Entertaining should be easy. Invite your neighbours over for drinks and serve this simple appetizer – goat cheese with herbs or peppercorns.

Depending on where you live “Fall might be in the air.” Certainly, in most places in the northern hemisphere, the days are markedly shorter, the leaves are changing colours to rich, warm tones (reds, oranges and yellows). The harvest is done for most kitchen gardens, ahead of the of frosty …

If you like figs then this is your season! However, sadly figs have a short shelf life. So what is one to do with a bounty of figs before they spoil?  Make Thyme and Lime Scented Fig Jam, which David describes as easy to make without the hassle of pectin.

Tender pork medallions and mushrooms in a light and lovely Marsala sauce.

This recipe for Tarte aux Prunes – Prune Plum Tart is simple to make and will have your guests asking for second helpings.

Braised Short Ribs is a dish that your guests will love. It is a great weekend meal, as it can be made in advance and reheated.

Like many soups this one is easy to prepare. The butternut squash (or other variety) gives it a hearty flavour without being too filling. Roasting the squash adds a richer flavour.

I posted one of my favorite recipes for a Baked Cabbage Soup; it is an addictive combination of pancetta, bread, cabbage, and cheese. More recently, Susan (from the Provence WineZine) shared a recipe for Pork Chops Gratinée, which really reminded me of the soup.

This savoury recipe for Saffron Chicken comes from the Mirabeau Wine kitchen in the Var. The chicken is matched with an easy side dish of potato and courgette (zucchini).

There are a few steps to make French-style chocolate macarons with chocolate ganache filling, but it is a fun hands-on recipe and one that your family (and guests) will thank you for making the effort.