While Calissons d’Aix are a Provencal holiday treat —they are one of the thirteen traditional desserts served at Epiphany — I tried my first on a beautiful summer’s day in Aix-en-Provence. Candy is certainly not the only reason to visit Provence, but for this sweet treat, Aix marks the spot.

The following salmon recipe was definitely market-inspired. I created the onion compote with tiny I’itoi (pronounced ee-EE-toy) onions an old-world crop.

Romesco sauce originates from the fishing community in Catalonia, Spain. A place where red peppers, garlic and a bit of piment are well-entrenched in the local cuisine.

Sometimes when life calls for relaxed, stress-free dining, try an indoor picnic. Make a charcuterie cheese board as an appetizer or add more ingredients for a light meal – apéro dinatoire.

Although it’s entirely possible to find trees growing in the wild, almonds are cultivated in Provence. This recipe for Salted Almond Praline Cake is a basic cake mix with a crunchy sweet topping. I know that I promised not to make another almond dessert, but who could resist this delicious …

There are some ingredients that remind you of a place you’ve been or, in this case, a place you lived. The state of Maine is one of those places with its fabulous seafood – lobster, clams and Gulf-of-Maine shrimp. Summer eating in this coastal state is all about lobster roll …

Cocoa and Lavender reached a milestone 10th birthday in February – 10 years and over 500 recipes published. At the beginning, I had no idea what to write. I had never taken a food photo, not even surreptitiously in a restaurant. I didn’t have a clue about how blogs work. …

There is something je ne sais quoi about a classic French Apple Tart, actually that is not true. I know exactly what it is about this French dessert that is so attractive. The fruit is always perfectly cut, and artfully arranged. However, the key to a French fruit tart, in my view, is the effect of the glaze – the dessert sparkles.

My inspiration for Spiced Duck Breasts was a recipe in Food & Wine. The dish is an international fusion where a Mexican spice blend meets a French-style magret de canard. The blackberry-balsamic reduction adds a touch of sweetness offsetting the spice. The result was delicious despite not quite following my …

Spicy Spring Menu This Provencal spring menu showcases the spices and recipes from the trade route. Pepper and curry flavours from India, Spain’s iconic paella, and aromas from North Africa and the Middle East. Enjoy! Provence and the Spice Route Food encodes social, political, and economic history, often in fascinating …