Winter

  • Classic French Lemon Tart (Tarte au Citron)

    by Audrey

    A crisp buttery crust with a smooth tangy lemon custard. That is all you need to recreate this utterly iconic French dessert: a Classic French Lemon Tart. A must to have in your baking repertoire as a French host(ess). This is a perfect dessert to transition from Winter to Spring. It’s bright and sunny, while still making the best of these citrusy winter fruits.

  • Nuns’ Farts Carnaval Puffs

    by Audrey

    It’s Carnaval season! And with Mardi Gras just around the corner, it’s time to dig out the large pots, slotted spoons and oil jars, and whip up some batches of beignets – something the French excel at! Whether they’re the classic soft “Beignets”, the crisp “Bugnes” or “Oreillettes” from the city of Lyon, the “Ganses” from the city of Nice, “Shenkeles” from the Alsace region… you’ll find carnaval fried doughs with so many different shapes, textures and names in France. But, some of my favorites are these little round puffs, …

  • Classic Tarte Tatin

    by Audrey

    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 …

  • Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon

    by Audrey

    Fork-tender beef in a rich red-wine gravy and nestled with veggies makes the Beef Bourguignon one of the most adored French recipes in the world. But beyond being a pilar of Classic French cooking, the Beef Bourguignon also embodies the essence of “French slow-cooking”, where one takes their time in the kitchen and enjoys the process every step of the way.  And I truly adore this concept, I really do. But sometimes, opting for short-cuts or more convenient solutions, like a slow-cooker, is just the way to go. The truth …

  • 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.

  • Parisian Vanilla Custard Pie (Flan Parisien)

    by Audrey

    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 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.

  • Swiss Chard Potato Gnocchi from Nice (Merda de Can)

    by Audrey

    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 …

  • Chocolate Fondant Cake from La Baule

    by Audrey

    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.

Pardon your French

Let’s bring French flavors to your kitchen! I share uncomplicated and classic recipes, lesser-known regional dishes and a few modern takes. Making French cooking easy, approachable and cliché-free is my priority.