Throughout the holidays, we watched a lot of “feel good” movies. That is code for RomComs, chick flicks, Hallmark, Lifetime, and Disney fare… you get the idea. Whenever we get to this time of year, we put a moratorium on anything that might tax our brains, souls, or hearts. Nothing …

Tarte aux pignons or a pine nut tart is the Provencal version of pecan pie or walnut tart. The sweet base for the tart is a shortcrust pastry shell (pâte sablée) this dessert is a specialty from the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas.

But, at Cook’n with Class we are not concerned about culinary superstars rather easy to follow recipes with delicious results.  Try this side dish of Cauliflower Salad with Cilantro Pesto with your Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas spread.

This simple salad recipe combines slightly tart tomatoes with sweet, fresh figs (from your own tree if you are lucky enough). The figs counter-balance the acidity in the late-season tomatoes, and the cheese although optional adds some extra, creamy roundness to the flavours.

This recipe it is an easy casserole of Baked Eggplant and Lamb with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts.