At Mas d’Augstine, we spend our “off-season” on maintenance, accounting and a bit of experimentation in the kitchen. To kick off the 2018 Chambre d’Hôtes season, we accommodated a party of eleven (yes 11!) and tested our recipe at the first table d’hotes of the year. Following a pasta course (Mushroom Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni), we served Flambéed Chicken to rave reviews.

The most difficult part of this Lemon Thyme Grilled Trout might be finding fresh trout. If you have a reliable fish vendor, they likely have fresh trout in the spring and summer months. Ask your fishmonger to clean and remove the scales, so you do not need to worry about that messy task when you get home.

This recipe for herbes de Provence crusted lamb lollipops almost defines the classic flavours of Spring – local lamb, fresh herbs and market vegetables. I call this garrigue-crusted lamb as the topping is made with fresh herbs that you typically find in the hills of Provence. Start the preparation with the oven-roasted tomatoes as that takes a while. During that time prepare the lamb and fresh spring vegetables of your choice.

Pot au Feu is a French recipe that you should have in your repertoire. A bit like a pot roast you need a large casserole a selection of meat, a few root vegetables and an afternoon.

Completing a DIY home renovation in Provence is not necessarily for every couple. Ashley and Robin made their house transformation look easy. Now, with some time on their hands, they can enjoy their kitchen and entertain friends. This recipe for seared sea scallops on a cauliflower purée could be served …

Deciding to make dinner for a large group takes courage. Deciding to create a menu based around a tradition Provencal fish soup, and making the whole thing from scratch is just a little bit crazy, but the results are delicious. Chefs in France take their trade seriously, so it is not surprising that a Marseille -based group decided that this iconic dish required some specific ingredients and serving methodology, hence the Bouillabaisse Charter. A real Marseille bouillabaisse

This recipe for Smoky Cinnamon Salmon with Mushroom Lentils is a mid-week “go-to” favourite for many reasons, but the first is it can be made in under 30-minutes. The second reason is one of my favourite spices is Spanish smoked paprika, known in Spain as pimentón. Although you can use regular paprika or Espelette pepper (Piment d’Espelette) from the Pays Basque in France,

This recipe is a play on words based the jeu (game) that appears to be at the heart and soul of many Provençaux – pétanque. Also know as boules, it is similar to bocce (bocchi) in Italy, but the old souls in Provence might never agree that the game has …

Rabbit is often served in France as an alternative protein to chicken, pork or other meat. This oven-roasted rabbit is flavoured with garlic and herbs that are traditionally found in Provence. The recipe requires very little prep time and just like a roast chicken it will fill your home with savoury aromas.

Every cook needs to have a few “go-to” recipes tucked in their apron. These recipes are the ones that you can make without checking to see if you have the ingredients, you know are delicious, and never fail to impress your guests.

For me, my mother’s Dijon Chicken, a simple baked poultry dish that is ready in under 30-minutes, is a go-to combination.