Risotto is easy to make, and a great dinner party dish. Prepare your mise-en-place in advance (wash the asparagus, and have your ingredients ready). Let the conversation flow while you stir the rice.

Carrot Flan was inspired by a recipe in Cuisine et Vins of France. Easy to make and perfect for a light lunch with a green salad

Ramp Pasta Made like Pate Nicoise: In Nice, they often make green gnocchi (Pate Nicoise) that simmers in the broth for the last 30 minutes. This year I tried something new, I made a classic Pate Nicoise (see recipe at the bottom), using wild ramps in place of the more traditional Swiss chard, and the results were stunning.

For this recipe, the potatoes are lightly crushed rather than mashed.  Enjoy crushed black truffle mash potatoes with shellfish or beef.

his recipe for squash puree can be prepared with butternut, potimarron or even acorn. Play with the cumin to suit your taste, but we like the slightly exotic flavour from the spice.  Serve this side dish with slow-roasted roasted meat or poached fish.

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.

This recipe for a baked ratatouille tian combines layers of summer (estival) vegetables in an earthenware dish. You can vary the ingredients depending on what is available. This version of a traditional, Provencal side-dish comes from the kitchen at le Pistou Cookery School in Uzès.

This easy dish of Provencal baked potatoes is a perfect companion to eat with roasted lamb shanks, rabbit in a mustard sauce, a lemon thyme trout, or a pork tenderloin.

Artichokes Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Tapenade. The combination of fresh artichokes, goat cheese and tapenade translate into “Provence in a bite” to be enjoyed with some chilled rosé.

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.