Send us a text

Revisit Pain D'Epice

As the festive season arrives, Fabulously Delicious, The French Food Podcast revisits a much-loved solo episode celebrating pain d’épices, one of France’s most iconic winter and Christmas treats. Warmly spiced and deeply aromatic, this traditional loaf is closely associated with Christmas markets, festive tables, and the comforting flavours of the season.

This episode is a replay of an earlier favourite, shared especially for listeners who may have missed it the first time around — or for those who enjoy rediscovering a familiar story during the holidays. With no new material added, it’s a chance to settle in and enjoy a timeless exploration of a dish that feels perfectly suited to Christmas.

In this episode, host Andrew Prior delves into the origins of pain d’épices, its historical roots, and its place in French food culture today. From medieval spice routes to regional variations across France, the episode highlights how this humble spiced bread has endured for centuries.

Whether you’re listening while baking, travelling, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, this Christmas revisit offers a moment to slow down, savour the season, and enjoy one of France’s most enduring and evocative festive flavours.

Support the show

My book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City is your ultimate companion. You’ll find hand-picked recommendations for the best boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, cafés, and restaurants that truly capture the flavor of Paris. You can order it online at andrewpriorfabulously.com

For those who want to take things further, why not come cook with me here in Montmorillon, in the heart of France’s Vienne region? Combine hands-on French cooking classes with exploring charming markets, tasting regional specialties, and soaking up the slow, beautiful pace of French countryside life. Find all the details at andrewpriorfabulously.com

You can help keep the show thriving by becoming a monthly supporter. Your support helps me create more episodes celebrating French food, history & culture. Here's the listener support link. Every contribution makes a huge difference. Merci beaucoup!

Newsletter Youtube Instagram Facebook Website

Send us a text

Revisit Capon with Emily Gaudichon

As Christmas approaches, Fabulously Delicious, The French Food Podcast revisits a beautifully seasonal episode all about capon, one of the most traditional centrepieces of the French festive table. This replay is shared especially for listeners who may have missed it the first time — or who would love to rediscover a classic Christmas conversation.

In this episode, host Andrew Prior is joined by Emily Gaudichon, widely known as the real Emily in Paris, for an engaging and informative discussion about what capon really is, why it holds such an important place in French Christmas celebrations, and how it differs from everyday poultry.

Originally recorded earlier in the podcast’s journey, this episode is replayed in full, with no new material added — simply a chance to enjoy a timely, festive conversation that feels perfectly suited to the season. It’s a reminder of how deeply French food traditions are tied to celebration, family, and the rhythm of the year.

Whether you’re planning a French-inspired Christmas menu or simply curious about the foods that define festive tables in France, this Christmas replay offers insight, context, and plenty of fabulously delicious food talk to enjoy during the holidays.

Support the show

My book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City is your ultimate companion. You’ll find hand-picked recommendations for the best boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, cafés, and restaurants that truly capture the flavor of Paris. You can order it online at andrewpriorfabulously.com

For those who want to take things further, why not come cook with me here in Montmorillon, in the heart of France’s Vienne region? Combine hands-on French cooking classes with exploring charming markets, tasting regional specialties, and soaking up the slow, beautiful pace of French countryside life. Find all the details at andrewpriorfabulously.com

You can help keep the show thriving by becoming a monthly supporter. Your support helps me create more episodes celebrating French food, history & culture. Here's the listener support link. Every contribution makes a huge difference. Merci beaucoup!

Newsletter Youtube Instagram Facebook Website

Send us a text

From Forest to Feast: The Story of French Châtaignes

In this deliciously autumnal episode of Fabulously Delicious, we dive deep into the world of châtaignes, France’s beloved chestnuts. From their prickly forest shells to their fragrant, comforting presence in winter markets, châtaignes have long been a symbol of warmth, heritage, and rustic French cooking. But these humble nuts hold far more than nostalgia — they carry centuries of history, culture, and culinary transformation.

We explore the fascinating botanical identity of the châtaigne, uncovering what makes it unique, how it differs from marrons, and why its reputation has evolved over time. You’ll discover how chestnuts sustained entire regions, earned the nickname “the bread tree,” and became essential to rural life across the Cévennes, Ardèche, Limousin, and beyond. From ancient cultivation to nineteenth-century culinary refinement, the journey of the châtaigne is as rich as its flavour.

Then, we turn our attention to the gastronomy of chestnuts. Whether roasted on street corners, puréed into velvety crème de marrons, transformed into the iconic Mont-Blanc dessert, or baked into festive dishes at Christmas, châtaignes play a starring role in French food culture. We’ll explore regional specialties, traditional methods of preservation, and the craftsmanship that turns a simple nut into a seasonal delicacy.

Finally, we travel across France to celebrate the festivals, terroirs, and AOP traditions that honour this treasured ingredient. From the chestnut groves of Ardèche to the proud heritage of the Marron de Lyon, to vibrant autumn gatherings in Collobrières and Redon, you’ll get a taste of the communities that keep the chestnut spirit alive. Whether you’re a longtime lover of chestnuts or discovering them for the first time, this episode is a feast of stories, culture, and flavour — straight from the forests of France to your plate.

Support the show

My book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City is your ultimate companion. You’ll find hand-picked recommendations for the best boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, cafés, and restaurants that truly capture the flavor of Paris. You can order it online at andrewpriorfabulously.com

For those who want to take things further, why not come cook with me here in Montmorillon, in the heart of France’s Vienne region? Combine hands-on French cooking classes with exploring charming markets, tasting regional specialties, and soaking up the slow, beautiful pace of French countryside life. Find all the details at andrewpriorfabulously.com

You can help keep the show thriving by becoming a monthly supporter. Your support helps me create more episodes celebrating French food, history & culture. Here's the listener support link. Every contribution makes a huge difference. Merci beaucoup!

Newsletter Youtube Instagram Facebook Website