are crispy, buttery, and perfectly balanced with a hint of salt. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy recipe will transport you straight to a Brittany kitchen.

What better way to help Summer linger than embracing every chance left to sit outside with a  chilled drink and, of course, some delectable nibbles on the side? And for that, the Provençal people undoubtedly have it all nailed down, with their utterly beloved and popular Black Olive Tapenade. This spread of black olives and capers is a culinary icon in the region and a perfect drinking companion – as all salty snacks are.  This tapenade is packed with salty flavors and a concentrated of the Mediterranean. It’s such a …

This post is sponsored by Oliv. All text and opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the brands who help make Pardon your French possible. Summer desserts often call for simplicity, don’t you think? A simple cake, fresh seasonal fruits bursting with natural flavours, and maybe, one more component to add some originality. Well, today’s dessert is simply one of them – featuring juicy peaches, the simplest olive oil cake, and the use of fig-infused balsamic vinegar to create some magic. That’s all you’ll need to build this lush …

Financiers are one of my favourite French bakery treats. They’re nutty, buttery, dainty, delicious, and come in so many various shapes and flavours (which gives you a good excuse for testing every new one that comes your way). Speaking of which, I am excited to be sharing with you today, Mardi Michel’s recipe for raspberry financiers, from her debut cookbook In the French Kitchen with Kids: Easy, Everyday Dishes for the Whole Family to Make and Enjoy. And I am telling you right now, these are some of the best …

This chickpea flatbread (known as “socca”) is a little culinary treasure hailing from the sun-kissed Ligurian Coast, stretching from Italy to France. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, this delectable and rustic chick pea flatbread has seen a big revival in these past few years. But its recipe is truly as ancient as can be – and very, very easy. In Italy, from Ventimiglia to La Spezia, it is known as the “farinata”. In the Piemonte Region, people call it the “belecàuda” (meaning literally, beautiful and hot).  And in the South of …