Looking for the perfect gift for the Francophile in your life? This post includes over 30 French gifts for her. Here is a selection of my favorite French, or French inspired, gifts that will bring joy at all price points. From $10 to $300, there is something here for the chic women in your life,...
Blog
The 15 best French Soup Recipes
The best 15 French Soup recipes shared on Le Chef's Wife blog. From French Onion Soup Gratinée to Potage aux Légumes. Perfect for Soup Season and a great source of inspiration if you are looking to eat more vegetables and less processed food. The French take soup very seriously. Are you feeling a little under...
Authentic Ratatouille Recipe
Ratatouille is a delicious & healthy side dish from Provence made of baked eggplant, zucchinis, peppers, tomatoes, garlic and onions, seasoned with fragrant Herbes de Provence. The vegetables are robust in flavor, each distinctly seasoned. Each velvety forkful melts in your mouth, offering the beauty of Provence in each bite. If you are looking for...
30 Simple French Fall Recipes
Fall is a glorious time to get cooking. So turn your oven on and dive into any of these 30 Simple French Fall Recipes from Le Chef's Wife. I have been writing French Recipes for years (there are close to 200 French Recipes, made simple, on this website!) and I am thrilled to share with...
French Summer Salads
The best French Summer Salads, all in one place! French Summer salads are all about using fresh ingredients, at the peak of their ripeness. A beautiful balance of flavors, fresh fruits and vegetables that are juicy and enticing and a gorgeous presentation. The food of the French Riviera is healthy and light, often known as the...
Roast Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Sauce
Roast Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Sauce is a quick and comforting meal that combines the best flavors of summer in every fork full. The roast pork tenderloin is moist and juicy while the sweet Northwest cherries and fresh thyme complement the flavor of the meat to perfection. Roast Pork tenderloin with cherry sauce is easy enough...
Cherry Compote Recipe
This fresh cherry compote recipe is an easy and delicious way to use ripe cherries at the height of cherry season. Cherry compote is the perfect topping for French toast, crepes, yogurt and granola or simply a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Those sweet summer cherries just bursting with juice are one of my favorite treats....
French Style Series - The art of setting the table.
Welcome to a new series where we delve into French Style and what makes the iconic French look. From the classic French wardrobe to French entertaining tips , decor and lifestyle, here are some tips from experts on how to incorporate French style into your life. In this blog post we explore French style table...
Best 25 French Recipes for Bastille Day
The Best 25 French Recipes for Bastille Day. Bastille Day (France's National Day - le quatorze juillet/ fourth of July) is such a fun holiday to celebrate - wherever you are in the world. Especially if you are not in France, hosting a Bastille Day celebration is great excuse to do something unique and fun...
Famous French Foods
Here are my favorite 35 most Famous French Foods that you will want to learn to cook! From the authentic Salade Niçoise to a Magret de Canard Duck breast that will transport you to France in one bite. I have lived, and cooked with, a French Chef for almost 20 years now, both in France...
Best Mediterranean Salmon Recipe
This Mediterranean Salmon Recipe with cherry tomatoes, olives, capers and lemon zest is so tender and flavorful and takes under 30 minutes. The perfect recipe for busy weeknights but special enough to serve for special occasions. You will love the fresh Mediterranean flavors that taste of summer by the sea - where ever you are!...
Smoked Salmon Tartine
This Smoked Salmon Tartine will be your new favorite brunch recipe. Smoked salmon with capers, lemon, red onion and fresh dill are absolutely exceptional on a slice of toasted sourdough bread slathered with my not-so-secret ingredient, creamy Boursin Cheese. A garlicky, herby cheese that is so popular in France that we can also find in...
What to serve with roast chicken
Here are 15 of the best sides to serve with Roast Chicken. Keep your chicken dinner exciting by changing up with these delicious side dishes inspired by French cuisine. Whether you are making a roast chicken dinner with a whole chicken, serving up a rotisserie chicken picked up at the grocery store or searing chicken...
French Salad Recipes
What is not to love about French Summer Salads? A beautiful balance of flavors, fresh fruits and vegetables that are juicy and enticing and a gorgeous presentation. The food of the French Riviera is healthy and light, often known as the Mediterranean Diet. This post features eleven creative French salad recipes that you will love...
44 Best Easter Recipes
Looking for showstopper Easter dishes to share with your family and loved ones? This round up of 44 best Easter Recipes is all you need! This is a collection of tried and true, easy to follow and absolutely delicious recipes by four of your favorite food bloggers and real-life blogger besties. In this post we...
Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb
This oven roasted rack of lamb recipe makes for a luxurious and delicious dish that is always impressive to serve and yet surprisingly easy to cook! The fragrance of rosemary, thyme and garlic cooked with the lamb is absolutely irresistible. Your guests will know they are in for a treat the moment they catch the scents wafting...
How to host a cocktail dînatoire
Looking for an easy, but chic, way to host friends at home without lots of cooking? A cocktail dînatoire, also known as an apéro dînatoire, brings guests together over food and drink in a more casual setting than a dinner party. There is no assigned seating and you can help yourself to as much (or...
