Summer

The traditional lamb is a must on every Easter table in France. And although it usually presents itself in the form of a glorious Gigot d’Agneau (roasted leg of lamb), you’ll find that variations are totally acceptable nowadays. So since I like to keep holidays stress-free (and sheet pan recipes seem to be all the rage this year), I decided that a one-pan-lamb-and-all-the-Easter-fixings would be my choice for this holiday. This One-Pan Garlic Lamb Chops with Potatoes and Carrots recipe is quick to assemble and -bonus! – a snap to …

Crème Brûlée (which translates to “burnt cream”) is one of the most raved about French desserts of all time – and for good reason. The two contrasting layers of luscious vanilla cream under a crackly caramelized sugar top are a match made in heaven and make this dessert stand out from all the others.   Even better: you’ll be surprised at how simple it is to make Crème Brûlée in your own kitchen. You simply need 5 ingredients (that you probably already have on hand) and just a little knowledge …

Simpler to make than apple pie, a Tarte Tatin defies the cliché of fussy, flawless French desserts, while offering that same rich, sophisticated taste. Made with juicy apples doused in sweet caramel and draped with a buttery crust, it proves how simple ingredients can work magic together. An absolute must to have in your baking repertoire as a French host(ess)!  The difference between Apple Tarts and Tarte Tatin In France, classic apple tarts (tartes aux pommes) usually come in pretty crusts, sometimes filled with “compote” (apple sauce) or frangipane (almond …

This Basque risotto, known as “riz Gaxuxa” (pronounced Gachoocha) is a quintessential dish from Basque country. This one-pot rice dish features smoky chorizo sausage, chicken, pancetta, bell peppers, and eggs, with a pinch of fiery Espelette Pepper. Here’s to an easy and wholesome dish that makes a perfect family meal for those busy weekday dinners.

Flans and custards of all kinds hold a high rank in French baking, and this Parisian Vanilla Custard Pie (more commonly known as a “Flan Parisien”) is no exception. This hefty pie features a sturdy, sandy blackened crust hiding a rich and creamy vanilla custard under a thick blackened skin. You’ll find it sold in most French bakeries, and basically every bakery in Paris, as it is inarguably a Parisian favorite. Like many rustic French flans, this Parisian Vanilla Custard Pie bears a black-spotted top that can give the impression …

Known in French as “Oeuf en Meurette”, this classic dish from Burgundy is a poached egg served on toast, and in a silky red wine sauce with mushrooms, pancetta bits and pearl onions.

Known in French as Lunettes de Romans, these Raspberry Jam Filled Sablé Sandwiches are delicious cookies hailing from the little town of Romans-sur-Isère, in South Eastern France. Made from two layers of “pate sablée” and a jammy filling, they are the perfect mix of buttery/tangy and crisp/tender.

In French, “Merde de chien” or in English, “Dog’s poo” (to remain polite), these “Merda de Can” are a scrumptious specialty from Nice, on the French Riviera. Don’t be fooled by the extremely unappealing name of this extremely delectable dish! These homemade Swiss Chard and Potato Gnocchi (named after their shape) are delicious and very popular in this region of France. You can find them on many restaurants’ menus and they are home-cooks’ favorites, as they’re a great way to sneak greens into a dish (and are so fun to …

This Chocolate Fondant Cake is a delicious recipe from La Baule, and is possibly one of the most well-kept culinary secrets in France… (updated recipe – January 2019).  La Baule is a picturesque seaside resort town on the Atlantic coast, where beautiful stoned-façade villas and casinos mass along stunning sand beaches. It is a beloved weekend getaway spot for Parisians, who yearn for a slower, sun-bathed atmosphere and some fresh Atlantic air.

Freshly-baked, deliciously flaky and buttery classic French Croissants, made from scratch in the comfort of your own kitchen… Could there be anything better? With their thin crisp layers, light chewy crumb and complex butter notes like no other, these iconic pastries are the star of all French breakfasts and likely one of the most sought after treats in the world. Likewise, making classic French Croissants at home from scratch, has a reputation for being a lengthy and intricate process, with a few too many steps and baking skills to own. …