Last week I was in Provence, staying around Vaucluse. It was a much needed break and fabulous. Once our lost luggage caught up with us we could relax and enjoy ourselves. We did lots of exploring of the area – we hiked, we swam in the river under the Pont du Gard, the largest aqueduct in Europe (a huge highlight) and we ate and drank very well. The local rose wines were amazing, light and dry. Just perfect. Check out my social media accounts for pictures.

There were lots and lots of small, independent growers in the area and you could see the incredible produce they were growing. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, suited to the soil and the climate and crucially grown in season. We toured the local markets which were full of the wonderful produce. There was one nearby market, Velleron, which was on at 1800 every day. It was incredible! It was super busy with local restaurant and cafe owners as well as those out buying food for dinner. It really is usual in the UK to find this kind of small scale production available so locally. I wish it wasn’t! The picture at the top of this post is the very cute La Bouteille Restaurant (totally vegan).

I was also lucky enough to stumble upon a brand vegan restaurant in L’Isle sur la Sorgue, it had only been oped a few weeks and was not on any websites anywhere. Eating out is often a treat on holiday if I am lucky enough to find somewhere that can cater to my ‘requirements’. Lol! La Bouteille is in the centre of town, beautifully decorated inside, it has an open kitchen and the owner is lovely and super helpful. I had lots of choice and she even offered to make me a dessert from scratch! The picture at the top of this post is the very cute La Bouteille Restaurant (totally vegan).

This week on FriFran I have published….

My all-time favourite Watercress Soup recipe!!! When it is hot outside and you just want something light and tasty this soup really hits the spot. Served chilled it is even more incredible. Just perfect for summer dinner parties or a light lunch.

For days when you want a juice but don’t want to preservatives or the packaging my Carrot and Ginger Juice – No Juicer Required is perfect. I don’t own a juicer, no space and no patience for cleaning. This juice recipe is easy, quick and delicious!

FriFran Resource Library news…

The FriFran Free Resource Library is taking shape. You can find the uber-cool, old-school, set of gluten-free | vegan | + plus Recipe Cards. The recipes are exclusive to the download!!! I LOVE them! The recipe cards are so great. They really make me smile.

The FriFran gluten-free | vegan | + plus Recipe Card set will give you a whole weekend (four recipes per day!!!) of exclusive, fabulous, Italian recipes. All you need to do is print the cards (on card – double sided). And ta da!

If you want to check out a photos of the recipes cards they are pinned to the top of the FriFran Facebook Page.

In the FriFran Free Resource Library you will also find the FriFran free e-book: 10 Dishes in Under 30 Minutes, seasonal produce posters, meal planners and other really useful resources to make your gluten-free | vegan | + plus life a little bit easier.

You can download all the free resources via the FriFran Resource Library. All FriFran recipes are quick and easy gluten-free | vegan | + plus. If you want to sign up to access EVERYTHING – you can sign up here.

I promised you the Resource Library will grow and grow over time and it is taking shape. Do tell me your thoughts on the recipe cards, e-book and other resources and do tell me if there any other titles or ideas you would like to see? I would love to hear from you!

And finally…

I’m getting stuck in to social media – come and join me on the links below!!!

Have a wonderful, sunshine filled, week! Summer is here!!!
Julia