When perky artichokes announce the arrival of warmer weather, it is time to revisit Artichokes à la Barigoule a Provençal delight, rich, flavorful and complex. Fresh artichokes are usually available in local markets from spring through late summer. The garlic, carrots and fresh herbs give the dish its flavour. You can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon.

You might think that this recipe Candied Clementines (Clementines Confit) with Moroccan spices has nothing to do with duck but, in fact, it uses a similar methodology of preservation only in this case with sugar and corn syrup.

The poppy flower petals (coquelicot pétales) colour the sugar water and give the liquid a slight floral flavour. The syrup is easy to make and a refreshing addition to plain or sparkling water.

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.

Recently, the team at Mirabeau Wine was joined by a Hamilton-based Canadian chef Jake Laderoute, for some fun culinary experiences in Cotignac. A tarte tatin is a classic French dessert, that one might shy away from making because it looks complicated. It’s not. Here, is what Jake and Jeany had to …

My recipe for Tomatoes Provençales is inspired by the typical cuisine, but it is a lighter version with a zucchini-herb stuffing (farce) intended as a pre-dinner bite. The tomatoes filled and baked and then served as an appetizer with cocktails.

This recipe for Asparagus with Orange Maltaise Sauce is a perfect starter course for a springtime dinner, or serve it for lunch. Easy and seasonal this asparagus dish shouts “Spring is in the air.” The photo shows white asparagus only, but we recommend the two varieties for visual effect and delicious texture.

This appetizer recipe is from Il Cucchiaio d’Argento. Thin zucchini strips are “stuffed” with easily found ingredients, canned tuna, capers, cheese. The result is pretty and tasty.

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.

During spring months in Provence, it is common to find fresh white and green asparagus in local markets, and the perfect excuse to make a white asparagus gratin. In Germany, this particular season has a name: Spargelzeit. This phrase really just means “asparagus time”, but it sounds so poetic in German. …