Art of the Home


Classic French Cocktail: Kir (and Kir Royal)

Today, we’re featuring a classic French cocktail — the Kir. The Kir is traditionally served before a meal during an apéritif. It can also be served during any cocktail hour. It is basically a mix of crème de cassis (i.e. sweet liqueur made from blackcurrants) and white wine, typically a dry Burgundy. The Kir is named […]

Weekend Cocktail Recipe: Amber Mojito

Today, let’s think about enjoying the weekend with good company and a fresh amber Mojito. The recipe below is a small variation on the traditional Cuban Mojito — it uses amber rum as opposed to a lighter rum. Enjoy in moderation! Amber Mojito INGREDIENTS (for 4 cocktail glasses) 12 tsp of cane sugar (raw granulated […]

French Kitchen Classic: Beurre Maître d’Hôtel

Today, we’re featuring a simple French classic — beurre maître d’hôtel (maitre d’hotel butter) also called beurre persillé (parsley butter). It’s done in a flash, can be made ahead of time and can be used in so many dishes as well as side dishes. Some French kitchens may have some already prepared in the fridge […]

French Recipe Classic: Crepes

French Sugar Crepes (Crêpes au Sucre) February is the month of Crêpes in France. The festivities start on February 2nd, the day of “la Chandeleur”. Crepes start flipping as many “gourmands” wait impatiently. An old wives tale says that if you flip a crepe with one hand while holding a coin in your other and the crepe lands in […]

Chocolate Marble Cake Recipe

Chocolate Marble Cake Recipe (Gâteau Marbré) This chocolate marble cake (gâteau marbré) is a classic childhood French dessert and so easy to make! Very moist, it also has a special place in our hearts – so many sweet memories to go along with that delicious cake. And do you know who makes the most popular marble […]

Classic French Soup: Potage de Légumes

Today, we’re featuring an everyday classic “Soupe du Jour” — potage de légumes (vegetable soup). It is a low calorie meal starter abundant in nutrition and taste. Your family may be asking for another serving. While taking seconds is generally not a good idea, this shouldn’t really be an issue with the healthy potage de légumes. So […]

Desserts with Strawberries: Macerated Strawberries in Wine

Desserts with Strawberries Recipe Collection: Macerated Strawberries in Wine Macerated strawberries in wine (fraises au vin) is an old fashion French dessert served by pairing flavorful strawberries and a fruity red wine.  All you need are strawberries, wine, sugar, and good company to enjoy this deliciously simple dessert.  Check our detailed macerated strawberries in wine recipe from […]

Mussels à la Marinière Recipe (Moules Marinières)

Mussels from the farmers market ($2.50 per pound) On the menu today, using fresh mussels from the farmers market, shallots, and fresh parsley, we are preparing some “moules marinières” (mussels à la marinière or simply mussels mariniere). There are a few variations of the mussels mariniere recipe, with or without white wine, creme or without creme, […]

Clafoutis (Cherry Clafouti)

Today, we’re featuring a delicious classic French dessert — the clafoutis (cherry clafouti — in French the “s” is silent so we have also seen it spelled “clafouti” in the US). The classic clafoutis is a baked cherry custard and is traditionally made in the Spring or Summer when cherries are abundant. Clafoutis are orginally […]

Easy French Dessert: Palmiers Cookies

Today, we’re featuring a favorite classic French cookie — the palmier. In French bakeries, palmiers are sold along side the croissants and pains au chocolat (chocolate croissants). Palmiers make a wonderful snack for children at home or on the go. One or two palmiers with a tea, or coffee are also delicious. Palmiers are so […]