David Scott Allen

David Scott Allen is the author, photographer, and cook behind Cocoa & Lavender, a weekly food blog based in Tucson, Arizona. Passionate about travel, he especially enjoys eating traditional foods and learning local customs, whether in the United States or around the globe.

David's first trip to France took place when he was 14, and he returned as often as possible thereafter. However, it wasn't until his 50th birthday that he finally made it south to Provence. The beauty, history, charm, warmth, cuisine, and - of course - the rosé wines captured his heart. He shares his Provençal recipes here on Perfectly Provence, and his food and wine pairings monthly on the Provence WineZine.

David is a firm believer that sharing a meal with friends around the table is one of life's greatest pleasures. And if it happens to be in Provence, all the better!

Goat Blue Cheese and Pear Timbales a Light Starter Course

April 4, 2018

This recipe combines sharp, creamy blue goat cheese and ripe Anjou pears in a lovely savoury flan or timbales. The Anjou pear is also called the Genovian pear (in Italy), and perhaps that is a good example of the transferability of the language of cooking. A timbale in French cuisine is a sweet or savoury, custard-like recipe that is cooked in a cylindrical pan or bottomless dish (flan ring). In Italian, the same dish is called a Timballo.…

Appetizer · David Scott Allen · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Spicy Carrot Goat Cheese Pâté a Recipe for those Bits in the Fridge

March 30, 2018

We all agree that food waste is terrible, and in North America where shopping for many tends to involve large format stores with bulk packaging...often we buy too much. Even if you are a conscious shopper and dedicated cook like David sometimes there end up being some leftover bits in the fridge. Now, in Cocoa & Lavender's kitchen nothing gets wasted so he created this recipe for spicy carrot goat cheese pâté.…

David Scott Allen · Main Course · Poultry · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Mom’s Dijon Chicken a Dinner Classic in Under 30-Minutes

March 27, 2018

Every cook needs to have a few "go-to" recipes tucked in their apron. These recipes are the ones that you can make without checking to see if you have the ingredients, you know are delicious, and never fail to impress your guests. For me, my mother's Dijon Chicken, a simple baked poultry dish that is ready in under 30-minutes, is a go-to combination.…

David Scott Allen · Main Course · Poultry · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Seared Duck Breast with Clementine-Pomegranate Beurre Blanc

February 20, 2018

Seared duck breast is quick and easy to cook. The meat is seared on high-temperature for about 5 minutes a side, then allowed to rest. However, the trick with duck is to create just the right sauce - fruity, savoury, wine or port. The inspiration for this recipe comes from Christmas flavours (citrus and pomegranate) and colours, and I served it for good friends during the holidays.…

Cakes & Cookies · David Scott Allen · Dessert · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Lemon Ricotta Cake Inspired by Flavours of the South

February 14, 2018

In our house, this dessert is named after our friend Luisa and inspired by Louisa’s Cake from Castellina in Chianti. The tangy combination of lemon zest and fresh ricotta are a terrific balance with sweet apple and raspberry jam. Take a look at the original post “Heard it From a Friend” for step-by-step photos of …

David Scott Allen · Fish & Seafood · Main Course · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Crab Cakes and Provencal Vermentino a Recipe for Galettes de Crabe

January 24, 2018

Aromas are a funny thing. Almost like those dreams you are sure you will remember in the morning and then don’t, a scent can transport you to another place and time. In his blog post, “Recipes and Remembrance” David talks about a restaurant — Le Bec-Fin — that was once a favourite of his parents …

David Scott Allen · Main Course · Poultry · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Roasted Chicken Ottolenghi Style with Fennel and Clementines

January 17, 2018

When I was growing up, I didn’t know that our style of serving meals growing up had a name. I know it as family style now but then, it was just how Mom and Dad did it. It wasn’t necessarily a daily thing, but I know it was served that way every Sunday evening. This …

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Les Vallons Holiday Home - Sleeps 12

If you are looking for a perfect holiday rental property, with a heated pool, Les Vallons sleeps 12 people in a fully restored hamlet.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Six Bedrooms

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Apt: One Bedroom Rental Apartments

The apartments have lounge and dining areas with fully equipped modern kitchens. The bedrooms are bright and airy with modern bathrooms.

