Recipes from a Provencal Kitchen & Colors of Provence

Recipes from a Provencal Kitchen
 
"I have always loved good food, just like my father. When my parents were married in Arles, my Grandmother Athalie took up pen and ink and wrote down a collection of her own mother's best recipes in a little blue notebook. I have that notebook in front of me now."

Even as a child Michel Biehn was fascinated by Provence and its traditional cuisine. In this splendid volume, he takes us on a culinary journey through the changing seasons of this enchanting region of France, revealing the unique Provençal spirit of celebration and simplicity. Consisting largely of fresh fruits , vegetables, and the bounty of the seas cooked with olive oil and natural herbs and spices, these delicious recipes appeal to today's interest in healthy, flavorful food, tempered nonetheless with a selection of irresistible indulgences.

Each easy-to-follow recipe is accompanied by a wine suggestion as well as the story of the particular dish's role in Provençal tradition-- the tangy pumpkin soup which heralds the arrival of autumn, winter's delicious daubes, or stews, the freshly picked baby vegetables of spring, the summer's savory ratatouille and bouillabaisse.

Michel Biehn collaborated closely with photographer Bernard Touillon to create the settings and recipes featured in the stunning color photographs, all of which were taken using only natural lighting in order to capture the authentic atmosphere and colors of Provence and the spirit of its cuisine. More than a cookbook, this lavishly illustrated introduction to Provence and its unique lifestyle will make an exceptional and treasured gift for cooking enthusiasts, gourmets, travelers, and anyone who loves the good things in life.
 
Colors of Provence: Traditions, Recipes, and Home Decorations from the South of France
 
Under the bright Provencal sun, the colors of earth, stone, trees, fruits, and flowers give this region its unique character and beauty—from the deep purple of lavender fields to the radiant yellow of sunflowers, and from the bright red of vine-ripened tomatoes to the earthy blackness of fresh truffles, the essential elements of Provence are unfolded chapter by chapter and color by color. Ochre bricks and roof tiles are set against ripe red cherries, while glistening clementines share the orange hues of Mediterranean coral. Yellow tints the popular pastis liqueur and the zucchini blossoms used in the local cuisine. Green recalls the traditional garden pottery while blue reflects the fishing boats and white symbolizes the region's famous cotton boutis bed coverings. An insider's guide includes the best addresses for fabrics, ceramics, antiques, and embroidery, sources for gourmet delicacies, and recipes for uniquely Provencal dining experiences. This book is a visually evocative and essential reference on this unique corner of the world.