My recipe for Tomatoes Provençales is inspired by the typical cuisine, but it is a lighter version with a zucchini-herb stuffing (farce) intended as a pre-dinner bite. The tomatoes filled and baked and then served as an appetizer with cocktails.

These delicious chickpea fritters are known in the Mediterranean and a favorite Provençal dish. I found Panisse to be an incredibly delicious yet simple appetizer, a perfect way to whet your guests’ appetite before a sumptuous meal.