Provence’s lavender fields are incredible fields of bright purple that seem to go on for miles, a must-see if you’re ever travelling to the area. Typically, they’re in full bloom in June, with the harvest planned for mid-July. If you love the delicately sweet aroma of lavender, imagine how much …

This strawberry dessert couldn’t be more Provencal and more Mirabeau if it tried! We hope you enjoy creating this Provençal twist on a classic English recipe. Perfect for balmy Summer evenings. We used the first of the season’s Gariguette strawberries from the Domaine ‘potager’ vegetable garden. Gariguette is an old …

Chef Liz Thompson and I had lots of fun delivering “Baking with Herbs,” an online cooking demonstration. One of the recipes was a twist on the French classic a Lemongrass Crème Brûlée. In just over an hour, we showed participants how to use fresh herbs and flowers from their garden …

The term “Madeleine” was used to describe a small cake in the 18th century and is now synonymous with France and its delicate desserts. There are many different ways to prepare madeleines, and they are a great treat to have on hand when inviting friends over for tea. This recipe …

Almost indescribable, the scent of a fig tree full of almost ripe fruit is a fragrance that is both sweet and earthy, it’s summer in Provence. The scent is distinctive, almost arresting in the open air, however, in a closed space can be overwhelming. And, you can eat too many! …

The origin of the Apple Tarte Tatin aux Pommes is rooted in France’s Loire Valley in the small town of Lamotte-Beuvron. Born out of an unintended mistake in the kitchen, this tarte is the sweet result. At the time, the two Tatin sisters, Stéphanie and Caroline, owned and operated the …

The French love the flaky, sweet Galette des Rois (that we enjoy in January) so much that they find excuses to eat more of it all year long. For example, this recipe for the fish-shaped pastry is a creative take on the beloved Galette des Rois. While it might not …

Ice cream is exquisite. What a pity it isn’t illegal. ~ Voltaire* Susan Gish writes for Aixcentric: Sam and I had a really tough assignment over the summer doing the research for this article (she said sarcastically). But someone has to do it, so instead of worrying about getting rid …

This past weekend I made my favourite dessert of all time; a seductively simple warm chocolate tart that I first encountered at Joel Robuchon’s restaurant in Paris many years ago. It is a rich and decadent dessert, with a silky-smooth custard-like chocolate filling that truly has no peers. The first …

Floating Islands (Iles Flottantes) are a traditional French dessert that you find on classic menus. Not quite a pudding, not a custard and not a creme brulée, Floating Islands are a delicious finish to a meal. This dessert was part of a menu that I created for my virtual cooking …