Dining in the Five Departments of Old Aquitaine: the Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

fromBehind the French MenubyBryan G. Newmanbehindthefrenchmenu@gmail.com Old Aquitaine and its five departmentsAfter the French Revolution.From the French Revolution until 1-1-2016 Aquitaine included five modern French departments, the Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, and…

Harry Collins December 18, 2025

Russian Food

These 21 Hanukkah Recipes Felt Familiar and Grounding

Hanukkah food often carries a sense of familiarity that goes beyond tradition and into memory. These dishes show up with flavors people recognize, ingredients that feel dependable, and the kind…

Harry Collins December 18, 2025

Russian Food

21 Holiday Sides That Complete the Seasonal Table

Holiday meals feel more complete when the sides bring steady flavor and dependable comfort without adding stress to the kitchen. These dishes use simple ingredients, manageable cooking times, and familiar…

Harry Collins December 18, 2025

French Food

Baeckeoffe – A Traditional Alsatian Peasant Stew That Made the Big Time.

fromBehind the French MenubyBryan G. Newmanbehindthefrenchmenu@gmail.com A Baeckeoffe.Photograph courtesy of Joel Bezhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/lejoe/5196062504/ Baeckeof, Baeckeoffe, Baaekenof, or Potée Alsacienne – A traditional peasant stew from the Alsatian area in the Grand Est…

Harry Collins December 18, 2025

Russian Food

23 Classic Christmas Desserts Kids Ask For and Adults Still Crave

Christmas dessert tables tend to fill up fast, but only a few recipes get asked for year after year. These are the sweets that feel familiar, comforting, and expected, whether…

Harry Collins December 18, 2025

Russian Food

23 Easy Holiday Breakfasts to Share Before the Day Gets Busy

Holiday mornings often start fast, so these 23 easy holiday breakfasts help keep the first part of the day calm and organized. Each recipe focuses on simple steps and quick…

Harry Collins December 18, 2025

French Food

Lamproie – Lamprey. The Lamprey on French Menus

fromBehind the French MenubyBryan G. Newman A member of the Lamprey family. Lamproie de Rivière Européene, the River Lamprey and the Lamproie Marine or Lamproie de Mer - The Lamprey. The French name lamproie,…

Harry Collins December 18, 2025

French Food

Dining in Avignon, France. The Papeton d’Aubergine, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine, and the Vaucluse Truffle.

fromBehind the French MenubyBryan G. Newmanbehindthefrenchmenu@gmail.com Papeton d'Aubergine.Aubergines/eggplants in the manner of the Pope's Hat.Photograph courtesy of Cuisine Actuelle Papeton d'Aubergine originated in Avignon and is served a pate, as an…

Harry Collins December 18, 2025

French Food

Behind the French Menu: Les Découpes de Fruits et Légumes

FromBehind the French MenubyBryan G. Newmanbehindthefrenchmenu@gmail.com A few of the fruits and vegetables that may be on your menu.Photograph courtesy of Fondation Louis Bonduelle French culinary tradition includes naming the cuts…

Harry Collins December 18, 2025

French Food

Behind the French Menu: Dining in Normandy.

fromBehind the French MenubyBryan G. Newmanbehindthefrenchmenu@gmail.com Normandy in France.Map courtesy of OnTheWorldM Enjoying French cuisine on its home ground is a significant reason for visiting France; another reason is to see…

Harry Collins December 18, 2025