Pies and Tarts

Pâte Sucrée

Makes 1 pound 8 ounces Chef’s Note: This recipe makes enough for two tarts. If you have dough leftover, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it.

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Pistou

Makes about 3/4 cup Pistou is the subtly different French version of pesto, the fragrant Italian herb paste. While pesto typically includes nuts, pistou may or may not. The key ingredients for both are basil, olive oil, garlic, and cheese. In fact, the first version of pistou was essentially a […]

Side Dishes

Pommes Frîtes (French Fries)

Makes 6 servings We all know what the “perfect French fry” is, and the beauty of making them at home is you get to decide what shape they will be, if they’ll have skin, and exactly how salty they will be. Use this classic French-style recipe as a guide, but […]

Desserts

Rhubarb Tart

Makes 6 servings Tarte à la rhubarbe is a popular dessert in the Lorraine region of France. The temperature of the area and the soil type support the growth of this delicious vegetable, often mistaken for fruit. This recipe, prepared with store-bought puff pastry, is a snap to prepare. dessert […]

Main Dishes

Roast Duck With Orange Sauce

Makes 4 to 6 servings This updated take on the classic duck à l’orange is decadent enough for a special occasion, but simple enough for dinner any night. Though rich duck breast is the perfect accompaniment to the sweet and tangy citrus sauce, you can also pair it with sautéed […]

Desserts

Sabayon and Fresh Berry Trifle

Makes 6 servings A trifle traditionally includes cake doused with sherry, a custard, and fresh fruit. This trifle introduces an egg-based sauce that the French call sabayon and the Italians, zabaglione. Marsala, with its rich, raisin-like flavor, gives the custard the same heady aroma that a classic trifle introduces by […]

Salads

Salade Niçoise

Makes 6 servings This is a hearty salad, perfect for a main course at any meal. You’ll want to look for high-quality tuna to feature in your salad, or make your own! If you can’t find small Niçoise olives, you can use Kalamata.