Download Our Winter Menu Collection

Featuring 25 recipes from the South of France for winter weather, along with menu suggestions, all designed to make your cooking experience enjoyable. Download this PDF, which includes recipes for starters, main courses, side dishes, and desserts.

 J. Christina

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J. Christina is the author and hobbyist photographer behind Scribbles and Smiles, writing a personal travel blog from the Midwest. Christina (Christie) is married to John, a.k.a. Mr. Christie. Where Mr. Christie is right on-board with their travel jaunts around the world; sharing in their blogging endeavors. He supports, encourages, handles gadgetry and embraces the role of the in-house editor - hence, their bespoke pen name, J. Christina.

J. Christina's blogging journey began before the word blog was trending, writing about European travel destinations on share-sites, forums and online journals. After many years of intrepid travel, they thoughtfully opened their treasure-trove of European travelogues, artfully sharing with a worldwide audience. Intentionally sharing the joie de vivre through their words and images, so others can travel vicariously. J. Christina believes smiling with your eyes is a beautiful thing.

You can read their most recent dispatches from aboard an elegant European river ship, sharing the allure of Europe’s great rivers and their capital cities. Or, follow them through serendipitous discoveries in the Cote d’Azur, where J. Christina captures the essence of a perched medieval village.

J. Christina's work has been featured on France Today, Bonjour Paris and The Good Life France.

Enjoy the Scribbles and Smiles stories

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Appetizer · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Black Truffle Puff Pastries with Foie Gras – Chaussons feuilletés au foie gras et aux truffes brumale

December 19, 2025
Black truffles, also known as the millionaire’s mushroom, are an indulgence reserved for special occasions. Because of their rarity (and cost), truffles are typically shaved into delicate slivers. Their earthy aroma blends exquisitely with the foie gras in this recipe, creating puff pastry treats that capture the essence of Provençal cuisine. Enjoy the recipe below …
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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Local Food Producers · Taste

Pistache en Provence the Reasons Why Pistachios Are Perfect for French Soil

December 12, 2025
Provence is renowned for its exceptional climate, rich historical heritage, vibrant cultural traditions, and, of course, its celebrated cuisine. The South of France is a major agricultural powerhouse, producing a diverse range of crops, including grapes, olives, almonds, black truffles, figs, stone fruits, apples, pears, lavender, sunflowers, and, increasingly, pistachios. The revival of pistachio cultivation …
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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Stay: Accommodation & Rentals in Provence

A Gorgeous Property for Sale in Provence’s Vaucluse Near Malaucène

December 10, 2025
Are you looking for a change of pace? Have you been considering buying a home in Provence for an ideal escape? Or perhaps you’ve always dreamed of running a bed-and-breakfast in the South of France. Now is your opportunity! Le Prieuré La Madelène is a stunning property featuring 10 bedrooms (including 1 gîte) nestled in …
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Artists Inspired by Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire · Shopping & Gifts

Bring Provence Home with a Painting by Ashley Tinker

December 9, 2025
We did just that: we brought a sunflower field from Provence into our home—not literally, of course. We received a wonderful gift from some generous friends: an oil painting by Ashley Tinker titled “Tournesols, Castillon.” Every time I look at this painting, I feel as though I am taking a brief journey to the countryside …
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Barefoot Blogger · Inspire · Shopping & Gifts

Catch the Festive Spirit Christmas Markets the Holidays in Provence

December 8, 2025
The South of France is a wonderland during the holidays, with colourful markets transforming historical settings into scenes from fairytales. I visited Christmas Markets in the South of France, within a two-hour drive of Uzès. Here’s a journey through some of the region’s enchanting holiday experiences. Ménerbes at Christmas My shopping travels started at Montpellier’s …
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