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Nancy Conway

Bringing French magic to your home cooking.

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Meet Nancy
  • Get The Finest of France Cooking Essentials Course
  • FREE French Pantry Checklist
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  • FREE TRAINING: The French Holiday Challenge

Blog

French “Pot au Feu”: A Classic Beef Stew Recipe for Winter

This is the perfect time of year for a classic cold-weather recipe: French “Pot au Feu” (literally a “Pot in the Fire”). This French beef stew is a great winter…

French “Pot au Feu”: A Classic Beef Stew Recipe for WinterRead More

White and orange pumpkins in the snow

What’s in season at French markets in January?

Is there anything seasonal to eat in France in the middle of winter? Like in other months, products are coming into season at French markets in January, others are at…

What’s in season at French markets in January?Read More

writing in a notebook

5 Healthy French-Inspired Food Resolutions for 2023

It’s that time of year when we all want to start 2023 off right by upgrading our habits. So here are my 5 New Year’s Food Resolutions inspired by good…

5 Healthy French-Inspired Food Resolutions for 2023Read More

A Traditional Christmas Dinner in France

Christmas is one of those special occasions in France where you have what most closely resembles a “repas gastronomique français,” the traditional grand French meal. What makes it traditional and…

A Traditional Christmas Dinner in FranceRead More

Little girl opening a present in front of a Christmas tree.

French Christmas Traditions

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like in France during the Christmas holiday season, here are a few things you’ll notice that are French traditions at this time of year.…

French Christmas TraditionsRead More

French Christmas Gifts: 3 Gourmet Products to Order Online

Authentic French gifts for Christmas can be ordered easily online. And a gourmet food gift from France doesn’t need to be limited to wine or cheese. Here are 3 types…

French Christmas Gifts: 3 Gourmet Products to Order OnlineRead More

Walnut Oil: How To Up-Level Simple Meals The French Way

I’ve noticed a hack the French use to elevate their everyday meals to fantastic while keeping them healthy and easy to prepare: They add an unusual, high-quality ingredient to a…

Walnut Oil: How To Up-Level Simple Meals The French WayRead More

A bottle of French olive oil near black and green olives

Why buy French olive oil? Here are 4 reasons

Often when someone thinks of buying olive oil, their thoughts go to Italy or Greece, perhaps Spain. They don’t usually think of buying French olive oil. However, it’s not a…

Why buy French olive oil? Here are 4 reasonsRead More

Misho fruit on a plate

Japanese Misho: A rare citrus fruit is coming to France

Japanese citrus fruit named Kawachi Bankan will be sold in Europe under the name of Misho A rare Japanese citrus fruit is coming to France! Its plant name is Kawachi…

Japanese Misho: A rare citrus fruit is coming to FranceRead More

The French Pantry Checklist: Let great ingredients do the work for you

Delicious home-cooked meals are easier with the French Pantry Checklist: a guide to stocking your pantry with quality ingredients used in France. The belief behind it? If you start with…

The French Pantry Checklist: Let great ingredients do the work for youRead More

Summer Fruit Salad with Grand Marnier Sauce Recipe

A Fruit Salad of Colorful Summer Berries A fresh fruit salad is one of the delights of summer. So many colorful and healthy berries are in season and easily available.…

Summer Fruit Salad with Grand Marnier Sauce RecipeRead More

French Ice Cream 101: An introduction to French ice cream and sorbet

We all know that food is taken very seriously in France. But did you know there are even strict guidelines for French ice cream and sorbet? There’s not just one…

French Ice Cream 101: An introduction to French ice cream and sorbetRead More

Meat grilling on a BBQ

Easy French Barbecue Marinade Recipes

Marinades are a great resource to have on hand for barbecues. They’re easy to prepare and will quickly up-level the flavor of your meals.  I’ve highlighted just 4 ingredients from…

Easy French Barbecue Marinade RecipesRead More

One Easy Fix for Delicious Cooking: Artisanal French Olive Oil. How to Select the Best

For a long time, I thought the French olive oil I was buying in the supermarket here in Paris was terrific. Then I had two surprises: When I read the…

One Easy Fix for Delicious Cooking: Artisanal French Olive Oil. How to Select the BestRead More

Start your day off right with a great French artisanal jam

The French know how to start their day off right: Not only do they have great baguettes or croissants and real full-fat butter, but they also have delicious French artisanal…

