Category Archives: summer

opera-cake

THE OPERA COMIQUE

A twist on using sprinkles… The Opera, Bastien’s classic birthday cake. Layers of espresso-soaked joconde, creamy coffee buttercream, rich melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate ganache… all in one bite. Operas are serious and dramatic as in the theatre. The classic finishing touch

opera-cake

THE OPERA COMIQUE

A twist on using sprinkles… The Opera, Bastien’s classic birthday cake. Layers of espresso-soaked joconde, creamy coffee buttercream, rich melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate ganache… all in one bite. Operas are serious and dramatic as in the theatre. The classic finishing touch

IMG_0853

TABBOULEH ON RED BEET CARPACCIO

Fancy name for a very simple-to-prepare salad. I’m late late late! This is a dish that I made in July! I used summer beets, zucchini, cucumber, fresh parsley from a nearby garden… I have not taken the time to cook

IMG_0853

TABBOULEH ON RED BEET CARPACCIO

Fancy name for a very simple-to-prepare salad. I’m late late late! This is a dish that I made in July! I used summer beets, zucchini, cucumber, fresh parsley from a nearby garden… I have not taken the time to cook

lamb

ROAST SHOULDER OF LAMB

Paired with the wine, you could taste the delicate peace of sheep munching away at the grass in fields of vines…

lamb

ROAST SHOULDER OF LAMB

Paired with the wine, you could taste the delicate peace of sheep munching away at the grass in fields of vines…

rhubarb tart

RHUBARB TART

Not the most common of vegetables, rhubarb looks like celery but is extremely tart… perfect for making desserts and jams.

rhubarb tart

RHUBARB TART

Not the most common of vegetables, rhubarb looks like celery but is extremely tart… perfect for making desserts and jams.

tartlette-raspberrylight

RASPBERRY TARTLETS

When you see raspberries at the market, you know it’s going to be a good day.

tartlette-raspberrylight

RASPBERRY TARTLETS

When you see raspberries at the market, you know it’s going to be a good day.

plumbayleaf1

BAY LEAF ROASTED PLUMS

Yesterday I stumbled upon a flavor pairing that left me giddy with cheer and I had to share right away.

plumbayleaf1

BAY LEAF ROASTED PLUMS

Yesterday I stumbled upon a flavor pairing that left me giddy with cheer and I had to share right away.

fig-tarte-glace

GREEN FIG TART & ICE CREAM

I have a lovely neighbor. She’s an elderly Spanish lady called Angel.

fig-tarte-glace

GREEN FIG TART & ICE CREAM

I have a lovely neighbor. She’s an elderly Spanish lady called Angel.

flan de marielle

MARIELLE’S GRANDMA’S CREME CARAMEL & HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, EGGS

Crème caramel is a deliciously simple, classy, and light dessert of milk, eggs, and sugar.

flan de marielle

MARIELLE’S GRANDMA’S CREME CARAMEL & HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, EGGS

Crème caramel is a deliciously simple, classy, and light dessert of milk, eggs, and sugar.

eggplant-thon-2

ROASTED EGGPLANT & TUNA WRAP

Summer is in full blast. The thundering roar of the sun pours into the Mediterranean, sea and soil.

eggplant-thon-2

ROASTED EGGPLANT & TUNA WRAP

Summer is in full blast. The thundering roar of the sun pours into the Mediterranean, sea and soil.

tarte-onion

CARAMELIZED TARTE À L’OIGNON

The house smelled absolutely edible the evening I made this tart.

tarte-onion

CARAMELIZED TARTE À L’OIGNON

The house smelled absolutely edible the evening I made this tart.

sureau

ELDERBERRY EXPEDITION: PEAR-ELDERBERRY TARTELETTES & JAM

…or elderberries, dangling like mini black grape vines from trees by the side of the road

sureau

ELDERBERRY EXPEDITION: PEAR-ELDERBERRY TARTELETTES & JAM

…or elderberries, dangling like mini black grape vines from trees by the side of the road

radisnoirapp1

BLACK RADISH & BASIL FLOWER CRUDITÉ

When I purchased a basil plant at the market this summer, I told the farmer that I had already killed two of these plants, so if he had any advice on keeping it in good health, I would be greatly appreciative. “Don’t let the flowers grow,” he told me. I think that they take energy from the plant, and in turn, the leaves don’t grow as nicely.

radisnoirapp1

BLACK RADISH & BASIL FLOWER CRUDITÉ

When I purchased a basil plant at the market this summer, I told the farmer that I had already killed two of these plants, so if he had any advice on keeping it in good health, I would be greatly appreciative. “Don’t let the flowers grow,” he told me. I think that they take energy from the plant, and in turn, the leaves don’t grow as nicely.

angel-food

STRAWBERRY TOPPED ANGEL FOOD

Simple to make, white and fluffy, and not too sweet, this cake is the perfect match for whipped cream and strawberries.

angel-food

STRAWBERRY TOPPED ANGEL FOOD

Simple to make, white and fluffy, and not too sweet, this cake is the perfect match for whipped cream and strawberries.

rustic-apricot-2

RUSTIC APRICOT TART

This tart would be misunderstood with exact measurements. Do it by feel and have fun!

rustic-apricot-2

RUSTIC APRICOT TART

This tart would be misunderstood with exact measurements. Do it by feel and have fun!

shf-cupcakes

FAREWELL SWEET SUMMER: ROSEMARY CHIFFON CUPCAKES

Summer is coming to a bitter cold end in the north of France… but I’m not ready to say good-bye…

shf-cupcakes

FAREWELL SWEET SUMMER: ROSEMARY CHIFFON CUPCAKES

Summer is coming to a bitter cold end in the north of France… but I’m not ready to say good-bye…

apero1

3 TINY, TASTY, AMUSES-BOUCHES

Get creative, search the cupboards and the fridge… here is the beginning of one early evening in July..

apero1

3 TINY, TASTY, AMUSES-BOUCHES

Get creative, search the cupboards and the fridge… here is the beginning of one early evening in July..

trees-cap

BALADE IN THE SOUTH

Trees lining the route as we return to Cap d’Agde from an excursion to Pézenas…

trees-cap

BALADE IN THE SOUTH

Trees lining the route as we return to Cap d’Agde from an excursion to Pézenas…

lone lunch

LONE LUNCH IN SAINT QUENTIN

Lunch can be a tranquil and amusing moment, even alone.

lone lunch

LONE LUNCH IN SAINT QUENTIN

Lunch can be a tranquil and amusing moment, even alone.