French Breakfast Foods
Looking to make a classic French breakfast? Here are some famous French breakfast foods to create an authentic French bistro experience in your own home. When I first moved to the South of France, I was taken by the lifestyle. Having a French breakfast in the South of France sunshine, over looking the Mediterranean sea...
20 Romantic French Recipes
The best 20 Romantic French recipes to cook with the one you love. These recipes are perfect for Valentines day or any date night where you want the feel of a cozy French bistro in your own home. Le Chef's and my love story was featured on The TODAY Show. You can find the full...
Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup
This Broccoli and cauliflower soup is a comforting and filling soup, full of fresh vegetables. This recipe is light, without dairy, but the texture is creamy and satisfying. Quick enough to be made on a week night, I make this easy soup when I am trying to eat more vegetables and balance out my diet....
French Lentil Soup Recipe
This French Lentil Soup recipe is surprisingly easy and quick to make . You will enjoy this healthy, delicious & hearty meal in a bowl. Judging by the way my husband's eyes light up when I say I am making my Lentil Soup, I know I have a winner. In this recipe I use "Lentilles du...
6 Tips for Hosting a Chic French Themed New Year's Eve Party
Here are 6 tips for hosting a chic, French themed New Year's Eve Party at home. With a few simple tweaks you can give your New Year's eve a distinctly French feel, wherever you are in the world, creating an evening to remember. Hosting an elegant New Year’s Eve Reception “à la Française” is less...
How to serve Caviar
Feeling fancy over the holidays? Here is how to serve (and enjoy!) caviar like a seasoned pro. Caviar is a true delicacy, the salty bubbles pop in your mouth like Champagne. A tiny little bit is all you need. I admit that I had never tried caviar before meeting Le Chef. Fish roe, yes. Those...
25 Best French Holiday Recipes
Here are the 25 Best French Holiday recipes, made simple, from Le Chefs Wife.com which are sure to impress your guests this holiday season. Whether served at a holiday cocktail party or the starring attraction at Christmas, these dishes will elevate your holiday menu. From French Onion Soup Gratinée to Duck Magret with squash and...
How to make a French Charcuterie Board
Everything you need to know about making a French Charcuterie Board. Whether it is for date night, a sit down dinner party, a potluck or an apéro dinatoire (also known as a cocktail dinatoire or heavy cocktail), here are some simple tips to making a perfect charcuterie board. The French call it a "planche de...
Buche de Noel Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache
This Bûche de Noël Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache will be come a holiday tradition. It is so good, comes off as incredibly fancy yet is is a piece of cake to make with this step by step recipe. A light, airy chocolate cake, with just a touch of Grand Marnier filled with a light, not too...
St-Germain Spritz
This St-Germain Spritz recipe is so easy to prepare but will make you say "oh la la " with the first sip! Light, refreshing and festive, the St Germain Spritz is a great cocktail to serve at a dinner party or for happy hour. Many know this cocktail as a summer spritzer (it pairs perfectly...
10 Easy French Cocktails
Here are 10 Easy French Cocktails that you can make at home for a sophisticated start to a dinner party or simply a refreshing apéritif with friends. Transport yourself to a bistro in Paris or a seaside café on the French Riviera. The world of French cocktails is really fun because they are often simple to make...
French Dinner Recipes
Do you want to create the sensation of a cozy French Bistro within your own home? Here are over 30 French dinner recipes that I have written over the years on this blog that you can succeed at home with little to no culinary experience. Choose just one for a delicious meal, or else you...
Coq au Vin Blanc
Coq Au Vin Blanc is a succulent chicken stew made with white wine instead of red wine like its more famous cousin, Coq au Vin. A classic French dish, each forkful melts in your mouth and is so fragrant and flavorful. I confess, I actually prefer Coq au Vin Blanc to the traditional Coq au...
Bentgo Lunch Box Ideas
In this article I share my favorite Bentgo Lunch Box Ideas. Healthy and easy school lunches can be stress free with a few tweaks. Does the thought of making packed lunches again every day for your kids make you shudder? Trying to make a healthy, balanced lunch (that they actually eat) on top of everything...
Great French Side Dishes
Are you looking for a delectable side dish to add some flair to your meal? You will love this collection of Great French Side dishes from Le Chef's Wife. With over 130 original, tried and tested recipes, LeChefswife.com is your reference for French food, made simple. From haricots verts to French mashed potatoes to tomatoes...
French Mashed Potatoes
This French Mashed Potatoes recipe makes the most decadent, buttery, melt in your mouth mashed potatoes that everyone will love. Have you ever had mashed potatoes in French restaurants that were so creamy that you couldn't help but wonder "how on earth do they make these?" Well, I will let you in on the secret!...
Grilled Peach & Shrimp Salad
This grilled peach & shrimp salad has all the best flavors of summer. Juicy peaches, tender shrimp, crunchy cucumber and melt in your mouth goat cheese, topped with a decadent Rosé vinaigrette. Oh là là! So fancy that we named it after the French Riviera city of Saint-Tropez, yet it is really easy to make!...
