The six of us were gathered around the island in Stephanie Villegas’ kitchen wearing olive green Laurel aprons. It was time for our group to stop the banter and pay attention to the chef; otherwise, we might not eat lunch. We were at Atelier Laurel for a hands-on cooking class …

We are thrilled to introduce our new and exciting service – Cooking and Conversation classes in my village of Fontvieille in the Alpilles. French Language Cooking Classes: In collaboration with Catherine, a certified French teacher with over 25 years of experience, our two-hour class provides a unique blend of culinary …

Private chef and cooking school owner Stephanie Villegas created the delicious 2024 spring menu that follows. This 3-course meal includes seasonal produce – peas, artichokes and berries – and mouthwatering roast chicken. Enjoy the taste of Provence this spring. Spring Delights Menu As the vibrant hues of spring bloom around …

Indulging in these fresh berry shortcakes with lemon verbena cream is a delightful experience. The texture of the spongy cake contrasts nicely with the smooth, flavourful cream. The sweet and slightly tart taste of the berries, coupled with the citrusy and aromatic notes from the lemon verbena, bursts with freshness …

Making mayonnaise at home may seem daunting, but it is a right of passage for a Provencal cook. However, after you have seen it made, you will realize that it’s just a matter of fresh eggs and a good whisk. Aioli is an excellent condiment with fries, of course, with …

This delightful tartine with pea hummus and cured ham seamlessly blends the fresh spring flavour of shelled peas and green onions with the rich, savoury notes of ham. Each component of this open-faced sandwich contributes to a harmonious blend of flavours, creating a mouthwatering experience that transcends the ordinary. The …

Last year, I celebrated International Grenache Day (September 15) by sharing a delicious cake created by Sue Tipton, owner and vintner of Acquiesce Winery, for which she doctors a box cake mix to make her Acquiesce Grenache Blanc Cake. Well, you know me — I love cooking too much to …

In Provence, recipes change in concert with the seasons, matching available ingredients and the temperatures. In larger centres like Aix-en-Provence, Avignon and Marseille, the daily markets inspire professional chefs and anyone cooking dinner at home. The classic French onion might spring to mind when you think of French soups, but …

This recipe for delicious “Out of this world cheese beignets” or les Bouillidices comes from Taste the World in Marseille: Marseille Cuisine by the Marseillais. The author, Vérane Frédiani, is a Marseille native fascinated with the multicultural diversity and culinary innovation in this 2600-year-old city. It was published originally in …

Artichokes are a harbinger of the warmer months ahead. It’s common to find purple artichoke – les petit violets in Provencal markets. These smaller artichokes are a purple globe variety, with a nuttier flavour than the larger green globe version. Since culinary historians believe that Catherine de Medici introduced the …