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…
french food
Super Simple French Roast Chicken Recipe
To a French woman, a Roast Chicken 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 kids. A culinary…
La Soupe au Pistou
La Soupe au Pistou – Provençal Summer Soup 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. Not to be confused with “Pesto” , “Pistou” soup is a hearty yet summery bean soup packed with mixed vegetables,…
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!
Le Grand Aïoli, made simple
Le Grand Aïoli. This classic dish is everything I love about summer dining in the South of France. A sophisticated take on a dipping platter with summer vegetables, seafood and a delicious homemade garlicky mayonnaise. Each individual ingredient shines beautifully and the presentation is artful yet casual. Perfect for a luxurious picnic or a long…
French Salade Niçoise Recipe
Here is a simple, tasty French Salade Niçoise recipe that you will love! One of my all-time favorite salads that is full of protein and with lots of good veggies. It is simple to make yet impressive to serve and is perfect for picnics or long lunches in the sun. It is a guilt-free lunch…
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…
Spring Asparagus Recipe with a Champagne Citrus Vinaigrette
This article and recipe for Spring Asparagus with a Champagne Citrus Vinaigrette first appeared in the Spring 2020 issue of Edible DC Magazine. Photography by Jennifer Chase. Words and recipe by Anina Belle Giannini. Le Chef, as I lovingly refer to my husband, and I used to live in his native South of France. We…
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,…
