Winter

Homemade chocolate truffles are as decadent as they are simple to make. These bite-sized chocolate confections are made with only 4 ingredients, yet they’re blissfully elegant and incredibly delicious. They’re creamy, melt-in-your-mouth and will satisfy any chocolate lovers’ cravings. They’re a luxurious treat to serve after dessert or a perfect edible gift.

Known in French as Soupe Paysanne, this Cabbage and Sausage Soup is a rustic recipe that takes centre stage on French family tables throughout Winter. Every region and family have their own twist on it, but always with a hearty mix of vegetables and meats. This one is loaded with cabbage, carrots, leek, smoked pork sausage and potatoes in a flavourful broth. It is a perfectly hearty, stick-to-your-ribs soup that satisfies and warms you up during colder days.

January in France is the month of the King’s Galette, or if you are in Provence, the King’s Brioche. This sweet, crown-shaped citrus-flavored brioche is adorned with candied fruits and traditionally enjoyed the first few weeks of the year to help celebrate the Epiphany. This bakery staple is easy to recreate at home, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the fun tradition that comes along with it!

This Biscoff Tiramisu, knowned as “Ch’tiramisu” is the French answer to Tiramisu. This popular Northern French dessert is made from layers of mascarpone cream and coffee soaked speculoos cookies – giving it a subtly spiced and warming flavor. This simple yet utterly delicious twist on the famous treat is a great no-bake dessert that’s even better when made in advance. What’s not to love?

Known as “Queue de boeuf aux carottes”, this French Style Braised Oxtail recipe yields fall-of-the-bone oxtail in a rich, velvety and utterly flavorful red wine sauce with carrots, leeks and herbs. This rustic dish is easy to make, offering a hearty experience perfect for warming up winter nights. Whether you’re new to oxtail or simply seeking a comforting winter dish, this recipe is for you!

Halfway between a cake and a pie, the classic Basque Cake, known as “Gâteau Basque”, is a staple from southern France and northern Spain – the lands of the Basque people. It has a deliciously rich and buttery double layered crust encasing a delicious pastry cream. Although locals tradtionally serve this cake to accompany coffee or tea, its elegant crosshatch pattern on the top gives it a rustic charm and makes this cake plenty elegant for special occasions, or as a centerpiece for dessert.

Meet “Cake Aux Fruits Confits” – a French-style fruit cake that brings all the festive vibes, without overwhelming sweetness or booziness – unlike its American or British counterparts. It features lightly rum-soaked candied fruits, plump raisins and chunks of tender marzipan in a buttery, airy crumb. This lighter take on the classic fruit cake might just win you over if you weren’t a fan before. Get ready to savor the joy of every bite!

Chocolate lovers, you’re in for a treat! The Parisian Hot Chocolate is a notoriously thick, rich and amazingly creamy treat – all while being made with no cream! It relies solely on top-quality chocolate and warm milk to create the perfect balance of rich flavors and silky texture. It’s a treat that’s both comforting and luxurious. One that’ll transport you right to a cozy Parisian café on a crisp winter’s day.

This Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tarte Soleil – known as a “Sun Tart”, in English – is a gorgeous tear-and-share French appetizer. It features two layers of buttery puff pastry with a filling of cream cheese and smoked salmon, cut and twisted into tearable strands.  This is a very simple recipe for a really impressive appetizer for the Holiday season!

This Red Kuri Squash Blue Cheese Gratin is a simple and utterly comforting dish, making do with “Potimarron” (red kuri squash): a star of French market stalls during the Fall and Winter months. This gratin features layers of tender and sweet squash, tangy blue cheese with crème fraiche, walnuts and pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. This is a great dish for vegetarians, or a festive side dish to serve alongside meat or fish during gatherings – especially perfect for a unique Thanksgiving side!