Winter

A staple food in France, French toast is named “Pain perdu” which translates literally to lost bread, reflecting the use of stale bread so it doesn’t get “lost”.  These slices of breads dunked in an eggy mixture and toasted in a pan are comforting, sweet and tender – and a breeze to make at home. ‘Pain Perdu” also embodies the high status granted to bread in France and the utmost importance of not wasting it.

“Chouquettes” are ubiquitous afternoon snacks in France. These bite sized choux pastry puffs topped with crisp pearl sugar, can be found in virtually every bakery at any time of the day, and are handed to you by the dozen in paper bags. Chouquettes are also a fun treat to make at home. They’re easy, quick and require only staple ingredients… and they’ll disappear fast! 

A Classic of the French repertoire, a Chocolate Moelleux Cake is a decadent and intensely chocolatey cake, relying on only a few ingredients: eggs, sugar and a solid amount of butter and good-quality dark chocolate. Made with no flour, hence naturally gluten-free, this cake combines the richness of chocolate cake with the airiness of a mousse. A must for all chocolate lovers! 

A crisp buttery crust, melty caramelized onions and a savory custard makes the Alsatian Onion Tart a staple of French cooking. This rustic tart tastes rich, satisfying and brings a unique combination of sweet and salty flavors, with the sweet caramelized onions bound by a cheese and egg filling.

Comforting, nourishing and full of flavor, a simple Butternut Squash Soup is a cold weather staple. This easy-to-make, no-frill recipe requires just a few classic ingredients to create a naturally thick and creamy soup (no cream needed) with hints of sweetness and warmth. This is a simple and traditional soup recipe for everyone to have in their repertoire. 

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. 

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! 

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!