Duck Magret with fresh figs
This Duck Magret with roasted figs and eggplant is perfect for a late summer dinner party. The duck breast is seared to perfection, tender and juicy. The sautéed figs and eggplant melt in your mouth and bring a just the right level of sweetness to the dish. The combination of flavors will remind you of...
Chantilly Cream
Looking for a no-fail recipe for fluffy, silky, Chantilly Cream? The perfect topping for fresh fruit, pie, crèpes, French Toast or hot cocoa...all of the delicious things in life! This Chantilly cream recipe is super easy dessert to make in just a few minutes. This is my favorite dessert to serve the end of a...
Fresh Fruit Compote
Observing Le Chef prepare breakfast one morning I realized there was a much simpler way to use overripe fruit. Fresh fruit compote! So quick to prepare and it can be done in small batches which you can easily freeze.
Bone in Ribeye Steak Recipe
Do you want to cook a Bone-In Ribeye steak at home that tastes just like it does in a fancy restaurant? This recipe is the best way to cook a steak like a Chef. As a Chef's wife I have been lucky to eat delicious steaks at home that are seared on the outside and...
Merguez Sandwich
The Merguez sandwich is also known as the French Hot Dog. You will find them at every BBQ and picnic from May to September. The spicy, juiciness of the Lamb Merguez sausage hot off the grill, the sweet smokiness of a freshly made Piperade sauce and the crunch of a toasted baguette. A perfect bite...
Taboulé: Couscous Salad
This Taboulé, or Couscous Salad is super simple to make, is full of healthy vegetables and stores very well in the fridge. The perfect side for a summer BBQ that you can continue eating all week long as a hearty and satisfying meal in a bowl. Taboulé pairs beautifully with a Lemon Thyme Roast Chicken...
Fig and Prosciutto Tartine
This fig and prosciutto tartine recipe is perfect for a special light lunch or an elevated appetizer. The saltiness of the prosciutto, the decadence of the fresh figs and the creaminess of the goat cheese over grilled sourdough baguette is a memorable combination. Add a drizzle of honey and few fresh basil leaves and each...
Prosciutto Salad with Melon and Burrata
This Prosciutto salad with Melon and Burrata instantly takes me back to the South of France. One bite and I can almost feel the warm sand under my feet and hear the clink of glasses of Rosé at one of those idyllic beach-side restaurants that lulls you into a seaside bliss. If you can't already...
French Tartines Recipe
A Tartine is an open face sandwich, very popular in France. Go to any bistro at breakfast or lunch and you will see Tartines offered on the menu. Tartines are not as popular in the United States yet (we love our sandwiches between two slices of bread!), but I love this lighter and sometimes more...
French Cooking Classes
If you are looking for an introduction to French cooking, look no further. Below are 8 hours of French cooking classes that Le Chef and I have hosted over the past 2 years with Alliance Française Washington, DC. In celebration of our 2nd anniversary of cooking with Alliance Française DC I wanted to share the...
Easy French Crêpes Recipe
My Grandmother's Crêpes are as easy to make as 1-2-3. 1 Cup of flour, 2 cups of milk, 3 large eggs. Et Voilà!
Roasted Fennel
Roasted fennel is healthy side dish that pairs beautifully with fish or chicken. If you are interested in healthy eating this is one of my favorite ways to serve a light, satisfying dish. Roasting the fennel bulbs with simple ingredients, a little bit of olive oil and a sprinkling of fresh herbs is the best...
Garlic Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary
These Rosemary Garlic Roasted Potatoes are incredibly tasty. Crisp and golden brown outside, light and fluffy on the inside with plenty of flavor. You will love this roasted potatoes recipe. This dish is a family favorite because the crispy wedges almost feel like French Fries or oven fries. With just a few basic ingredients you...
Creamiest homemade Lobster Mac and Cheese
This recipe makes the absolute creamiest homemade lobster mac and cheese I have ever had. With the addition of lobster, it becomes an elevated comfort dish that you could serve at a chic brunch or dinner party with friends at home. Did you know that the trick to making an incredibly creamy mac and cheese...
Sautéed Haricots Verts (French Green Beans)
Sautéed Haricots Verts (French Green Beans) are a great side dish. So good that they deserve to be the star attraction! The melt in your mouth texture, the tang of the garlic butter and the zest of fresh herbs make sautéed haricots verts a dinner time favorite. You will love this green beans recipe! The...
Tomato Soup Gratinée
This version of Tomato Soup Gratinée, takes the American classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese combo to a whole new level. Creamy tomato soup topped with grilled baguette and mozzarella - gratinéed in the oven like a French Onion Soup Gratinée. The best of both worlds that you need to try now. The cheese pull...
Surf n Turf
Surf 'n' Turf, or Steak & Lobster dinner, is a romantic dish to serve to your loved one. An American steak house classic, but this recipe has a French twist with a decadent Champagne, shallot and herb butter that you will want to pour over everything! Not to mention a generous serving of perfectly sautéed...
