History of the Bûche de Noël The log is generally eaten on December 24, during the Christmas meal. The cake was born around 1870. Several pastry chefs are fighting over paternity. But it seems they had the idea at the same time for a cake roll that looks like a …

Sharing a drink with friends or family is one of the best parts of the holidays. Plus, the cool winter air gives way to more robust flavours that pair perfectly with a roasting fire, Christmas carols, and gently falling snow. Enjoy this fabulous, lightly sweet cocktail on your own or …

Mulled wine is a fantastic warm drink to enjoy on a cool winter’s eve. Plan to visit a Provencal Christmas market for a rush of holiday spirit. The mulled wine vendor is usually easy to spot, as there are patrons standing around enjoying a hot mug.  If you’re looking for …

December is a festive time in Provence. At this time of the year, outdoor and indoor market stalls brim with hearty meats, fowl, shellfish, and winter vegetables. I hope you enjoy this Festive Holiday Dinner Menu with my favourite, and slightly decadent, dishes – foie gras, duck confit and chocolate …

You might find it surprising to see chocolate chip cookies in the country famous for flaky croissants and perfect baguettes. Of course, these cookies are not traditionally French, but who doesn’t love biscuits aux pépites de chocolate? In large tourist centres such as Paris, where there are millions of visitors …

In France, the school calendar follows a rhythm of intense periods of study followed by well-deserved breaks. As a result, the vacances scolaire (school holidays) occur on roughly the same dates year-to-year, which allows families to plan their holidays well in advance. There are three school zones (A, B and …

Cooler weather in Provence, a touch of humidity, and maybe even some rain brings with it the promise of wild mushrooms foraged from nearby forests. However, you need to know where to look and do not expect the locals to show you where to find edible fungi. The good news …

In the northern hemisphere, fall weather is around the corner, but not in Sydney, Australia, where Jean-Marie Liere has since 1997. Born in Poitiers, France, Jean-Marie’s family moved several times, including a two-year stint in Mexico City. He runs small cooking classes in Sydney, focusing on French cuisine and plans …

One of my favourite desserts is seasonal fruit tarts (tartes aux fruits). These tarts also make nice afternoon treats. So, I make them all year with local, in-season produce. In California, you find puff pastry sheets at most grocery stores (Ralphs, Gelson’s) and at French supermarkets like Carrefour or Intermarché. …

Travelling is one of the healthiest things to do once in life because it refreshes the mind and health of every individual. If you are travelling for the first time and want to make it a memorable trip, then French Riviera is one of the best places to visit. The …