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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Explore · Guest Post

Things I Wish I Knew Before Spending a Month in Provence

January 14, 2026
I’ve been slow-travelling full-time for over five years now, spending at least a month in each place I visit. And while I’ve explored everywhere from Thailand to New Zealand and beyond, there was something about Provence that felt entirely different. I’d been to France many times before, but Provence stood apart. I knew it would …
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Inspire · Learning French · Provencal History & Traditions · Virginie Van Der Wees

Immersion en Provence : découvrir Glanum et pratiquer le français à Saint-Rémy

January 9, 2026
Avez-vous déjà envisagé d’apprendre le français pendant vos vacances ? Virginie Van Der Wess vit en Provence avec sa famille et propose des séjours en immersion totale dans la langue française. Située près de la magnifique ville d’Aix-en-Provence, Virginie organise des séjours sur mesure adaptés à chaque client. Dans ce cas précis, Jon et sa …
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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

An Interview with Elle Jauffret, Author of the Suddenly French Mysteries

January 7, 2026
Elle Jauffret is a former criminal attorney and the award-winning author of the Suddenly French Mysteries. Born in Provence, she holds law degrees from Université Côte d’Azur and George Washington University. Her work blends legal intrigue, identity, and culinary flair, making her a distinctive voice in mystery novels. We were thrilled when Elle accepted our …
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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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