The Best Lemon Sugar Crêpes Recipe
Lemon sugar Crêpes (Crêpes Citron Sucre) is one of my favorite treats in France. One bite and I am immediate transported to this little Crêperie in the old town of Nice. The zing of the lemon matched with the sweetness of the sugar and the heavenly buttery richness of the Crêpe is the perfect combination....
Best Broccoli and Blue Cheese Soup
This Broccoli and Blue Cheese soup is a creamy, comforting soup with a just a bite of blue cheese that adds a certain "je ne sais quoi" to the dish. Simple enough to be made on a week night, but special enough to serve at a delicious lunch or dinner party. I first made this...
Kir Royale Cocktail
The Kir Royale Cocktail is chic and refreshing. My favorite cocktail, made with champagne and crème de cassis, as seen on the latest season of Emily in Paris. Most French Café menus feature this delicious cocktail, it is a favorite for an afterwork apéro (cocktail hour) with friends. I personally love to welcome guests to...
Soup Sunday Challenge
Eating better, one pot of homemade soup per week at a time. Join me for year two of the Soup Sunday Challenge! You were hundreds to sign up and use the hashtag #soupsundaychallenge to share your weekly soups. "I LOVED the Soup Sunday Challenge! I looked forward to your live cooking demonstrations every week -...
French Holiday Recipes
French Holiday Recipes to cook between Christmas and New Years. Looking for some inspiration for your holiday menu? Over the years I have written lots of recipes for Christmas eve and Christmas Day but what about that delicious expanse of time that is between Christmas Day and New Years? The one week in the year...
Christmas Capon
This Christmas Capon Recipe is our holiday favorite. The Capon is tender and juicy and oh so flavorful, sprinkled with Herbes de Provence. Its size is impressive and perfect for feeding 8 guests. Served with a luxurious mushroom, white wine and cream sauce, the Christmas Capon is decadent and deliciously festive - perfect for the...
Classic Beef Bourguignon
This Beef Bourguignon, or "Boeuf Bourguignon" dish is one of the grand classics of French Cuisine, for good reason. Tender chunks of braised beef that melt in your mouth. A rich, winey sauce that envelops the beef and the supple vegetables. A dish you can't resist saying "yum" after just one bite - just like...
French Christmas Traditions: The French Riviera
Have you ever been to France at Christmastime? There is something so incredibly magical about French Christmas Traditions. The French Riviera, in particular, does Christmas so well. The backdrop of the mediterranean sea, the convergence of cultures, (Provence! Italy! North Africa!) and the glitter of the Riviera makes for a stunning month of December. That...
Quick Easy French Baguettes (Baking Baguettes for Beginners)
This is the best quick, easy French Baguette recipe ever! Want to learn how to make the most beautiful, crusty French Baguettes even if you are a complete beginner at baking? This French Baguette recipe will immediately add a "je ne sais quoi" to your meal. The perfect accompaniement to a French cheese board or...
The Best French Dark Chocolate Ganache
This recipe is for the best French dark chocolate Ganache you have ever tried. The surprising part? It is incredibly simple to make. The ganache is rich, not too sweet, and decadently unctuous. This recipe does not call for sugar. The cream and the chocolate make the ganache so velvety and smooth, no sugar is...
Roasted Duck Magret with Apples and Squash
This Duck Magret with apples and squash recipe tastes like Fall and is perfect for a dinner party. The duck breast is seared to perfection, tender and juicy. The sautéed apples and delicata squash melt in your mouth and bring a just the right level of sweetness to the dish. The combination of flavors will...
Coq au Vin made simple
Coq au Vin sounds fancy but the dish can actually be made rather simply. The chicken is seared, then braised in a rich red wine sauce with bacon, mushrooms and beautiful pearl onions that infuses it with so much flavor, you will say, "mmmmm" with every bite. Elevated to a French Culinary superstar recipe by...
Easy Eggplant Ragu Pasta Recipe
This Eggplant Ragu Pasta recipe has everything you love about a hearty Bolognese sauce, but has the added velvety, decadent texture of the eggplant, or aubergine. The kids do not know that we have hidden lots of healthy veggies into one of their favorite dinners! My husband, (Le Chef) and I have a tradition of...
One pot cheesy chicken and orzo
Tender chicken thighs simmered in a Provençal sauce with olives, tomatoes, peppers and fresh herbs topped with melted mozzarella and basil. This one pot, cheesy chicken and orzo recipe can be made in under 30 minutes and is super simple to prepare. A taste of the South of France that you can make any night...
25 Easy French Summer Dishes
Here are 25 Easy French Summer Dishes you can make at home. The dishes are light and colorful, filled with the flavors of the season. Whether you are celebrating Bastille Day with a Bastille day dinner party or simply want to journey to France for a light lunch, you will find all the French summer...
La Sauce Vierge: authentic Provençal Recipe
La Sauce Vierge is a French version of a Salsa, made with diced tomatoes, olives, basil, capers, pine nuts, shallots, lemon zest and olive oil that you will want serve over everything! This recipe for La Sauce Vierge is an authentic Provençal Recipe from my French Grandmother-in-law, Pierrette. La Sauce Vierge is most often served...
