There is something irresistible about this time of year. Summer is still hanging on, but there’s just enough of a shift in the air to make us start thinking about what comes next. And in the kitchen, that means figs.
Fresh figs are one of those ingredients I can’t pass up when I see them at the market. Their season is fleeting, which makes them feel all the more special. This simple Fig, Goat Cheese & Walnut Tart brings together everything I love, sweet, savory, creamy, crisp, and it’s just a little unexpected.
I start with a sheet of puff pastry for the base and brush it with Dijon mustard, an important savory note that balances the sweetness of the figs and honey. Tangy goat cheese comes next, followed by fresh figs, walnuts and thyme.Once it comes out of the oven, drizzle with honey and top the tart with, a few fresh thyme sprigs.
And what should you pour alongside it?
Champagne, of course. The bright acidity and beautiful bubbles are perfect with the creamy goat cheese and rich pastry. Serve the tart warm or at room temperature, pour a glass of Champagne, and you have a lovely little bite for a late-summer afternoon or an easy appetizer when friends come by.
Speaking of gathering around the table, this fall feels especially exciting. After more than three years of dreaming, planning, building, and imagining all that would happen in our new kitchen, I finally get to welcome you into it!
For the very first time, I’ll be opening the doors of our new home for three special cooking classes this season. I am so excited to share this beautiful new space with you and, most importantly, to get back into the kitchen together.
Let’s COOK!
Thursday, October 15th, 6:00-8:30 An Evening in Provence: A Dinner Inspired by The France Dance Join author Lauren Palmer and me for a very special evening celebrating the flavors, beauty, and irresistible spirit of Provence—and the launch of A Taste of Provence 2027.
Lauren’s novel, The France Dance, was first inspired by her own A Taste of Provence experience, and in 2027 she’ll return to Provence with me as our special guest host. Tonight, we’ll bring a little of that magic to the table, savoring the flavors of Provence as Lauren brings the evening to life with special readings from The France Dance.
We’ll begin the festivities with a sparkling Kir Royale and a trio of Provençal-inspired bites: fragrant Rosemary Cashews, Caramelized Herbed Carrots with creamy Whipped Goat Cheese, and colorful Mediterranean Stacked Bites bursting with the flavors of the South of France. For our main course, we’ll prepare savory Beef-Stuffed Eggplant nestled in a rich, herb-scented READ MORE & REGISTER
Thursday, November 5th from 6:30-8:30 Gather & Graze: Fall Appetizers for Entertaining Gather around for an irresistible evening of fall flavors, festive bites, and plenty of inspiration for your next gathering. We’ll start with a classic Cosmopolitan, then create a beautiful collection of appetizers designed to make fall entertaining feel effortless and delicious.
We’ll bake creamy Brie with Roasted Tomatoes and briny olives, then give the classic Croque Monsieur an unexpected twist with sweet-tart blackberry. Savory Meatball Skewers are served with vibrant Red Pepper Relish and a creamy Horseradish Sauce, while crisp Stuffed Endive leaves are filled with Smoked Salmon and Herbed Goat Cheese for an elegant bite READ MORE & REGISTER
Thursday, November 19th 6:30-8:30 A Toast to Autumn: An Evening of Bites & Sips Grab your favorite foodie—or come solo and make new friends—for a Girls’ Night In filled with fabulous food, a little indulgence, and plenty of fun. We’ll kick things off with a festive Apple Cider Paloma and settle in for an evening of irresistible bites made for sharing.
We’ll start with luscious Cream Cheese Crab Cakes, golden and crisp, served with a zesty Remoulade Sauce. Next, we’ll build a gorgeous Centerpiece of creamy Burrata, ripe Pears, toasted Walnuts, and a generous drizzle of golden Honey. Warm Baked Goat Cheese gets a burst of flavor from savory Pepper Tomato Confit, while Maple Bacon and Blue Cheese Crostini bring together smoky, salty, sweet, and creamy in one delicious bite.Then it’s pure comfort with gooey French READ MORE & REGISTER
And if France is calling, there are currently two opportunities to travel with A Taste of Paris in 2027, with more exciting trips coming very soon.
The Loire Valley April 8th-14th, 2027 Only 1 seat OPEN. A gorgeous escape into storybook châteaux, magnificent gardens, charming villages, beautiful wines, lush interiors, and the fascinating history of the French Renaissance.
Paris Flagship April 19th-25th, 2027 Takes us straight into the heart of the city I love so much. We’ll experience the iconic sites and museums, the beauty and flavor of Paris, and three outstanding cooking classes—including one at the famed Le Cordon Bleu. It is Paris from every delicious angle.
Until then, find the figs while you can, pop a bottle of Champagne, and make this tart. Some of the very best moments begin with something delicious on the table.
XOXO Lorie
Fig, Goat Cheese & Walnut Tart
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4-6 ounces fresh Goat cheese
6-12 Fresh figs
1/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon honey
Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a dinner plate, cut a circle from the pastry. Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork. Using a pastry brush, coat the bottom of the pastry with a thin layer of Dijon mustard, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the goat cheese in the center of the pastry and add figs, walnuts, and thyme leaves. Fold and pinch the edges of the pastry to form a crust around the tart.
Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden and the figs are soft. Drizzle lightly with honey and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve warm or at room temperature.