Start your day off right with a great French artisanal jamRead More

French Master Chocolate Maker: A Path to Excellence

When you arrive in Paris, you’ll notice many of France’s best chocolate boutiques in the elegant sections of town. They’re the shops of the French master chocolate makers, the best…

French Master Chocolate Maker: A Path to ExcellenceRead More

Bouquet Garni 101: How To Use These Traditional French Herbs

French women will regularly pick up several different types of herbs when food shopping, either in bunches or in small flower pots for their kitchens. Fresh herbs have a natural…

Bouquet Garni 101: How To Use These Traditional French HerbsRead More

Hazelnut Oil: How to Up-Level Simple Meals The French Way

No time or energy to cook? Tempted by takeaway and packaged food even though you know it’s not healthy? It’s not easy putting together a healthy meal at the end…

Hazelnut Oil: How to Up-Level Simple Meals The French WayRead More

Tomato Salad: An Easy French Recipe for Summer (with a twist!)

I may be jumping the gun because tomatoes aren’t fully in season until July, but the weather so far this year has been strange and the winter long. So let’s…

Tomato Salad: An Easy French Recipe for Summer (with a twist!)Read More

Creme Fraiche versus Sour Cream

People often think that sour cream and crème fraîche are the same. But there are differences in taste and texture which will determine how you use them in your cooking.…

Creme Fraiche versus Sour CreamRead More

French Raspberry Vinegar: You’ll Fall In Love With Salad Again

I never realized there were so many kinds of vinegar before moving to France. Most French families have at least 3 varieties of vinegar in their pantries. High-quality red wine…

French Raspberry Vinegar: You’ll Fall In Love With Salad AgainRead More

French Fruit Salad with Rose Water

When a bland dish was served for dinner, my mother always told me “Don’t play with your food – just eat it!”  If there had been flowers in it, I probably…

French Fruit Salad with Rose WaterRead More

French Pastry Meets Japanese Technique for Easter

Paris-Tokyo: A Sweet Love Affair: French pastry chefs and master chocolate makers get busy around Easter, wowing everyone with their special desserts and chocolate sculptures.  What some visitors to France…

French Pastry Meets Japanese Technique for EasterRead More

Misho fruit on a plate

Le Misho Japonais: Un agrume rare débarque en France

L’agrume japonais Kawachi Bankan sera vendu en Europe sous le nom traditionnel de “Misho” Un agrume japonais rare débarque en France ! Son nom de plante est Kawachi Bankan mais…

Le Misho Japonais: Un agrume rare débarque en FranceRead More

Piment d’Espelette: The Black Beret of French Spices

Do you know that black beret you think is so  Parisian? It’s actually from the Basque region of southwestern France. Just like the French chili pepper spice called “Piment d’Espelette.”  I’ve…

Piment d’Espelette: The Black Beret of French SpicesRead More

Cheese, Nuts and Crackers with Fresh Fruit and Fig jam

French Jam 101: The top flavors in France

There are so many jam flavors to choose from in France! Here’s a quick tour of the 5 favorite jams the French love most. I also cover a few unusual…

French Jam 101: The top flavors in FranceRead More

A lighthouse in Brittany, France

Recipe for Fish Soup from Brittany: La Cotriade

The saying goes that in Brittany, Bretons have a Celtic soul and a sailor’s heart. And that sailor’s heart is probably why they’re excellent fishermen and have wonderful seafood recipes.…

Recipe for Fish Soup from Brittany: La CotriadeRead More

From French Economist to Master Vinegar Maker

Have you ever had a dream project that made you want to quit your day job? Despite his training in statistics, economics, and finance, and several years spent working for…

From French Economist to Master Vinegar MakerRead More

French Artisanal Vinegars: Trending for Over 400 Years

Who knew vinegar could make or break a salad? I used to buy whatever vinegar was available in the grocery store. That changed once I tasted the good stuff and…

French Artisanal Vinegars: Trending for Over 400 YearsRead More

Portrit of Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson: Founding Father & French Foodie

Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson, a man of varied talents and interests, was also passionate about food. The time he spent in Paris added to this enthusiasm. As America’s third president…

