About us
Bonjour! My name is Nadine and I am the face behind the food!
Learning to cook at a young age is a gift that transcends generations, creating a bridge between the past and the present. Growing up in the heart of France, the rich tapestry of culinary traditions woven into daily life became an integral part of my identity. This blog explores the profound impact of early exposure to the art of cooking in France, the challenges of immigrating to the USA, and the joy of preserving and sharing my French heritage through food.
Childhood in France
Born and raised in France, I was surrounded by some of the most exquisite cuisine. At a young age I would look forward to going to the bustling markets full of vibrant produce & I can still smell the aroma of fresh baguettes wafting in the air.
My culinary education began at the side of my grandmother’s friend, Marie. Although I grew up around Paris, from the time I was one, I spent most weekends and vacations in the country where both my parents and grandparents had a summer home in a little village of about 500 habitants.
My grandmother’s dear friend had been a cook for farmers her whole life and even though she had been retired for a long time, her joy of cooking never left her. As I got older, every Saturday, I’d rush over to her house right across the street to check on her and see what she was cooking that day. Over the years, her kitchen became my playground.
My mother was, and still is, an amazing cook and boy did she cook! Our weekends were often filled with company and Holidays with dinner parties. Sitting at a table with family and friends for hours is where we shared our life stories and where memories were made.
As a young girl I was lucky enough to learn from two different generations and acquired a wealth of knowledge from each, something that I will forever cherish.
Crossing Oceans
Leaving behind the familiar landscapes of France and embarking on a journey to the United States at the age of 18 as an au pair, brought a mix of excitement and challenges. The transition from the cobblestone streets of a quaint French village to the bustling cities of New York was both invigorating and disorienting.
Amidst the adjustments, one constant remained – my determination to keep the flame of my French heritage alive through the art of cooking.
As an immigrant, the kitchen became my sanctuary, a place where I could reconnect with my roots. Despite the geographical distance, the rituals of French cooking were a nostalgic lifeline. From escargot to ratatouille, each dish served as a bridge between my past in France and my present in the USA. Cooking became a powerful means of preserving and passing on cultural traditions to the next generation.
Sharing Recipes and Traditions
I always knew I would love the time when I could pass on the french recipes to my children. The kitchen turned into a classroom where I imparted the flavors and stories of my upbringing.
Weekend family cooking sessions became a cherished tradition. The sound of a knife on the cutting board and the laughter echoing through the kitchen became my favorite kind of music. Sitting down at the table sharing stories and talking about our day was a sacred ritual in our home. A meal is so much more than just fueling your body. It is about an experience, togetherness, connectedness.
The Pleasure of Cooking for Others
Cooking is a gesture of love and generosity. In the French tradition, hosting guests is one of our many indulgences. The joy derived from creating a meal for friends and family is unparalleled. The clinking of glasses, the symphony of conversation, and the shared delight in a well-prepared dish creates a sense of community.
In the USA, where diversity is celebrated, the act of sharing one’s cultural heritage through food takes on added significance. Each dish becomes a conversation starter, an opportunity to share stories and the unique flavors that define it. Through food, I discovered a universal language that resonated with people from all walks of life.
Conclusion
Learning to cook at a young age in France laid the foundation for a lifelong love affair with food. I am grateful for the journey that has now led me here. I look forward to not only sharing recipes with you but sharing an experience, a culture, and a connectedness with this universal language.