Luberon
Vaucluse
One Bedroom

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French Riviera 2-Bedroom Holiday Apartment

Chez Nous is a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom penthouse apartment on a quiet pedestrian street known as Villefranche-sur-Mer's garden street.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
Two Bedrooms

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Sablet Village House Holiday Rental

A beautiful stone house in the middle of Sablet, within walking distance of boulangerie and more. This wine village is known for its Côte du Rhone wines.

Vaucluse
Three Bedrooms

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Malaucène: Charming B&B and Guest Cottage

Bed and Breakfast with 5 bedrooms and a private cottage is located just a few minutes from Vaison La Romaine.

Vaucluse
Bed and Breakfast

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Provence Marketplace

Flat Spatula Made of Olive Wood

Made out of beautiful olive wood, this 30 cm flat spatula is a terrific gift for anyone who likes cooking. Easy maintenance, wash in soap and water and dry immediately. Not suitable for dishwashers. Sold individually by My French Country Home Box.

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Lavender Sachet from Provence “Cyprès”

L'AUGUSTE Provence organic lavender sachets featuring a row of cypress trees. These sachets are decorative objects with a delicate soothing fragrance.

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Natural Soap from Provence with Fig Fragrance

Rose et Marius soaps are made with 97% natural ingredients (palm oil-free) and exclusive fragrances. Formulated with poppy and olive oil from Provence, this soap has a perfume that will remind you of a fig tree in summer.

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Hand-Crafted Decorative Ceramic Sunflowers

Available in six (6) different colours these durable ceramic sunflowers are suitable for indoor or outdoor settings. Made by hand in Uzès by Maison Pichon these sunflowers are sold individually. Maison Pichon is an artisanal French ceramics manufacturer since 1802.

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Spring Menu Collection

Spring recipes from Provence is organized by course, from starters to desserts. We have featured menus crafted by our favourite food enthusiasts who have shared our love for Provence for several years. This spring recipe collection brings many of those delicious dishes together in one place. These menus, spanning multiple courses, are a testament to their connection with the region and the use of seasonal ingredients.

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Great Tote Bag in Cotton String

Bring on warm weather with these Cotton String Bags in three colours (white, tan, and black). Take this tote from My French Country Home box to the market, beach or an evening out. Buy one in each colour, as they are the perfect accessory for Spring and Summer seasons.

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Home Diffuser Rosé Wine Fragrance

As the sun warms the temperatures in Provence, chilled rosé becomes a popular choice for the weather. Rose et Marius worked with an haute parfumerie in Grasse to craft a fragrance that captures the essence of this wine in a stylish glass diffuser.

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Alpilles in Provence

Château d’Estoublon located near Fontvieille produces an exceptional olive oil from olives grown on the estate in the Alpilles. Harvested and produced on the property, this premium olive oil showcases Mediterranean terroir, making it a must-have for any kitchen. Available in 4 flavours.

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French Porcelain Dessert Plates

Founded in 1948, La Maison Degrenne is focused on "art de la table," these delicate porcelain dessert plates are a perfect example. Sold as a set of 4 plates by My French Country Home Box, they represent the seasons; cherries for spring, sweet peach for summer, a ripe fig for autumn, and a vibrant lemon for winter.

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Download Our Fall Menu Collection

David Scott Allen

Goat Blue Cheese and Pear Timbales a Light Starter Course

Spicy Carrot Goat Cheese Pâté a Recipe for those Bits in the Fridge

Mom’s Dijon Chicken a Dinner Classic in Under 30-Minutes

Seared Duck Breast with Clementine-Pomegranate Beurre Blanc

Lemon Ricotta Cake Inspired by Flavours of the South

Crab Cakes and Provencal Vermentino a Recipe for Galettes de Crabe

Roasted Chicken Ottolenghi Style with Fennel and Clementines

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