As I stand in my Chicago kitchen, the aroma of toasted seeds and the vibrant hues of fresh fruit transport me back to my childhood in New Orleans. My French father, a master chef, always emphasized the importance of nourishing our bodies from the inside out. Little did I know then that his wisdom would … Lire plus
The aroma of freshly baked brioche mingling with the savory scent of sausage takes me back to Sunday mornings in my grandmère’s kitchen in Lyon. As a child, I’d watch in awe as she expertly wrapped a plump saucisson in golden brioche dough, creating what I now know as the quintessential French comfort food: Saucisson … Lire plus
Bouillabaisse: A Provençal Symphony in a Bowl The salty breeze of Marseille’s old port still lingers in my memory, mingling with the rich aroma of saffron and fennel wafting from a weathered copper pot. It was there, in a tiny kitchen overlooking the Mediterranean, that I first learned the art of bouillabaisse from my French … Lire plus
Ah, Oeufs Mimosa! The mere mention of this classic French dish transports me back to lazy Sunday brunches in my grandmother’s sun-drenched kitchen in New Orleans. The delicate aroma of fresh herbs mingling with the rich, creamy yolk filling always signaled the start of a perfect day. But these aren’t just any deviled eggs – … Lire plus
As I stand in my kitchen, the aroma of sizzling duck and earthy mushrooms transports me back to my childhood in New Orleans. My French father would often prepare Tourte de Canard, a rustic duck pie that bridged our family’s culinary heritage. This dish, with its flaky crust and rich filling, embodies the essence of … Lire plus
As I stand in my Chicago kitchen, the aroma of almonds and butter wafting through the air, I’m transported back to my childhood in New Orleans. My French father, a master pâtissier, would create the most exquisite galette des rois each January, filling our home with the sweet scent of tradition. This flaky, golden pastry, … Lire plus
As I stand in my Chicago kitchen, the aroma of sizzling butter and fragrant herbs transports me back to my childhood summers in Brittany. There, nestled in a quaint coastal town, I first encountered the magnificent Lobster Thermidor. This classic French dish, born in the heart of Paris in 1894, marries the opulence of succulent … Lire plus
A Sweet New Year’s Tradition: JP’s Vasilopita Cake As the clock strikes midnight and fireworks illuminate the sky, my mind always drifts back to my grandmother’s kitchen in New Orleans. The aroma of butter, citrus, and warm spices filled the air as she lovingly prepared our family’s New Year’s tradition – a golden, fragrant Vasilopita … Lire plus
As I stand in my Chicago kitchen, the aroma of sizzling beef and truffles transports me back to my childhood in Paris. My father, a celebrated chef, would prepare Tournedos Rossini for special occasions, and the memory of that first bite still lingers. This luxurious dish, named after the famous composer Gioachino Rossini, is the … Lire plus
The aroma of simmering beef and vegetables wafts through my kitchen, transporting me back to my childhood in New Orleans. My French father, a classically trained chef, would spend hours crafting his version of pot-au-feu, a rustic French stew that became the inspiration for my Beef Stew with Vegetables. This hearty dish marries the soul-warming … Lire plus