Thomas Jefferson: Founding Father & French FoodieRead More

Baked chicken with herb and mustard coating

Dijon Mustard Recipe: “Gilded” Chicken

We all need new recipes to add variety to our home-cooking choices. This Dijon mustard chicken recipe came to mind because it’s a French-Italian mix: Two iconic kitchen ingredients come…

Dijon Mustard Recipe: “Gilded” ChickenRead More

A spoonful of grainy yellow mustard

Dijon Mustard: the specialty of the Edmond Fallot Company

Edmond Fallot is the last independent Dijon mustard mill in Burgundy. The original mill was founded by a local family from Beaune in 1840 near the city of Dijon, France’s historic…

Dijon Mustard: the specialty of the Edmond Fallot CompanyRead More

French vegetable market

What’s in season at French markets in March?

This month was chosen as the first month of the year on the Roman calendar, as a sign of renewal at the end of winter. However, Spring and its abundant…

What’s in season at French markets in March?Read More

Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate Mousse Recipe with Piment d’Espelette

The French red chili pepper Piment d’Espelette is not the first thing you’d associate with a chocolate mousse recipe. But this spice from the Basque region of France is used…

Chocolate Mousse Recipe with Piment d’EspeletteRead More

chili pepper powder

How to choose the best Piment d’Espelette

February is the month of the French National Agricultural Fair in Paris. French agriculture – and all that it produces – is the star of the show. There’s a 150-year-old…

How to choose the best Piment d’EspeletteRead More

Grapefruits, oranges, lemons and limes on a white background

What’s in season at French food markets in February?

February makes the winter feel even longer (especially when it’s a leap year, like 2020!) And February at food markets in France means the season for game is over (think…

What’s in season at French food markets in February?Read More

Study shows heavily processed foods encourage you to overeat

Here’s good news if your 2020 Food Resolutions are starting to go belly-up: a landmark scientific study suggests that the industrial processing of food makes us want to eat more…

Study shows heavily processed foods encourage you to overeatRead More

Bunches of leeks and carrots at a market

What’s in season at French markets in December?

The French are known for their attention to seasonal ingredients, and they have a huge variety of recipes as a result: the ingredients savvy French home cooks shop for and…

What’s in season at French markets in December?Read More

Cathedral Sainte Croix in Orleans, France

Orléans, France: The Historic Capital of French Vinegar-Making

The city of Orléans, France – the sister city of New Orleans, Louisiana – is known historically for its university, Gothic-style Cathedral Sainte-Croix, and the heroic exploits of Joan of…

Orléans, France: The Historic Capital of French Vinegar-MakingRead More

Want an extra $2000 this year? Then stop eating out at the last minute.

We’ve all been there – it’s the end of a long day and the last thing you want to do is cook. So, you grab the takeout menu and order…

Want an extra $2000 this year? Then stop eating out at the last minute.Read More

Chilled Soup Recipes: Potage Crécy Carrot Soup

What to eat when it’s too hot to cook? Unusually hot summer weather makes cooking – and even eating – a real chore: your appetite isn’t the same when it’s…

Chilled Soup Recipes: Potage Crécy Carrot SoupRead More

An Easy French Carrot Salad Recipe

The French Love Salads! While growing up in the U.S., my salad repertoire was limited to iceberg lettuce, tomato, and cucumber or eventually a Ceasar salad made with romaine lettuce.…

An Easy French Carrot Salad RecipeRead More

Thiercelin Spices: Saving France from Bland Meals for 200 Years

Great spices can save you from a boring meal faster than you can say “Let’s get some take-out.” That’s why I rely on artisans who specialize in spices to keep…

Thiercelin Spices: Saving France from Bland Meals for 200 YearsRead More

Spices Used in French Cuisine: Cumin – A Spice Borrowed from Morocco

Who would think that in moving to Paris you’d learn about cuisine from North African countries like Morocco?But Morocco was a French Protectorate until the 1950s, and the traces of…

Spices Used in French Cuisine: Cumin – A Spice Borrowed from MoroccoRead More

Saffron-An Exotic Spice Grown in France

A close-up of saffron threads. I’d always thought of Iran or the Kashmir region of India as a source of Saffron, but not France.  However, Saffron is believed to be…

Saffron-An Exotic Spice Grown in FranceRead More

Dill: Use It The French Way

The French used to think of dill as “the Scandinavian herb,” because it’s often used in the Northern countries with fish. (It was introduced to Europe by the Romans who…