How to host a Bastille Day Celebration
“Bastille Day” is France’s national holiday. “La Bastille” refers to the storming of La Bastille, a turning point in the French Revolution that happened on July 14th 1789. Today, the French celebrate Bastille Day much like we celebrate July 4th in the US or July 1st in Canada - with wonderful friends, great food and...
La Salade Mentonnaise - a delicious Fennel, Orange and Artichoke Salad with Pine Nuts
La Salade Mentonnaise is a delicious fennel, orange and artichoke salad with pine nuts, topped with lemon zest and a tangy orange vinaigrette. The perfect side dish for grilled fish or chicken that you will crave all summer long! I fell in love with the French Riviera in Menton. A picturesque, citrus-hued village, and the...
La Salade Lyonnaise - the best brunch salad ever
La Salade Lyonnaise is the best brunch salad ever! A soft poached egg served on top of a crouton with a rich, savory jam of shallots reduced in red wine. A zingy garlic vinaigrette. Fresh mixed greens, tossed with crispy bacon. This is the Brunch dish that will transport you to the French meal experience...
La Salade Parisienne - the best French Potato Salad
Potato salad is one of my favorite summer dishes. The perfect side dish for BBQ meats, but also a stand alone dish that tastes even better the next day. There are many types of potato salad but this one has a decidedly Parisienne flair. La Salade Parisienne is the best French potato salad - a...
French Salade Niçoise Recipe
The authentic French Salade Niçoise recipe from the city of Nice, France made with tuna, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, radishes, capers, olives & artichokes. One of my all-time favorite salads that is full of protein and with lots of fresh vegetables. It is simple to make yet impressive to serve and is perfect for picnics...
The Best Chocolate Soufflé Recipe
A beautiful rise. A fluffy, flavorful, lighter than air, filling. A dessert that sighs as you delve in to it with your spoon. These are the makings of a perfectly made Soufflé. A French dessert so iconic that all the best restaurants feature one but few people attempt to make them at home. I am...
French Baguettes for Beginners Workshop
Want to learn how to make the most beautiful, tastiest French Baguettes even if you are a complete beginner at baking? If you live in France, you have access to an incredible "Boulangerie" (bakery) that makes fresh baguettes everyday, their perfume wafting through the air, luring you in, sometimes multiple times in the same day....
How to make Crème Brûlée like a French Chef
There is Crème Brûlée, and then there is Le Chef's Crème Brûlée. A rich, decadent and silky smooth cream, flecked with fragrant vanilla bean and a crisp, crackly top that shatters into sugar shards when you break into it. This crème brûlée is absolute perfection - and, with a few insider tips, is easier than...
Mediterranean Branzino Filet Recipe with Vierge Sauce
Mediterranean Branzino, or "Loup de la Mediterranée", in French, is one of Le Chef's favorite fishes and one of my go-to dishes to serve for a special Brunch/Lunch or when we have friends over. Branzino, as it is known in English, has a very delicate taste that pairs beautifully with the zing of a beautifully...
Mousse au Chocolat (French Chocolate Mousse made simple)
French mousse au chocolat (Chocolate Mousse) will become your family's favorite dessert. A Rich dark chocolate flavor with a light, airy texture and a depth of flavor from the spices. This recipe takes less than a half hour to make (plus a few hours to chill) and can be made a day in advance. No...
La Daube Provençale made simple
La Daube Provençale is the South of France version of the classic "Boeuf Bourguignon". Many of the ingredients and methods of cooking are the same, however it is the addition of orange zeste and Niçois olives that make this dish unforgettable. I will never forget my first Daube Provençale. I was an exchange student in...
5 learnings from 8 weeks of Soup Sunday Challenge
The past 8 weeks I hosted my first ever Soup Sunday Challenge. I am not sure what propelled me to launch a Soup Sunday Challenge on top of my full time job, 2 young kids and busy life, but deep in the wave of Omicron, and over the Christmas holidays, I felt inspired. We were...
Ratatouille soup with homemade pesto
You will love this healthy Ratatouille soup with homemade pesto that is chock full of veggies! You have heard of Ratatouille, right? The classic Provençale dish of baked eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini & onions made famous by the Disney movie of the same name? Well, before Disney shined a spotlight on Ratatouille, it has been...
Vegetarian Minestrone soup with homemade Pesto
Minestrone soup with homemade pesto is a meatless meal-in-a-bowl full of yummy veggies, packed with flavor and very satisfying. A vegetarian meal that the whole family will love! I like to make a big portion of this soup and freeze half of it - it is great to discover that you have a meal's worth...
Best Moelleux au Chocolat - Chocolate Lava Cake
The absolute best Moelleux au chocolat recipe. Moelleux au chocolat is also known as a chocolate lava cake, fondant or as a mi-cuit au chocolat. This recipe, Le Chef's recipe, makes for a cake that is rich on the outside and decadently gooey on the inside - positively oozing with dark chocolate. The perfect dessert...
Fancy Cream of Cauliflower Soup
Here is a fancy French twist on a classic cream of cauliflower soup that you can make at home today. The roast cauliflower topping, tossed with almond slivers, espelette pepper and flat parsley elevate an everyday dish to a delicious French restaurant-quality experience. The variance of textures are amazing and this dish is satisfying enough...
