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.

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.

One of my favorite Provençale dipping sauces is called Anchoïade. It is an anchovy sauce that marries perfectly with raw and lightly cooked vegetables, smeared on tartines and served with a classic lentil salad, or drizzled over roasted red peppers stuffed with creamy goat cheese and basil.