For most people, Tuscon, Arizona does not spring to mind as a foodie capital, but if you are “into” food the city has a surprising culinary vibe. Marc and I moved to the desert city without much of a plan. We took a leap of faith, quitting our jobs and selling …

Tarte aux pignons or a pine nut tart is the Provencal version of pecan pie or walnut tart. The sweet base for the tart is a shortcrust pastry shell (pâte sablée) this dessert is a specialty from the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas.

Dessert does not need to be complicated, but it should be delicious. These little chocolate lava cakes are just the right size to satisfy a sweet tooth without being decadent.

The spaghetti sauce is a light cream and wine base with citrus (orange and lemon). The dish is easy to make and a refreshing change to tomato sauce. Think about making this when the citrus starts appearing in the Provencal markets near to Christmas or perhaps to celebrate the annual Menton Fête du Citron in February.

But, at Cook’n with Class we are not concerned about culinary superstars rather easy to follow recipes with delicious results.  Try this side dish of Cauliflower Salad with Cilantro Pesto with your Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas spread.

Students for our cooking class come from all over the world.  We have had the pleasure of meeting Americans, Australians, Asians, Europeans, and even a Candian couple who returns every year for a refresher workshop (or two). Without fail, whether these folks consider themselves cooks or beginners they want easy recipes. This recipe for Quick Coq au Vin meets that request, enjoy cuisine à la Française made easy.

Inspired by a beautiful Marina di Chioggia variety that we found at a Sunday morning Farmers Market, I decided to make this Roasted Pumpkin Risotto (recipe follows).

Nimes-based chef Anne Challier adapts her recipe for pâte with pork and chicken liver pâte (pâté fois de volaille) to create a savoury pastry tart. Here, is the recipe for the meat filling. Use a muffin pan as your shape, make the pastry dough recipe

In Provence, it is quite common to see fresh tuna displayed on a fishmonger’s stand. So what to do with that fresh catch? Of course, there is the classic Salad Niçoise (click here for recipes) or light up the grill and enjoy the Asian flavours in this recipe for Spicy Tuna Burgers. Asian …

If you are a fan of figs, you know that their season is short, and when figs are ripe, they are not going to last long. So, when the beautiful, sweet bounty presented itself, it was time to make Blue Cheese Fig Tart.