Dill: Use It The French WayRead More

Herbes de Provence: A Versatile French Herb Blend for Your Pantry

Many people are trying to decode the French secret of staying slim even while eating well. One secret is, in my opinion, their use of fresh and dried herbs in…

Herbes de Provence: A Versatile French Herb Blend for Your PantryRead More

How The French Use Herbs In Daily Cooking: Tarragon

Looking back on my childhood in the U.S., I don’t ever remember my mother using fresh herbs in cooking. She would occasionally use rosemary when cooking lamb (at Easter), but…

How The French Use Herbs In Daily Cooking: TarragonRead More

French White Wine Vinegar: Add This French Magic to Your Pantry

Have you ever had a simple salad at a really good restaurant and found that it tasted out-of-this-world delicious? Maybe you’re like me and asked yourself “Is it magic? How…

French White Wine Vinegar: Add This French Magic to Your PantryRead More

Apple Cider Vinegar: The Classic Vinegar That Adds Flair To French Recipes

Almost everyone has heard of the benefits of apple cider vinegar. So it’s always nice to be able to include such a healthy ingredient in daily cooking.  Most French home…

Apple Cider Vinegar: The Classic Vinegar That Adds Flair To French RecipesRead More

French Red Wine Vinegar: Want to Up-Level Your Pantry? This is a Must-Have

It’s not easy to eliminate processed foods from our pantries: they’re always ready-to-go and their taste is familiar. But if you want to eat healthier, have a few more meals…

French Red Wine Vinegar: Want to Up-Level Your Pantry? This is a Must-HaveRead More

Almond Oil: How To Up-Level Simple Meals The French Way

Spoiler Alert: Not everyone in France is a great cook! But I’ve noticed one thing they do have going for them: The French add unusual ingredients to everyday foods, making…

Almond Oil: How To Up-Level Simple Meals The French WayRead More

Pistachio Oil: How To Up-Level Simple Meals The French Way

Tired of the same old recipes on repeat? I’ve noticed the French add unusual ingredients to everyday foods, making them instantly and easily restaurant quality. In this way, they keep…

Pistachio Oil: How To Up-Level Simple Meals The French WayRead More

Tahitian Vanilla Bean- A Great Addition to Your … Vegetables

Most often when we talk about good vanilla extract or vanilla beans, we picture using it to make a great dessert. We associate it with something sweet and can’t imagine…

Tahitian Vanilla Bean- A Great Addition to Your … VegetablesRead More

Vitamin D – The Misnamed Nutrient

Vitamin D – The Misnamed NutrientRead More

Vitamin D – The Misnamed Nutrient

It’s not just another vitamin, but a pro-hormone central to your health If you want to improve your health now and your chances of a long healthy life later by…

Vitamin D – The Misnamed NutrientRead More

5 Swaps You Can Do Now to Start on a Path to Healthier Eating Habits

Are Your New Year’s Resolutions to Eat a Healthier Diet Losing Steam? Here are 5 Quick Changes You Can Make to Get You Back on Track Swap artificial sweetners for…

5 Swaps You Can Do Now to Start on a Path to Healthier Eating HabitsRead More

Why (the right) Fat in Your Diet is Your Friend

Fat in our diet has gotten a bad reputation but is now known to be a key to long term health Fat is not very lucky as a word: we…

Why (the right) Fat in Your Diet is Your FriendRead More

There is No Single Diet That is Right for Everyone

If your New Year’s resolution is to change your diet to follow the latest trend, you may do more harm than good. Some of the most common New Year’s resolutions…

There is No Single Diet That is Right for EveryoneRead More

Why Sitting is the New Smoking

I thought this time I had found the solution to my back pain: I replaced the old desk chair in my office and paid twice as much for a new…

Why Sitting is the New SmokingRead More

What Does a Good Morning Ritual Look Like?

Mornings should not be frantic, but instead a time of renewal. That’s quite a shift in perspective for most of us right there. In my previous blogpost, Why You Need…

What Does a Good Morning Ritual Look Like?Read More

Why You Need a Morning Ritual – Those You Admire Are Probably Already Doing It, So Why Not You?

