With the summer heat in Provence, I find that an apéro dînatoire is the best way to entertain. I prepare all the dishes in advance except a fig and onion mini puff pastry. Then, 30 minutes before guests arrive, I put out my spread and pop the pastry hors d’oeuvre …

Regardless of whether cooking is your passion or not, entertaining should be enjoyable. Perhaps it is the climate in Provence that lends itself to outdoor dining, but generally, the traditional cuisine involves a few seasonal ingredients and simple techniques. Below we share five (5) easy entertaining ideas inspired by the …

The French style of entertaining called the apéro dînatoire is a favourite way of throwing parties in France. Since I am in France for an average of 3 to 5 months every year, we have grown roots in Provence, specifically in the area of Aix-en-Provence! I love apéro dînatoire gatherings …

Borrowing inspiration from the proximity of the Mediterranean this festive menu (recipe links are below each course) is seafood focused. Share some rosé with your guests as you sample the Cocoa & Lavender zucchini fritters. Then blow their minds and taste buds with the recipe by Michelin star chef Gérald …

With its natural abundance of local produce, Provence offers lots of flexibility for entertaining all year. The region is graced with plenty of sunny days and just enough moisture to allow for delicious foraging experiences. This holiday-inspired menu (recipe links are below) pulls together regional olives in a savoury cake …

This holiday menu is not exclusive to the Christmas season; however, the heavier flavours lend themselves to cooler evenings and Rhone Valley red wine blends. This meal combines some real Provencal classics including garlic aioli, local lamb with herbes de Provence, tomatoes, a hint of Pastis and a not too sweet dessert. …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: There was a large family party at the weekend and my job was producing lots of salads. The clear crowd pleaser was the Caprese  which is a version of the summer Insalata Caprese, but using winter ingredients, apparently very rich in vitamins C E and K to …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: …that’s according to Picard’s publicity and I have to say I agree with them! Their ‘Chalet Enneigé au Chocolat’ looks delicious and I would dearly love to have one on my Christmas table. But would it survive a pre-Christmas flight to London? Airplane holds are …