Late fall is typically when the olive harvest takes place in Provence. The fruit is left on the trees as long as possible to maximize production of the golden nectar, but not long enough to risk a frost. Read more about “Extra Virgin Oil an Olive Legend” here. The Provence …

This recipe for a sweet snack, mini-cakes, comes from Elizabeth Bard’s latest book Picnic in Provence: A memoir with Recipes. The author combines the flavours of Provence apricot and lavender in a traditional French dessert. The recipe is published with the author’s permission.

The climate in Provence is not well-suited to cattle farming, so sheep and goats have roamed the hills and pastures in the region for centuries. As a result, Provencal markets are filled with an endless selection of goat (chèvre) and sheep (brebis) cheeses, and you can always find lamb in …

The Provence Gourmet shares his recipe for two simple side dishes: gratins made with tomatoes and potatoes. If you are interested in cooking classes and learning about traditional Provencal meals, contact Gilles (Provence Gourmet) to find out about his classes. Easy side dishes to accompany roasted meats or fish or …

This easy appetizer comes from Elizabeth Bard’s latest book, Picnic in Provence: A Memoir with Recipes. The recipe combines Provençal flavours of rosemary and olive into a delicious savoury shortbread. The author has permission to publish the recipe. I have a real affection for the sandy-textured cookies called biscuits sablés. …

Last summer, on a wine-tasting visit to Bellet in the hills above Nice, I tasted and bought some of Domaine de la Source’s delicious pâte d’olives made with the local chillier black olives.   The French term for this little treat in a jar translates into English as the somewhat …

seafood recipe comes from Elizabeth Bard’s latest book Picnic in Provence: A memoir with Recipes. The Monkfish (lotte in French) is prepared with fresh tomatoes and peas for a simple and elegant main course.

This recipe from Gilles – the Provence Gourmet – is an easy dessert made with two ingredients from Provence: apricots and almonds. As old as the hills, the fruit of the apricot tree is confirmed to have been domesticated since the Bronze Age. Although the exact origin of the tree …

Ratatouille, pronounced ra-ta-too-ee, is a delicious vegetable stew from Nice, commonly found all over Provence and the South of France.  I have to mention that it was this long before the Pixar film of the same name, and the reason I say that is that if you google “ratatouille”, the …

This savoury recipe is from Elizabeth Bard’s latest book, Picnic in Provence: A Memoir with Recipes. Stuffed zucchini blossoms require a little extra effort to make, but your table companions will be happy you did. Buy your zucchini flowers at the farmers’ market in the morning, and store them in …