The Epiphany in France is an excellent opportunity to make (and eat) cake. Although not just any cake, the day is traditionally celebrated with either a Galette or a Brioche Des Rois, recognising the 12th day of Christmas, when the three Magi arrived to offer gifts to the newborn baby. …

“Les treize desserts” is an old Christmas tradition in Provence. Thirteen desserts are enjoyed after Christmas Eve dinner, traditionally representing Jesus and his twelve Apostles. Each guest must eat all thirteen desserts to guarantee good luck for the year to come. There must be a minimum of 13 desserts, but …

Never let winter end before enjoying a steaming mug of homemade hot chocolate with whipped cream! This recipe for lavender hot chocolate from the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm combines winter with a hint of summer. Plus, this cold-weather recipe is as simple as it gets. Dedicated to making quality …

There’s something special about entertaining during the holidays, especially for those who love playing host or hostess. So whether you have brunch, lunch or dinner guests, it’s festive to break out the best china, silverware, and crystal to honour your guests and celebrate your friendship—the French refer to creating a …

Citrus and the French Table Citrus has had a place in French cuisine, in decoration, and noble gardens since at least medieval times. As both written and iconographical sources have suggested, several species of citrus were consumed, traded and maybe even cultivated in the gardens of the medieval French elite: …

We recently invited friends Lee and Barbara to dinner to celebrate Barbara’s birthday. For a friend new to our circle, it was a delight to make a special dinner as a birthday gift. And, as I have often said, the gift of food is definitely one that comes from the …

Colder weather in Provence, or anywhere else, is the perfect excuse for making hearty dishes and serving wines that complement the earthy flavours. Below is a recipe for grilled lamb shoulder with a lemon, garlic, and rosemary infusion from author, chef, and journalist Susan Herrmann Loomis. This recipe comes from …

Author, chef, and journalist Susan Herrmann Loomis shares her recipe (below) for a delicious lemon tart. One of the recipes in her cookbook Plat du Jour: French Dinners Made Easy, this French classic tarte au citron is the perfect balance of sweet and sour. The recipe is straightforward, and the …

Generally speaking, candy can be tricky to make, but truffles are not that complicated. The recipe below for chocolate lavender truffles comes from the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm. It is easy to follow and the results are delicious. Serve the truffles for dessert or wrap them in an attractive …

Made with olive oil and egg yolks, aioli (aïoli) is a popular sauce in the South of France. Susan Herrmann Loomis shares her recipe for this garlic mayonnaise below. This recipe comes from her cookbook French Grill: 125 Refined & Rustic Recipes, published in 2018. In addition to publishing 14 best-selling …