This summer when we were in Provence visiting family and pre-planning for our group tour, I noticed a developing trend for appetizers. The traditional black olive tapenade is of course always present. However, there is a movement to use alternative ingredients to create hummus-like dips, I call these spreads ades. …

In Provence, it is quite common to see fresh tuna displayed on a fishmonger’s stand. So what to do with that fresh catch? Of course, there is the classic Salad Niçoise (click here for recipes) or light up the grill and enjoy the Asian flavours in this recipe for Spicy Tuna Burgers. “Most …

In this simple tart I combine fresh, tasty tomatoes and local goat cheese. This one of my favourite savoury tarts when tomatoes are in season. It’s quite easy, served with a nice green salad

This recipe for Madeleines Salées uses ingredients more typical of Provence – olive oil, tomatoes, cheese, basil and thyme. These little bites are perfect with some chilled Provencal rosé.

Verrine appetisers and desserts remain popular in France. The idea of layering flavours and textures in a small glass vessel is visually appealing. Think of this recipe as a savoury parfait starter to serve with drinks or as the first course. I make this Verrine Tricolore with two different coloured bell peppers and fresh goat cheese.

This is a lovely light seafood starter for a summer dinner party, the colour combination (prawns, mango and avocado) looks very pretty on a white plate and most of it can be prepared ahead of time. You will need individual metal rings to create the stacked presentation.

When the almond blossoms fill the sky with a pink hue, you know that Spring produce will quickly follow. Bright green asparagus seems to be the harbinger of the longer, warmer days ahead. This simple salad highlights the flavours of the fresh green asparagus with a tangy bite of citrus and hint of parmesan.

Salade Niçoise Tastes of the Mediterranean it is yet another variation on a wonderful light salad that takes advantage of the season’s best tomatoes and potatoes.

You need to try this recipe while there is still a chance of finding zucchini flowers and fresh figs in the markets of Provence…otherwise you will dream about it all winter.

Crespeou (pronounced cres-PAY-oo) means crêpe in Provencal is also called Gâteau d’Omelettes. This is a traditional Provencal recipe, which is often found in picnic hampers