Download Our Summer Menu Collection

Since summer entertaining should be a breeze, this collection, designed with simplicity in mind, features 20 easy-to-follow recipes and a few menu suggestions. Download this PDF, which includes recipes for starters, main courses, side dishes, and desserts.

 Keith Van Sickle

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Keith and Val Van Sickle made their first trip to Provence decades ago, and it was love at first sight. After that, they came back every year until 2008, when they began a part-time life there, splitting their time between Provence and California.

Over the years, they’ve travelled all over Provence, seeing sights both well-known and obscure. Their French friends have introduced them to favourite restaurants and wineries and picnic spots and taught them funny local expressions (not all for polite company).

Keith now shares this local knowledge in his new book, An Insider’s Guide to Provence. Packed with the Van Sickles’ favourite things to see and do, it’s a must-have for anyone travelling to this glorious corner of France.

Keith previously published two books about the couple's experiences in Provence. One Sip at a Time: Learning to Live in Provence, and Are We French Yet?, both are available from Amazon.

You can see all of Keith’s blog posts at Life in Provence.

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Dessert · François de Mélogue · Pastries · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Delicious Recipe Rum and Orange-Scented Beignets for Dessert

February 19, 2025
While I cannot promise that these feather-light beignets are low-calorie, they are delicious. A traditional French recipe for rum and orange-scented beignets that most likely got their nickname pets de nonne (literally “nun’s farts”) from a slight bastardization of the earlier term paix-de-nonne (“nun’s peace”). They are delicious dipped in a rich, homemade hot chocolate. …
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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Guided Holiday Tours

Provence Fall Tour: Book a Pitcher and Powell Culinary Adventure

February 17, 2025
Embark on a culinary journey through Provence with Pitcher and Powell, a boutique travel company created by two keen culinary enthusiasts. From September 26 to October 3, 2025, immerse yourself in a week-long cultural escapade that promises adventure and indulgence. Discover more and reserve your place on this Provence Fall tour adventure today. Introducing Pitcher …
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François de Mélogue · Main Course · Poultry · Provencal Recipes · Taste

My Simple Recipe for Roasted Farmhouse Chicken

February 12, 2025
Something about a succulent roasted farmhouse chicken pleases my whole family. Cooking chicken in a cocotte is a traditional French method. The French word cocotte denotes a covered casserole usually made from clay, but a Dutch oven works well for this recipe. Here is the original Simple French Cooking recipe and notes on French butter. …
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Barefoot Blogger · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

Why Visit Gourdon a Lovely Village in the Alpes-Maritimes

February 10, 2025
The medieval village of Gourdon offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Côte d’Azur and the Loup Valley. This quaint village in the Alpes-Maritimes region of Provence is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Recognized as one of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The Most Beautiful Villages of France), Gourdon’s winding cobbled …
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Beatrice Carrot · Provencal Recipes · Taste · Wines and Spirits of Provence

Treat Yourself to a Taste of Provence with Seasonal Bitter Orange Wine

February 7, 2025
Bitter orange wine is a traditional, refreshing, and convivial aperitif typical of Provence. It recalls sunny days and the song of cicadas. This article about bitter orange wine is written in French and English for readers who want to improve their language skills. There’s a recipe below for making bitter orange wine at home. Le …
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Christine van der Linden · Explore · Hans Zeegers · Villages Towns and Cities

Adventures in Gréolières: A travel experience by Hans and Christine

February 6, 2025
The journey begins: from coast to village A winding road leads us from the sunny French Riviera coast to the Alpes Maritimes village of Gréolières, which has existed since 1033. Gréolières comes from the old French word “greolier,” meaning “crow.” We start our adventures in Gréolières at 850 meters, and we are greeted by a …
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