This chicken recipe combines the flavours of southern of the Mediterranean – basil, tomatoes, olive oil and pine nuts into a versatile main dish. You can serve Poulet Basilic aux Tomates Confites (chicken with caramelized tomatoes) hot or at room temperature. This recipe is simple to prepare, uses fresh ingredients and it is great for a picnic – a perfect summer dish.

a new drink this summer – Lavender Mint Meyer Lemonade. It’s been unbelievably hot and sunny in Provence, pretty much non-stop. So this weather is a perfect time to sip while sitting in the shade, listening to cicadas while enjoying a gentle breeze. This lemonade is very refreshing and I am sure it has healing properties

If your holiday plans include a visit to Nice, France, I’m sure you’ll want to try some of the local specialties. Niçoise food is simple, Mediterranean fare based on fresh ingredients and lots of fish. One old Niçois saying says: “Fish are born in water, but they die in oil.” …

In this simple tart I combine fresh, tasty tomatoes and local goat cheese. This one of my favourite savoury tarts when tomatoes are in season. It’s quite easy, served with a nice green salad

Curious Provence is the name of Ashley Tinker’s blog. It’s a great name as it combines her interests, she is naturally curious about her surroundings, and she lives in Provence. Ashley studied fine art, is a talented photographer, loves to cook and she still (more below) loves the markets in …

This recipe for Madeleines Salées uses ingredients more typical of Provence – olive oil, tomatoes, cheese, basil and thyme. These little bites are perfect with some chilled Provencal rosé.

This curried chickpea terrine is simple to make, and the homemade curry adds an exotic flavour. Serve the terrine cold as an appetiser with chilled Provencal rosé or another beverage of your choice. Keep the homemade curry powder in a jar with a good seal, it will keep for an extended period, and you can use it in many recipes.

Verrine appetisers and desserts remain popular in France. The idea of layering flavours and textures in a small glass vessel is visually appealing. Think of this recipe as a savoury parfait starter to serve with drinks or as the first course. I make this Verrine Tricolore with two different coloured bell peppers and fresh goat cheese.

We enjoyed another fine meal at La Bartavelle in Goult. Their prix-fixe menu gives a choice of three starters including local seasonal asparagus, in the spring. Whilst main courses included a fish choice (wild Turbot), Beef or Rabbit which I had, and it was superb, (see picture). …Continue reading here …

This curry is full of flavour but mild when it comes to heat. Once you start cooking, you can have the savoury saffron shrimp on the table in under 30-minutes.