Mille-feuille (pronounced meal foy), or thousand layers, is a rich dessert of several layers of crispy crunchy puff pastry layered with a pastry cream filling and/or fruit. In my version, I layered lemon curd, whipped cream, and ripe strawberries. If you do not have strawberries use other berries or even …

Although not typically Provencal, quiche is definitely French. You find variations of this savoury tart in most bakeries, grocery stores and many lunch menus. The Quiche Lorraine is indeed the classic version, originating from the northeastern region of France. Any quiche recipe starts with eggs, cream, and (usually) cheese. After …

If you could pick your last meal – what would it be? For my last meal on Earth, I would select a dish that is both humble and classic. I would choose a duck confit. There is something utterly delicious about obscenely crisp duck skin mixed with succulent duck meat. It …

This past weekend I made my favourite dessert of all-time; a seductively simple warm chocolate tart that I first encountered at Joel Robuchon’s restaurant in Paris many years ago. It is a rich and decadent dessert, with a silky-smooth custard-like chocolate filling that truly has no peers. The first time …

Learning to cook traditional Provencal dishes with the legendary Gui Gedda is no exception. If you are lucky enough to find a copy of his culinary masterpiece Cooking School Provence you will glean wonders from the man that chefs around the world refer to as the Pope or Marcel Pagnol …

A French Christmas Yule Log Of all the culinary treats that grace the French Christmas table, nothing inspires more child-like joy than a rich, chocolate Bûche de Noël. Real yule logs, the kind from living trees, have had symbolic significance to the French for centuries. Until the late 1800s, it …

A debate is raging over what constitutes a “correct” salade Niçoise. To the purists, the rules are clear: no vinegar, no lettuce, no fresh tuna, and no boiled vegetables, like potatoes or green beans. If you add any of these, you will be labelled as a heretic and sent to …

Eating anchovies is one of life’s guiltless pleasures. I say guiltless because they are affordable, good for you, and very sustainable.  But best of all they simply taste great and are quick to prepare. All that is required is a hot grill, a drizzle of olive oil, and a bright …

In the Pacific Northwest, where fresh seafood is abundant, I am generally frustrated with the fish selection in our grocery stores. However, on one shopping trip, I stumbled across a package of flash-frozen ahi tuna steaks. Remembering a Provencal preparation called ‘Thon à l’Oseille,’ or seared tuna with sorrel, I …

Also known as Fourmade, is at its very core a hearty soup made by impoverished people to provide an inexpensive and healthy filling meal. This soup surprisingly rich and luxurious tasting. Once you make the basic recipe try embellishing with leeks, chickpeas, grated Parmesan, cooked rice or even croutons fried in olive oil.