Le Chef's French Onion Soup Gratinée
I Love EVERYTHING about French Onion Soup Gratinée. The rich, comforting broth. The ooey-gooey cheese pull. The bits of crispy cheese that stick to the edge of the bowl (you know you eat those too!). I also love the warm conviviality of the dish. It is impossible not to laugh and make mmmmm sounds as...
Italian Chicken Sausage, White Bean & Kale Soup
This soup recipe checks all the boxes. Super easy to make, deliciously satisfying to eat and freezes really well. Plus, I dare you to find another way to eat so many good-for-you veggies in one sitting! Italian chicken sausage, white bean and kale soup is a meal in a bowl that is as comforting as...
La Poule au Pot - the easiest way to cook a whole chicken
Poule au Pot is the easiest way ever to cook a whole Chicken. It requires very little skill and it is nearly impossible to mess it up! The result is the most juicy, tender chicken meat that falls off the bone in a delicious, savory broth with big chunks of root vegetables that melt in...
La Pompe à L'huile: Provençal Olive Oil Brioche
La Pompe à l'huile is a sweet, flat, brioche-style bread that, especially when hot out of the oven, is one of the tastiest, "can I have another piece?", treats that you will ever try! The delicate aroma of orange blossom is so festive and enticing, it brings me back to Christmas in the South of...
The 13 Desserts: A Provençal Christmas Tradition
This is one French Christmas tradition that is easier to create than it sounds. The 13 Desserts are a Provençal Christmas tradition that have much more to do with laying out a sweet spread for your family and guests to pick from then making thirteen intricate desserts. A sweet grazing board, if you will, that...
Three Cheese Croque Madame
Cheese pull? Check! Runny Egg yolk? Check! Layers of Brioche bread baked with ham and a creamy cheese sauce? Check, check! The Croque Madame is the perfect brunch dish. It is impressive to serve and relatively easy to make - I will walk you through it, step by step. I love that it can also...
A cook's look inside Julia Child's Georgetown home
Are you curious to see what the inside of Julia Child's Georgetown home looks like? Very recently, I learned the location of Julia and Paul Child's Georgetown row house, located on the most idyllic street just one block off M street. To be honest, I had no idea that Julia Child had lived in Georgetown...
Turkey au Vin
A creative French take on the traditional Thanksgiving Meal, this recipe for Turkey au Vin, based on the French Classic, Coq au Vin, makes for a meal to remember. The turkey meat is juicy and flavorful, slow cooked in a rich, red wine sauce. The pearl onions glisten and the mushrooms are tender and succulent....
French Fall Dinner Party Menu
The temperature dips, leaves start to fall and my dining tastes switch from outdoor BBQs and salads to warm, comforting meals served on nice tableware. The flicker of candlelight, the smell of something delicious coming from the kitchen and soft music in the air. I long for the cozy feel of a neighborhood French Bistro...
Super Simple French Roast Chicken Recipe (Poulet Rôti)
To a French woman, a Roast Chicken, or Poulet Rôti is the culinary equivalent to a little black dress. Quick to put together, chic to serve and versatile. This super simple French Roast Chicken recipe can easily be the main course for a special Sunday lunch with friends or a Tuesday night meal for the...
Creamy Butternut squash Soup with Crispy Sage
The moment the temperature starts to drop I crave a warm, comforting bowl of soup. This creamy butternut squash soup with crispy sage garnish checks all the boxes. Simple to cook yet impressive to serve. It is delicious on a lazy Sunday afternoon or as the starter for a dinner party. The rich sweetness of...
Soupe au Pistou
Soupe au Pistou - the definitive Soup of the South of France - is one of my favorites and a classic of French Riviera and Provençale Cuisine. A vegetarian soup full of hearty beans, delicious vegetables and flavorful basil. Similar to a Minestrone Soup, but without the tomato base. The perfect meal in a bowl...
Fresh Fig and Goat Cheese Salad with amazing honey dressing
This Fresh Fig and Goat Cheese salad is UNBELIEVABLY GOOD. The beauty of the fresh figs, the soft decadence of the goat cheese, the sweetness of the honey dressing. YUM! Perhaps made even more special that fresh figs , in the North East USA, are not very easy to find. When I stumble on Fresh...
Les Petits Farcis Niçois (or Petits Farcis à la Provençale)
Step by step instructions to make my favorite French Riviera dish - Les Petits Farcis Nicois. Rich and hearty with fresh summer vegetables - a showstopper!
Foolproof Eggplant Lasagna
You will love this Eggplant Lasagna recipe. Lasagna is one of my favorite dishes of all time. I can eat half a tray in one setting, easily! This foolproof eggplant lasagna recipe makes me feel a little better about eating all of the gooey, yummy cheese. I substitute the lasagna noodles for eggplant slices and...
Fresh Fennel and Tomato Salad
Have you ever passed by a display of fennel and wondered "what ever would I do with that"? Guess what? You are not alone! A recent survey on my instagram revealed that 88% of respondents weren't sure how to slice fennel. Fennel can be an intimidating vegetable to cut into, but it is absolutely worth...
