For me, cooking and gardening are two passions that go hand in hand. This year I planted a lot more fennel than I usually do, and I have been coming up with ways to use up all the extra harvest. My latest creation is a Chickpea and Fennel Salad simple …

One of my favourite things is going to the farmers market on Sunday morning with the menu set for the week and my shopping list in hand. There is a sense of purpose, of complete control. That is until I see the beautiful baby eggplants next to the perfectly ripe …

La daube provençale – A provençal specialty with beef (or other meats) that you may try during your French immersion program with me in Provence Hello everyone. Today I’m talking to you about one of the most typical dishes of Provence. Here, everyone knows this specialty. That doesn’t mean everyone …

Summer is not the time of year to be behind a hot stove or pulling casseroles out of an oven. It is, however, the time to prepare simple recipes perfect for outdoor dining, whether at your table, poolside or the next picnic location. Provence is generally hot in the summer, …

This delicious summer menu comes from Stephanie Villegas, a private chef and owner of Laurel, a cooking school in Provence. A Mexican-American, Stephanie married a Frenchman, and they now live in the historic Alpilles village of Fontvieille. Stephanie created a 3-course menu that is ideally suited for summer entertaining. Her …

While you have most likely tried polenta before, if you have not visited the South of France you may not have sampled panisse or socca. Golden brown, slightly crispy and topped with a fleur de sel, it’s hard to resist freshly made panisse. Below is my easy recipe for panisse …

This appetizer recipe is from Laurel, my cooking school and professional kitchen in Fontvieille, a beautiful village in the Alpilles. The recipe is quick to prepare and brings together fresh summer flavours. Serve with crusty bread and some chilled rosé or cocktail of your choice. This is an easy and …

This recipe is so easy. It’s hardly a recipe, but I must share it as tomato season in Provence is almost upon us, and these blistered cherry tomatoes are a perfect summer side dish. When you join a cooking class at Laurel in Fontvieille, we will make several dishes, including …

Some people shy away from cooking fish, particularly whole fish, but my recipe below for Grilled or Roasted Daurade Royale is failproof. Dorade Royale is sometimes referred to as Sea Bream. If you can’t find Dorade or Sea Bream, Red Snapper or Branzino are good alternatives. Simply ask your local …

Provence is a buffet for food lovers. There are markets every day of the week. Chefs find inspiration in seasonal fruit and vegetables, Mediterranean seafood, and free-range lamb. A suitable climate and good soil mean an array of locally produced almonds, cheese, wine, olives and olive oil. In the spring …