March 14,2014

PROVENCE  FOOD AND WINE The Art of Living   is as much as a photo essay as it is a cookbook. The book brings onto paper the beautiful images of Provence that we all have in our minds. There is so much lavender in the book, I think I actually smell lavender as I flip each page. There are as many pictures of the scenery and the vineyards as there are images of the savory food accompanied by the recipes in this book. The authors have included 47 traditional Provencal recipes for our gastronomic delight. We are  introduced to Provence and its culture. A game of Pétanque anyone?

Part of this culture is the wine. We are taken through a tour of the Provence wine making regions and the wine making process. 

When it comes to the recipes, if the title of the recipe was not intriguing enough, the pictures get your full attention. Some good news is that Provencal food is part of the Mediterranean diet, focusing on fresh vegetables, extra virgin olive oil and fish.

One of the recipes that caught my attention was the recipe:  Crespeou de Provence (Layered Omelettes). How about a 6 layer omelette that serves 12-16. The authors recommend a lively Provence rosé as a pairing. While this recipe may not sound like it fits into the typical Mediterranean diet, there are plenty of fresh vegetables, herbs and olive oil included here.

Hope this whets your appetite for some Provencal food. I recommend that as you read through this book, have a glass of Provence dry rosé in the other hand. 

As the authors say:

“Tasting rosé is all about pleasure, part of the quintessential Provencal art of living. Immerse yourself in it.”