Summer

A French plum tart, also known as “Tarte aux Prunes,” is a classic French dessert that highlights the natural sweetness and juiciness of plums. This tart features a buttery, flaky crust filled with fresh plums that are baked until jammy. It’s buttery, nutty, sweet and tart all at once. Enjoy it on its own, or with a dollop of crème fraiche on top – heavenly!

This simple homemade Niçoise Salad is a lively mix of fresh tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, radishes and cool cucumber, spruced up with hard-boiled eggs, tuna, salty anchovies and a simple herby dressing. True to tradition, you’ll find no green beans nor potatoes in this authentic recipe! It’s a refreshingly crisp and crunchy salad that’s ideal for your next BBQ or to pop into your lunchbox.

It’s eggplant season and that means this Provencal Eggplant Tomato Gratin is on repeat in my kitchen. This typical southern French recipe includes tender slices of eggplants layered with chunky tomato sauce, plenty of cheese and spiked with Herbs de Provence. This is a fuss-free recipe that makes a great side or a perfect vegetarian dinner.

Known as Croquettes de Sardines, these sardine and white bean cakes offer a delightful Breton twist on classic fish cakes. Made with salty sardines, creamy white beans and fresh herbs, they feature a perfectly smooth interior and a crispy exterior. Enjoy them as a fun finger food with your favorite dip, paired with a refreshing summer salad, or tucked into a sandwich bun for a delicious meal.

Here’s a refreshing summer twist on the classic French lentil salad! It features earthy Puy lentils mingling with juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, all brought to life with loads of fresh herbs and a zippy dressing with red onions. This vibrant, satisfying, and wholesome salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re heading to a barbecue, potluck, or simply enjoying an everyday lunch at home.

Here’s to the perfect summer treat – a Cherry Cake, inspired by the beloved dessert from the Vosges Mountains, in Eastern France. This cake is light, airy, bouncy and nestled with sweet, juicy cherries. It’s the perfect baked good to celebrate cherry season and enjoy all summer long.

This French-style rice and tuna salad offers delightful Mediterranean flavors and is a beloved childhood favorite of mine, as well as a staple in French home cooking. This vibrant mix includes rice, tender tuna chunks, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, crisp bell peppers and fresh herbs. It’s a refreshing yet filling salad, perfect for serving at a luncheon, as a side dish for a barbecue, or packed for a picnic or potluck.

Known as “Caviar d’Aubergine”, this eggplant caviar dip is a staple of the French apéro: the pre-dinner snacks and drinks. It is a creamy and flavorful dip made of roasted eggplant, shallots and garlic, seasoned with fresh herbs and seasonings. It yields delicious savory and smoky flavors and an utterly satisfying texture that goes hand-in-hand with toasted bread and a crisp glass of wine in Summer.

Known as “carrés aux fraises”, these strawberry oat bars belong to the long list of baked goods the French love to whip up in the Spring. They yield a tangy homemade filling made of fresh strawberries sandwiched between a crisp and buttery oat crumble. This is a delicious hand-held treat to be served for dessert or packed up to enjoy at a sunny picnic.  

Known as “Carottes Rapées”, this French Grated Carrot Salad is ubiquitous in all French regions. This standard bistro fare is essentially a salad of grated carrots with herbs, a simple dressing and a heavy sprinkle of raisins and nuts for added crunch, chew and flavor. This salad is crunchy, tangy, refreshing and a healthy pop of color for any table.