She Strengthens

Savoring the Flavors of Leucate

As I count down the days to our annual retreat to the picturesque beach house in the South of France, my excitement grows. This year, my partner Lauren and I will be joined by our close-knit group of friends and family, and we’re thrilled to share an unforgettable experience with Marc’s grandmother, a talented farmer and culinary expert.

A Taste of Tradition

Marc’s grandmother, a true embodiment of French cuisine, will be gracing us with her presence to prepare some of her legendary recipes. We’re honored to have her share her cooking secrets with us, and we can’t wait to capture the essence of her dishes in our upcoming book. The highlight of our trip will undoubtedly be the opportunity to learn from her and indulge in her mouthwatering creations.

The Art of Apéro

One of the most cherished aspects of life in Leucate is the daily apéro, a time-honored tradition where friends and family gather to socialize, enjoy refreshing drinks, and savor delectable snacks. As the sun sets, we come together to share stories, play games, and relish each other’s company. To recreate this magical experience back home, we focus on two essential elements: selecting high-quality ingredients and adding a personal touch with homemade items.

Elevating the Cocktail Hour

For a truly authentic apéro experience, we recommend combining store-bought delicacies with a few carefully crafted homemade treats. By doing so, you’ll transform a simple gathering into a warm and inviting occasion. Our latest spread features:

• Fresh Bosque pears, sliced to perfection
• Crusty baguette, toasted to bring out the flavors
• Homemade cheese crisps, crispy and golden
• Freshly blended tapenade, bursting with flavor
• Speck, a cured and salty meat that adds depth to the board

Homemade Delights

Preparing our homemade items is surprisingly simple. To make the cheese crisps, we grated pecorino onto a parchment-lined tray and baked them in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes, until they reached a golden-brown, lacey texture. For the tapenade, we coarsely blended our favorite olives with a hand blender, adding a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness. By taking the time to create these items, you’ll add a personal touch to your gathering and impress your guests with your culinary skills.

A Toast to the Weekend

As you embark on your own apéro adventure, remember to keep things simple, yet elegant. Focus on quality ingredients, add a dash of creativity, and don’t be afraid to experiment. And most importantly, savor every moment with your loved ones. Cheers to a wonderful weekend, filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and cherished memories!