• Home
  • Blog
  • Meet Nancy
  • Get The French Pantry Insider’s Guide
  • Free French Pantry Checklist
  • Archive
  • Contact
  • Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Nancy Conway

Bringing French magic to your home cooking.

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Meet Nancy
  • Get The French Pantry Insider’s Guide
  • Free French Pantry Checklist
  • Archive
  • Contact

Blog

5 Healthy French-Inspired Food Resolutions for 2021

It’s that time of year when we all want to start 2021 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 2021Read 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

French Gifts for Christmas: 3 gourmet products you can 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 Gifts for Christmas: 3 gourmet products you can order onlineRead 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

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

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

Summer Fruit Salad with Grand Marnier Sauce

A Fruit Salad of Summer Berries A fresh fruit salad is one of the delights of summer since so many berries are in season and easily available. However, things can…

Summer Fruit Salad with Grand Marnier SauceRead 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

French Master Chocolate Maker: A Path to Excellence

When you arrive in Paris, you’ll notice there are quite a few of France’s best chocolate boutiques in the elegant sections of town. They’re the shops of the French master…

French Master Chocolate Maker: A Path to ExcellenceRead 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

How to choose the best Piment d’Espelette? What characteristics have I learned are indicators of the best Piment d’Espelette? Before even tasting this French chili pepper, here’s a quick summary…

How to choose the best Piment d’EspeletteRead More

Grapefruits, oranges, lemons and limes on a white background

What’s in season at French markets in February?

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

What’s in season at French 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

A couple preparing food

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

This is the perfect time of year for one of France’s winter recipes: the “Pot au Feu” (literally a “Pot in the Fire”). This classic French beef stew is a…

“Pot au Feu”: A Classic French 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? And do the French want to eat anything after all those long, rich meals they had for Christmas and…

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

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

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 it ‘d had flowers in it, I probably would’ve eaten…

French Fruit Salad with Rose WaterRead More

An Easy French Carrot Salad Recipe

Can Eating Carrots Make You More Loveable or Just More Beautiful? In English speaking countries parents will tell their children: “Carrots will make your hair go curly” or “Carrots will…

An Easy French Carrot Salad RecipeRead More

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

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

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

Piment d’Espelette: The Black Beret of French Spices

You know that black beret you think is so  Parisian? It’s actually from the Basque region of Southwestern France. So is the French chili pepper called “Piment d’Espelette.”  While I’ve always…

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

Saffron-An Exotic Spice Grown in France

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 a European spice and its…

Saffron-An Exotic Spice Grown in FranceRead More

Parisian Pastry Meets Japanese Technique for Easter

Paris-Tokyo: A Sweet Love Affair: Master Chocolate makers were busy last week wowing everyone with their chocolate sculptures for Easter.  What some visitors to France don’t know is that many…

Parisian Pastry Meets Japanese Technique for EasterRead 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

Bouquet Garni: The Herbs That Make Classic French Recipes Outstanding

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: The Herbs That Make Classic French Recipes OutstandingRead 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

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

I never realized, before coming to France, that there were so many kinds of vinegar to choose from – and not just for salad dressing. Most French families have at…

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

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

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

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

Vanilla from Tahiti- 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…

Vanilla from Tahiti- A Great Addition to Your … VegetablesRead 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

The French and their Jams: Their Favorite Flavors and Ways to Use Them

With so many jams to choose from in France, here’s a quick tour of the French’s top 5 favorites. There are a few unusual flavors, some unique to France, as…

The French and their Jams: Their Favorite Flavors and Ways to Use ThemRead More

Start Your Day on Top of the World with a Great French Artisanal Jam

The French do not mess with breakfast. They know how to start their day off right: not only with a great baguette and real butter but also with artisanal jams.…

Start Your Day on Top of the World with a Great French Artisanal JamRead More

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

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

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

      Image courtesy of Geerati at FreeDigitalPhotos.net   How to diminish back pain, weight gain and lengthen your lifespan at the same time: They are all linked, according…

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…

“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

Want To Lose Weight? Sleep More!

                      Scientists Now Know That Sleep Deprivation Is Contributing to the Obesity Epidemic   You may not have the impression…

Want To Lose Weight? Sleep More!Read More

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…

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 Food Industry Portrays Them As Being Good For You But They Are Not. Here’s Why: The irony was not lost on me: the food industry produces food we eat…

Why You Should Avoid These 6 “Healthy” FoodsRead More

Fat Doesn’t Make You Fat, Sugar Does.

For Most People Low-Fat Diets Are A Mistake 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…

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 previously widely accepted are now open for debate. Previous scientific studies…

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

Footer

Meet Nancy…

Nancy Conway Image

Hi, I'm Nancy, and I'd like to bring French food magic to your home kitchen.

I grew up on the typical American diet of a kid with working parents who had no time to cook: Pop-tarts, frozen T.V. dinners, and Twinkies.

When I came to France years ago to study at a French business school, I developed an interest in fine food by taking weekend and evening classes at cooking schools. I discovered... Read More

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Disclaimer

Copyright © 2021 Nancy Conway · All Rights Reserved · Built by BrandNerd