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
The aroma of caramelized sugar and citrus zest wafts through the kitchen, transporting me back to my childhood in New Orleans. My father, a French chef, would prepare Canard à l’Orange for special occasions, filling our home with the intoxicating scent of this classic dish. Today, I’m excited to share my take on this timeless … Lire plus
The Story Behind Eggplant Caviar (Caviar d’Aubergine) As a young chef in Paris, I vividly remember the first time I encountered caviar d’aubergine. It was a sweltering summer evening, and I had been invited to a colleague’s rooftop gathering. As the sun dipped below the Parisian skyline, a rustic earthenware bowl appeared, filled with a … Lire plus
As I stand in my Chicago kitchen, the aroma of simmering lamb and spring vegetables transports me back to my childhood in New Orleans, where my French father would prepare Navarin d’Agneau every Easter. This classic French lamb stew, with its roots in pastoral traditions, has evolved into a celebration of seasonal bounty. Today, I’m … Lire plus