Petits Farcis is a traditional Provencal dish. The exact origins are up for debate as residents of Nice claim the recipe for their own. My version of stuffed aubergine (eggplant) is suitable for a vegetarian or vegan (if you leave out the parmesan cheese) diets. This recipe was one of …

Rosé poached pears make an easy (and delicious) dessert whenever you find the ripe fruit in season.

Les petits farcis is a classic Provençal recipe made with seasonal vegetables and a sausage stuffing. The recipe below comes from the kitchen of Virginie Van Der Wees, a certified French teacher who lives near Aix-en-Provence. We have included only the vegetarian version of the stuffing, but you will find …

Tourte de Blette Salée is a wonderfully light yet hearty dish that can be served any time of year and comes from our friends at Les Petits Farcis cooking school in the Old Town of Nice. Imagine yourself learning to cook traditional Nicoise cuisine in a historic part of the …

Savoury muffins are a treat, so why not have a little fun and make them for Halloween? This version uses a slice of a big pumpkin (such as a Muscat) or a whole smaller variety such as Potimarron. Roast with some olive oil on a baking tray until soft, this …

I don’t think I could survive without our Sunday Heirloom Farmers Market in Tuscon, especially these days when we need lots of good fruits and vegetables to keep us healthy and strong. But I also get great cheeses, fish, poultry, and meats there. It is a wonderful market. Although I have …

A debate is raging over what constitutes a “correct” salade Niçoise. To the purists, the rules are clear: no vinegar, no lettuce, no fresh tuna, and no boiled vegetables, like potatoes or green beans. If you add any of these, you will be labelled as a heretic and sent to …

Some things are just better in France, including dessert. There is no debating the fact that Vanilla Crème Brûlée sounds more appealing than Vanilla Burnt Cream. This baked custard is a classic French dessert.

What about a savoury snack or nibble with a glass of rosé? This savoury quick loaf a Ham and Olive Cake is a great snack or pre-dinner bite. It’s often enjoyed by kids here in France when they get home from school for their goûter. In French, this is called Cake aux Olives et Jambon – yes they use the English word “cake.”

Eating anchovies is one of life’s guiltless pleasures. I say guiltless because they are affordable, good for you, and very sustainable.  But best of all they simply taste great and are quick to prepare. All that is required is a hot grill, a drizzle of olive oil, and a bright …