When pastry chef Dominique Ansel was preparing to open his own bakery, he toyed with the idea of baking cupcakes. Then cheesecake. Finally, he chose to forge his own way with a few French pastries underrepresented in American bakeries. And the star of his efforts are the adorable religieuses, essentially stacked cream puffs. It's his American spin on the pastry that sets these apart — he decorates them, in the most sophisticated way, as pumpkins, bunnies, and Santas. You have to see these! More

Duck confit is one of those dishes I figured I would never make at home. Poaching duck legs in fat sounds messy, difficult and expensive — duck fat isn't cheap. But I learned there is an easier, cheaper way to make duck confit, and now I'm tempted to give this classic cooking and preservation technique a try. More

With the approach of the holiday party season, I am always on the lookout for make-ahead appetizers that are a little different from the usual spread of cheeses, meats and crudite. Chicken liver pâté doesn't enjoy the popularity it had when Julia Child was queen, but this elegant yet economical hors d'oeuvre is due for a comeback. Cooked down with apple, shallots, fresh herbs and brandy, lowly liver transforms into an umami-rich spread that can be made up to one week ahead and will have even those hesitant about liver reaching for more. More

When you think of casseroles, do the words elegant and beautiful come to your mind? Probably not. Casseroles have many admirable qualities, but they are of the plainer, stodgier sort. Unless, that is, they are French. More

In honor of Julia Child's 100th birthday today, we're rounding up a few favorite French recipes, specifically French desserts. From how to make Madeleines to Chocolate Bouchons, from Cannelé to Tarte Aux Pommes, enjoy a sweet retreat with these 10 favorite French desserts. More

Q: I discovered these French kitchen towels called torchons that sell on Etsy for $20.00+ for one towel. The ones made out of "metis linen" seem to be more expensive. I found a set of six towels for $111.00. I would like to know what is so special about these towels. Why are they so pricey?

Sent by Heidi More

When your garden is overflowing and your kitchen is packed with produce, there is ratatouille. This thick and silky French stew of eggplant, zucchini, sweet peppers, and ripe summer tomatoes will use up your extra vegetables in one fell swoop, making enough food to feed a crowd, pack for lunch, and still freeze for later. More

David Lebovitz, acclaimed pastry chef, cookbook author and blogger, welcomed me into his almost-renovated Parisian kitchen (see his original kitchen here). He was as delightful in person as he is on the page and screen, even amidst ongoing construction. Join me for a brief interview and catch-up session with one of our favorite bon vivants. More

Q: Can you share an easy recipe for making crepes at home? I recently went to Paris for the first time and want to recreate some of the simpler things we ate there. Crepes is one I'd like to do.

Sent by Monica More

I have two extraordinary, culinary–minded friends who always invite me over for impromptu meals of homemade ricotta and roasted tomato galettes, a tasting of new cheese purchases, or lemon–caper berry egg salad on freshly baked bread and citrus cornmeal cake topped with creme fraiche. (You get the idea. I'm a lucky friend.) I had to put a stop to all of their hospitality and extend some of my own, with a big pile of fresh crêpes and fruity toppings bien sur. More