Simple Confit Bayaldi Recipe
Remember that scene in the Disney movie Ratatouille when the food critic samples the heavenly "Ratatouille"? It is actually Chef Thomas Keller's interpretation of the classic French Riviera recipe, Confit Bayaldi, that is shown in the movie! No stranger to a Bayaldi - Le Chef used to present this recipe during his cooking competition days....
5 tips for a French Riviera Themed Mother's Day at home
If you have a Francophile Mom in your life, she would love to have a French Riviera themed Mother's Day. To spend an afternoon in the sun, a glass of Rosé in hand, enjoying delicious food while being pampered by the ones she loves. The French Riviera for me is more than a destination, it...
5 lessons I learned cooking live for the first time
This past Saturday I held my very first LIVE cooking demonstration. Sure, I have been food blogging for several years now and have often shared videos of my recorded recipes on instagram or facebook stories. However, never ever have I logged in to zoom to find a "room" full of people, looking back at me...
Simple French Riviera Spring Menu
On Saturday, April 17th I will be hosting a cooking demonstration for Alliance Française, Washington DC Chapter. (Link here to register before it is too late!) It got me thinking about all that I love to cook in spring time. After months of soups and slow-cooked meals that bring warmth and comfort in winter, in...
Authentic Olive Tapenade
Tapenade aux olives provençal or, Authentic Provençal Olive Tapenade, is a delicious spread of olives, garlic, capers and often anchovies, that is served in the South of France. Most restaurants and market bistros will serve a small dish of tapenade accompanied with totis (Provençal for small slices of toasted baguette) or vegetable spears the moment...
French Asparagus Recipe with a Champagne Citrus Vinaigrette
This French Asparagus with a Champagne Citrus Vinaigrette is simple and flavorful. The bright flavors of citrus and the pop of champagne pair beautifully with fresh spring Asparagus, cooked to perfection. Did I mention that it is a vegan recipe, too? Making a delightful French Asparagus side dish is much easier than you think. With...
Le Chef's Wife Essential Kitchen Tools
One of the upsides of being a Chef's wife is that, little by little, I have amassed a kitchen filled with super functional tools that I love. My husband has lovingly stocked our kitchen with professional grade tools that are practical for home cooks like me. I realized, after many messages from you, chers amis,...
Potage aux Légumes (French Vegetable Soup)
Potage aux Légumes is a French vegetable soup that has been blended until there are no visible chunks left. It can also be known as soupe passée or soupe moulinée. Similar to a creamed soup, except that there does not need to be any cream. My French Grandmother-in-law loved to serve a potage soup to...
Seared White Wine Scallops and Leeks Recipe
Pan Seared White Wine Diver Scallops and Leeks make for a delicious and elegant French-inspired appetizer. The sweet, buttery taste of the scallops pairs beautifully with the slight tang of leeks. This dish is super simple to make and yet is impressive to serve. Le Chef had this dish on his menu in the South...
Healthy Freezer Meal Batch Cooking
How I cook 24 made-from-scratch meals in one hour with my healthy freezer meal batch cooking technique As a working mom with two kids I don’t have a lot of time to be cooking every day. However, it is a priority for me to be able to serve healthy, tasty meals to my family. I...
Vin Chaud au Grand Marnier Recipe
A luxurious Après-Ski drink When Le Chef was beginning his culinary career in France he used to work all summer long on his native French Riviera, an iconic tourist destination for the wealthy. In the winter, when the jet set flocked to chic ski resorts, Le Chef was employed in the epicenter of the French...
French Themed New Year's Eve at home
It goes without saying that New Year's Eve this year will be very different for most people. Many of us will be ringing in the New Year from home. To be honest, it is exactly how I have always loved to celebrate the holiday and this year is no exception. After the year we have...
Easiest Lemon Cranberry Cake Ever
Cranberry cake has always been synonymous with the Holidays to me. The tart, tangy cranberries are the perfect complement to a creamy, moist cake brightened by citrus. When I couldn’t find our family’s classic Cranberry Cake recipe I begin testing recipes and played around ingredients to come up with the closest possible resemblance to our...
Best gifts for home cooks under $25
This Christmas I have vowed to give my family useful gifts. We don't know when we will wear nice shoes or dress clothes again, but I do know that I have been spending A LOT of time in the kitchen. As a Chef's Wife I am lucky to have some pretty cool tools in my...
6 Birthday Cake Baking Fails and how to fix them
It all started when I called our local cake shop to have a cake made for Valentina's Birthday. My soon-to-be 3 year old daughter asked for a Ballerina cake and I, knowing absolutely nothing about cakes except from what I learned watching Neurotic Mom's instagram videos, chose the most beautiful cake with the fondant ballet...
Roasted Plum, Goat Cheese & Lemon Thyme Salad Recipe
This Roasted plum, goat cheese and lemon thyme salad recipe tastes of summer. Long, languorous lunches outdoors is what the best summer memories are made of, in my opinion. A chilled bottle of Rosé, a crusty baguette and a dish made with care that is as lush as it is light. This is how I...
