Although it’s entirely possible to find trees growing in the wild, almonds are cultivated in Provence. This recipe for Salted Almond Praline Cake is a basic cake mix with a crunchy sweet topping. I know that I promised not to make another almond dessert, but who could resist this delicious …

There are some ingredients that remind you of a place you’ve been or, in this case, a place you lived. The state of Maine is one of those places with its fabulous seafood – lobster, clams and Gulf-of-Maine shrimp. Summer eating in this coastal state is all about lobster roll …

Cocoa and Lavender reached a milestone 10th birthday in February – 10 years and over 500 recipes published. At the beginning, I had no idea what to write. I had never taken a food photo, not even surreptitiously in a restaurant. I didn’t have a clue about how blogs work. …

There is something je ne sais quoi about a classic French Apple Tart, actually that is not true. I know exactly what it is about this French dessert that is so attractive. The fruit is always perfectly cut, and artfully arranged. However, the key to a French fruit tart, in my view, is the effect of the glaze – the dessert sparkles.

My inspiration for Spiced Duck Breasts was a recipe in Food & Wine. The dish is an international fusion where a Mexican spice blend meets a French-style magret de canard. The blackberry-balsamic reduction adds a touch of sweetness offsetting the spice. The result was delicious despite not quite following my …

Spicy Spring Menu This Provencal spring menu showcases the spices and recipes from the trade route. Pepper and curry flavours from India, Spain’s iconic paella, and aromas from North Africa and the Middle East. Enjoy! Provence and the Spice Route Food encodes social, political, and economic history, often in fascinating …

Sometimes life is just too complicated, too busy and too connected. Those are the moments when you crave comfort food, family-style dining and meals with friends. This roast chicken is cooked with saffron, rosemary and lemon. I served it with roasted potatoes and peas for a simple Sunday dinner. And …

Sometimes, you have to wonder why great chefs don’t cut corners. I suppose that is why I am a cook and not a chef; occasionally, it just makes sense to skip a step for the same taste result. The recipe for this Fig and Buttermilk Custard Tart is a great …

The inspiration for this pork tenderloin recipe comes from a few 1950s classics which included Waldorf Salad, Green Bean Casserole, and Pigs in Blankets. The ingredients for the original version of Pigs in Blankets included hot dogs and puff pastry. So, I like to think of Pork Tenderloin en Croûte …

Focaccia is Italian or more precisely comes from Geona. The Ligurians consume this thin bread (approximately 2cm thick) all day from coffee time to the apéro hour. Provencal fougasse is slightly different. The Provencal version often includes savoury additions like black olives,