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Gratin Dauphinois Recipe

Just the other day I cooked gratin dauphinois as part of our New Year's Eve dinner as we celebrated with family and a bunch of friends. We welcomed in the new year with amongst other things, French martinis, baked Camembert infused with rosemary, slow roast pork with vegetables and gratin dauphinois and a 'to-die-for' tarte au citron. Food links people and events together and this New Year's Eve was no exception for me.

Realising that many of the dishes I cooked have recipes on the blog available for you, but that I'd not shared a recipe on how to cook gratin dauphinois already, I thought it high-time that this easy classic French dish got its own post. Also, for all of you who messaged and emailed me asking for the recipe after our Facebook and Instagram New Year's Eve posts, here it is...

Strasbourg – What to See and Do

Strasbourg - What to See and Do

Today on the blog we have something different for you - a short travel reflection on the romantic town of Strasbourg from one of our inner-circle of followers and readers, Linda. Read what to see and do in Strasbourg benefiting from Linda's recent travel experience of visiting this fairytale town in northeastern France.

I love it when I receive emails from readers excitedly sharing their upcoming travel plans or, after they've returned home, sending me photos and short writings about their time exploring la belle France.

Brioche Recipe

Brioche is a staple pastry in France. Eaten at breakfast, midday and for a snack at any time of the day, it's pretty much eaten by someone somewhere all day in France! Half cake, half bread, brioche is loved the country over for its buttery softness. Sold in boulangeries, supermarchés and markets, it's certainly not difficult to find in France.

You'll find brioche buns, normal and mini sized; loaves, in different shapes and sizes; and fancy plaited styles in most bakeries.

2024 France Calendar

It's ready... your 2024 France Calendar.

Downloadable, printable AND absolutely Gorgeous with a capital 'G' !!

... and also free to all subscribers.

It's my way of saying 'thanks' to you for your support and company over 2023. Whether you are new to the blog or you've been around from the beginning, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. A HUGE thanks for reading our posts, commenting, sharing with your friends, and for emailing me with all your kind messages of gratitude, post requests and travel related questions.

You are the 'why' behind A French Collection. Why I stay up late at night furiously typing a post that's due to be published, why I spend hours replying to all messages and comments whether I'm at home or on the road, and why I strive to take the very best photos of all the amazing places I visit across France. I love sharing it all with you. Travel tips and recommendations, travel guides, authentic everyday experiences of living in a tiny French village, recipes to enjoy and great books to read - it's all about bringing France to You.

The French Beret

The French beret along with the Eiffel Tower, baguette, Citroën 2CV and the rooster are all true French icons - loved by the French and those of us that call ourselves Francophiles. The traditional French béret is a soft round peak-less cap that is flat on top and usually made of wool with a small tab on top.

This symbol of French culture can be worn in various positions: over either ear, pulled down over both ears, on the back of your head, flat on top or tipped forward over your eyes.

Origin of the French beret

History has recorded the beret through the ages in writings, sculptures, paintings and folklore. Here's a quick look at references to the beret in history:

What I’m Loving #1

WHAT I'M LOVING...

Here's my latest Amazon finds that I think you'll love from both small French brands and beautiful French inspired companies.

Influenced by my life in Brittany and the beautiful north-west of France, these products are carefully chosen to add joie de vivre to your life. Love your everyday with these lifestyle, home, garden and fashion finds.

Halloween in France

I've just spent another Halloween in France and thought I'd share my experiences with you. Halloween is not a tradition that I grew up with or one that I celebrated with my children as they grew up. However, the last two years I've been in France for Halloween and I've enjoyed two different experiences around the event. This year I was in Paris and last year I was at home in my village where I got involved in village Halloween activities and loved it!

Let me take a moment to set the scene. At my home in Australia our driveway is long, over 200 metres long, and after you leave the public roadway, our driveway goes down a steep hill and turns at 'the big tree' and it ends up at our house and small garage. The driveway is bordered by two metre high hedges on either side and there are no lamp-posts or solar lights and large gum trees filter any moon light.

Croque Monsieur Recipe

When you think of a French café do you also think of the classic French snack, a croque-monsieur? A croque monsieur is essentially a grilled cheese sandwich, but when eaten in Paris, it seems to take on an almost mystical quality. Read about this classic and get croque monsieur recipe.

Maybe it’s the ambience of the charming bistro chairs and table, the crisply dressed waiter, or the view along the boulevard of boutiques and Parisians getting on with their day, that transforms this simple food into a French speciality.

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Gratin Dauphinois Recipe

Gratin Dauphinois Recipe

Strasbourg – What to See and Do

Strasbourg - What to See and Do

Brioche Recipe

Brioche Recipe

2024 France Calendar

2024 France Calendar

The French Beret

The French Beret

Origin of the French beret

What I’m Loving #1

Halloween in France

Halloween in France

Croque Monsieur Recipe

Croque Monsieur Recipe

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