The markets of Provence literally spring to life at this time of year with fresh asparagus, young lettuces and the first peas of the season. To celebrate the season of rebirth after a cold winter enjoy this recipe for Spring Pea Soup.

I held a terrific Goût et Voyage cooking class/dinner party this past Saturday night. My clients have a beautiful home and were gracious hosts. Our meal started with tapenade noire on baguette slices and Champagne. The salad featured wine poached pears, endive, gorgonzola and walnuts with a pear vinaigrette. The main course starred …

Biscotti are not too sweet- especially for those trying to limit their consumption of sugary cookies and candies- and are really good with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

As the weather gets cooler, my go-to dinner is often a hearty soup and a winter salad. Sturdy vegetables available in the late fall and winter such as squash, root vegetables, broccoli and cauliflower often combined with dried legumes and mushrooms lend themselves to a slow simmer on the stove top. Making soup is a satisfying Sunday afternoon activity.

Financiers aux Courgettes – little zucchini cakes – fit the pot luck bill perfectly. Typically in French cuisine, a financier is a small, airy cake, often with an almond flour base, that is eaten for dessert. I prefer savoury financiers which lend themselves to a myriad of combinations – sausage and cheese, spinach and cheese, olive, walnuts and cheese