By Our French Chef en Residence, Claire Tuffereau
“I am a wife, a mother and a grandmother; I am a gardener, a watercolorist and a teacher, but cooking runs my life, brightens my days, cements my relationships, and heals me mentally and physically.
“It all started with my parents and how food was at the center of our family life. When I remember my father and mother, he is in his country garden, painstakingly weeding away, and she is standing in front of the stove, concocting something magical out of the fresh produce he brought home at the end of the week. With this, and without words, they taught me love, respect, and how to care for others. They gave me happiness. If I am an inveterate optimist, I owe it in part to food, its smells, its colors, and its ability to dig deep inside my brain for adventurous and fearless creativity.
“If one day my life needs a summary, this is it:
“She loved, therefore she cooked.”
—Claire Tuffereau
We are delighted to post one of Claire’s recipes each month for you to prepare and enjoy—bon appétit!
Jackdaw Journeys French Recipes
THE LATEST RECIPES FROM IN HOUSE CHEF CLAIRE TUFFEREAU
Lemons, a Village named Menton & French Cuisine
How do lemons, a village named Menton, and French cuisine go together? Divinely! When one visits the French Riviera one immediately thinks of azure waters, blue skies, and hot temperatures. Also, you might think of French wines, lavender fields, and French...
Let’s Talk About French Olives and Tapenade
For Jackdaw Journeys our interest in the olive tree and its fruit is directly related to its prominent role in French cuisine. Visit any French market in Provence and you will find baskets and baskets of local olives for sale.
Socca – The Ultimate French Niçois Street Food
Do you know what Socca de Nice is? Socca is the Ultimate French Niçois Street Food. A savory, smoky, crispy, oily and sometimes peppery crepe that has been made in Old Town Nice, France for hundreds of years. The thin-like bread, made with chickpea flour and water,...
White Asparagus, France’s Spring Treat
Upon just returning from the south of France, signs of Spring were everywhere. Red poppies were scattered in the fields, tulips and daffodils were soaking up the light rain and large, bright strawberries were at every markets and store. But, the other sign of...
Pots De Crème: A European Dessert to Delight
Many believe the French were the inventors of the dessert we know today as Pots de Crème, while others give credit to the English. Let’s look into the history of these tiny cups and you can cast your vote. History As members of the British nobility began importing...
