Appetizers, Vegetables Francois de Melogue Appetizers, Vegetables Francois de Melogue

Truffles, Tension, and Tartlets: A Culinary Caper in Snowy Vermont

The tartlets are a tribute to my culinary icon, Joël Robuchon. In 1996, I had the incredible fortune of staging in his Paris kitchen during truffle season—a dream come true for any young chef. Among his many masterpieces, his truffle tart stood out, a dish so simple yet so luxurious it felt like tasting pure elegance. Inspired by his genius, I created my own version: a crisp filo base, a touch of smoked bacon jam, and a delicate slice of black truffle—a small homage to the culinary legend who shaped my love for perfection on the plate.

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Family Food, Main Course, Vegetables, Classics Francois de Melogue Family Food, Main Course, Vegetables, Classics Francois de Melogue

Truffade: A Taste of Rustic French Comfort

Truffade is a hearty and iconic dish that embodies the culinary soul of France's Auvergne region. Born as a staple for shepherds and farmers, this rustic creation highlights the simplicity and resourcefulness of countryside cooking. Made with tender potatoes, creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and a touch of garlic, Truffade is traditionally prepared in a cast-iron pan and often served alongside a crisp green salad, grilled sausages, or slices of locally cured ham.

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Provencal, Vegetables Francois de Melogue Provencal, Vegetables Francois de Melogue

Ratatouille

My mother always said my ratatouille wasn't as good as hers. She insisted that a proper ratatouille was made by slowly cooking the vegetables together. I always disagreed until one day she made me her ratatouille the way she had learned it at home. One bite, and I knew she was right. Her version was ambrosial and embodied the rich flavors of Provence.

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Appetizers, fruit, Salads, Vegetables Francois de Melogue Appetizers, fruit, Salads, Vegetables Francois de Melogue

A Perfect Late Winter Salad

I love shaved fennel and orange salad. It is the perfect late winter salad that your whole family will love. It combines the perfect crunch of raw fennel with a citrusy sweetness. One of the best qualities is that it is highly adaptable to whatever you have on hand. You can make it solely with oranges or add grapefruit, satsumas, tangerines, or whatever other citrus fruit you like. You can add cheese, olives, onions, nuts, and a host of other ingredients depending upon what you have on hand.

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Appetizers, family food, Salad, Vegetables Francois de Melogue Appetizers, family food, Salad, Vegetables Francois de Melogue

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is incredibly easy to make at home. I was craving vegetables when I photographed this version so I made it with a higher ratio of vegetables to chickpeas. Despite the recipe given below, it is best to follow your own passions and add whatever you like. Use my recipe solely as a springboard to your own creation.

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Main Courses, Vegetables, Provençale Recipes Francois de Melogue Main Courses, Vegetables, Provençale Recipes Francois de Melogue

Petits Farcis: Stuffed Provencal Vegetables

One of the most endearing and favorite of all Provencal dishes is Petits Farcis or stuffed vegetables, also known as lu farçum in the Niçard (Nice) dialect. Petits Farcis are best made in the summertime when so many great vegetables, like sun-ripened tomatoes, round zucchini, and thin eggplants start to appear in the farmers' markets.

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Provençale Tomato Tart

The best thing about tomato tarts is they are very forgiving and can be modified easily based on what you have on hand. I have baked this tart with slices of tangy goat cheese or even shredded gruyere cheese sprinkled over. Or even pulled the hot tart out of my oven and dropped a ball of creamy burrata right on top.

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Appetizers, Provençale Recipes, Vegetables Francois de Melogue Appetizers, Provençale Recipes, Vegetables Francois de Melogue

Roasted Red Peppers

A really simple dish that has all the classic flavors of Provence hidden in the layers. Roasted red peppers stuffed with creamy goat cheese and basil and topped with an anchoïade sauce. This makes a great meal served with nothing more than a big green salad and a glass of rose wine. Anchoiade is an interesting Provencal sauce. French people will revel at its wonderful briny flavors while most Americans recoil in terror at the mere mention of anchovies. I promise you will love this sauce.

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