Tastes of Provence a Summer Dinner Party Menu

It sounds so cliché to talk about the abundant produce and fabulous markets in Provence, but the region is an absolute gift to culinary types—a present where no wrapping is required, just a shopping basket and some inspiration. The seasons in Provence are marked by two things: the variety of produce available at market stalls and the subtle alterations in painter’s light as daylight hours adjust.

In Provence, local chefs and at-home cooks adapt what they serve according to changes in weather and temperature and depending on what fruit and produce are readily available. My favourite season is summer, when apricots taste like candy and tomatoes, are literally bursting with juicy flavour. It’s no wonder that ratatouille is a classic regional dish in Provence, the aubergine (eggplant), courgettes (zucchini) and tomatoes are all ripe at the same time during the summer.

Grabbing inspiration from the hot summer days, the choir of cicadas and the enjoyment of al fresco entertaining, we created a Summer Dinner Party Menu. These culinary creations come from the kitchens of Martine Bertin-Peterson at Goût et Voyage in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, David Scott Allen of Cocoa & Lavender in Tucson, Arizona and Jeany Cronk of Mirabeau Wine in Cotignac in the Var.

Gazpacho (Gaspascho)
Chicken with Summer Truffles (Poulet Forêt aux Truffe)
Creamy Lavender Honey and Almond Pots

With so many recipes in our Tastes of Provence section, it was hard to choose only three. However, we decided on a dinner party menu that brings together the seasonal flavours of Provence with a limited time requirement in the kitchen.

Enjoy this delicious culinary combination with good friends and some Provencal wine.

Want a hard copy of this summer menu?

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).