Sparkling Rosemary Peach Piscine Cocktail
One sip of this Sparkling Rosemary Peach Piscine Cocktail immediately brings me back to beach days on the French Riviera. Legend has it that Brigitte Bardot herself coined the term “Piscine” to refer to the oversized glasses of Rosé served over ice cubes in the glamorous beach clubs of Saint-Tropez. There are many variations of...
Easy Spring Asparagus Soup Recipe
Easy spring asparagus soup recipe. Flavorful and rich, no cream needed. 4 main ingredients: Asparagus, potatoes, onion and garlic. Bon Appétit!
French Easter Traditions
French Easter Traditions in the South of France France, and especially the South of France, has a strong catholic heritage and Easter weekend is not only a three but a four day public holiday. With the temperatures between the high 60s and mid 70s in April on the French Riviera, you can imagine how busy...
Introducing Le Chef's Baby Books - A children's book series for foodies.
Follow along on our journey to publish a children's book series about good food and healthy eating habits with a francophile twist, bien sûr! Almost two years ago I began working on a children's book series together with my husband and the exceptionally talented illustrator, Elena Fay. In reading bedtime stories to my daughter I...
Romantic Day Date in DC
French Inspired Romantic Day Date with Le Chef in Washington, DC After the birth of our daughter, a romantic day date in DC has become our favorite way to reconnect. Around the holidays, we love going downtown in DC. With all the decorations and the chic French shops – add in a stop at Le...
Fête de Fiançailles - Engagement Party
My engagement party to Le Chef in the South of France and what I learnt about entertaining "à la Française".
Prendre L'air
While living on the French Riviera “Aller prendre l’air” was a magical cure-all for so many things.
It means to go out and take in air. Such a simple concept but it was part of our every day life. The hour long lunch breaks at work always included stepping out of the office and having a coffee (espresso, of course) next to the sea.
How we met - Notre Rencontre
Twenty-three years old and in my last year of business school I went on a study exchange to a university in Nice, France. I had visited Nice while backpacking through Europe with a friend of mine and had immediately known that I wanted to go back. Only a few weeks into my exchange, the professor...
Tomato Boursin Tartine Recipe (Open‑Face Sandwich)
This Tomato Boursin Tartine is one of those quietly luxurious dishes I find myself returning to again and again during tomato season. The crisp, golden toast. The rich, herbed creaminess of Boursin cheese. (this post is not sponsored - I just love Boursin Cheese!) The juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes. Every element is uncomplicated, yet when brought together, they...
Olivette Cocktail Recipe (A French Martini with St-Germain)
The French have long perfected the art of the apéritif - a moment to pause, connect, and begin the evening with intention. Whether you're preparing for a cozy dinner party or simply unwinding after the day, few things feel as chic and effortless as the Olivette Cocktail. If you wished that enjoyed gin martinis, but find them too...
Garlic Aioli Sauce
Once you have made homemade garlic aioli, you will never go back! Just a spoonful of this decadent, creamy, aromatic sauce can elevate even the most humble plate of roasted vegetables, turn a sandwich into something utterly decadent, or become the star of an apéro at home. This homemade Garlic Aioli recipe is nothing like...
French Picnic Recipes
There is something so effortlessly joyful about a French picnic. A wicker basket packed with simple, delicious dishes, a checkered blanket spread beneath the olive trees, and a glass of chilled rosé in hand — la belle vie! In the South of France, picnics are as much about savoring the moment as they are about...
Gourmet BBQ Recipes
Gourmet BBQ Recipes with French Flair Summer is the perfect time to elevate your BBQ game with gourmet recipes that bring the taste of the French Riviera straight to your backyard. Inspired by the flavors of Southern France, these French BBQ recipes are elegant, delicious, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you're hosting a relaxed...
French Mother's Day Recipes
A French-Inspired Mother’s Day Mother’s Day in France, known as La Fête des Mères, is a time to slow down, set the table with love, and indulge in the kind of thoughtful dishes that make maman feel truly cherished. While the official date differs slightly from the American holiday (it falls on the last Sunday...
Leek Fondue with Seared Scallops
Leek Fondue with Seared Scallops – A French Bistro Classic Made Easy. Golden, pan-seared scallops nestled on a bed of creamy leek fondue with buttery potatoes – an elegant yet simple French dish you can make in under 25 minutes. Perfect for a romantic meal or a chic dinner party. If you are hosting a...
Soup Sunday Challenge
Soup Sunday Challenge 2025: Eating better, one pot of homemade soup per week at a time. Welcome to year 4 of the Soup Sunday Challenge! I invite you to cook one pot of soup every week for 4 weeks. Check your inbox weekly for inspiration for delicious, healthy soups. Share your soup photos on instagram...
How to Host a Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration
Every third Thursday of November marks a cherished French tradition: the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau. This year it falls on November 21st, 2024. This young, vibrant wine, made from Gamay grapes in the Beaujolais region of France, is celebrated with much fanfare, laughter, and of course, delicious food. Hosting a Beaujolais Nouveau celebration at home...