                                                           …

Why You Need a Morning Ritual – Those You Admire Are Probably Already Doing It, So Why Not You?Read More

“Nutrition is King, Exercise is Queen, put them together and you have a Kingdom”-Jack LaLanne

My grandmother used to do her daily exercises in front of the television in the 60’s and 70’s, guided by Jack LaLanne during his morning show, the Jack La Lanne…

“Nutrition is King, Exercise is Queen, put them together and you have a Kingdom”-Jack LaLanneRead More

Do You Know Your Personal Health Numbers?

If you’re wading through a ton of information online about improving your health but don’t know where to start, you may want to find out these numbers first. Some of…

Do You Know Your Personal Health Numbers?Read More

5 Food Rules for Better Health-Simple Keys to a Healthy Life According to what Science Knows Now

  So much has changed in the health fields in the past 15 years due to technological advances (like the widespread use in research of the Functinal MRI machine) as…

5 Food Rules for Better Health-Simple Keys to a Healthy Life According to what Science Knows NowRead More

woman in bed with glasses

Want To Lose Weight? Sleep More!

It would seem logical that the less you rest, the more you burn calories, right? But that’s not how the body reacts to a lack of sleep. You might not…

Want To Lose Weight? Sleep More!Read More

tired woman resting on a couch

How To Know If You’re Protein Deficient: Here are the Top 6 Warning Signs

Fat around your waistline that won’t go away and chronic fatigue: these are just 2 of the annoying symptoms of a possible protein deficiency. But getting the right amount of…

How To Know If You’re Protein Deficient: Here are the Top 6 Warning SignsRead More

Why You Should Avoid These 6 “Healthy” Foods

The irony was not lost on me: the food industry produces the food we eat to sustain ourselves, however, their primary concern is not our physical well-being but their own…

Why You Should Avoid These 6 “Healthy” FoodsRead More

bowl of candy

Fat Doesn’t Make You Fat. Sugar Does.

It’s counter-intuitive, and for most of us, it’s going to take a long time to get used to the conclusions of scientific analyses: Healthy fats in our diet don’t make…

Fat Doesn’t Make You Fat. Sugar Does.Read More

3 Food Myths That Are Keeping Us Fat: What Science Knows Today about Eating Better and Losing Weight

A lot has changed in nutritional science in just the last 15 years. Beliefs about diet that were widely accepted are now open for debate and some have been shown…

3 Food Myths That Are Keeping Us Fat: What Science Knows Today about Eating Better and Losing WeightRead More

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: Why You Should Be Concerned No Matter What Your Age

    I watched helplessly as my Grandmother progressively lost her memory after turning 80. She could no longer do her usual long drives from Virginia to New York to…

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: Why You Should Be Concerned No Matter What Your AgeRead More

Stack of Donuts

Are Fast Food companies using the Tobacco Industry’s manipulative tactics on consumers?

                                                           …

Are Fast Food companies using the Tobacco Industry’s manipulative tactics on consumers?Read More

Why you should (finally) abandon artificial sweeteners

    Mysterious Headaches?     I couldn’t figure out why I always had headaches after dinner. I’d heard that drinking wine could cause them if the wine was of…

Why you should (finally) abandon artificial sweetenersRead More

The French Holiday Challenge: PART 1-Traits of a French Holiday Meal

Hello and Welcome to Part 1 of the French Holiday Challenge!  I am your host in Paris, Nancy Conway. Thank you so much for joining me! Today we set the…

The French Holiday Challenge: PART 1-Traits of a French Holiday MealRead More

The French Holiday Challenge PART 2-Seasonal Ingredients

Hello and welcome to PART 2 of “The French Holiday Challenge!” Today is all about fresh, seasonal ingredients the French use to plan their holiday menus. There are two elements…

The French Holiday Challenge PART 2-Seasonal IngredientsRead More

The French Holiday Challenge PART 3-Meal Structure

Hello and welcome to PART 3 of “The French Holiday Challenge!” Today we’re going to go over the progression of the French holiday meal from beginning to end. There are…

The French Holiday Challenge PART 3-Meal StructureRead More

The French Holiday Challenge PART 4-Table Setting

Hello and Welcome to PART 4 of “The French Holiday Challenge!” Today we’re going to go beyond the meal and discuss the table decor as well as other elements that…

The French Holiday Challenge PART 4-Table SettingRead More

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