
It's always excited to see someone realize their dreams. Pick up their courage, their doubts, their talent and creativity and just go for it. I got excited when Beatrice announced she was writing a cookbook and I got even more excited when I finally held in my hands. "La Tartine Gourmande, Recipes For An Inspired Life" was no doubt a labor of love for Beatrice. It shows. From the colorful imagery to the detailed recipes, one can tell she did put a lot of care and perfectionism into her first cookbook.
I have Bea met once before on a press trip and it was a delight to see that the book matches the person in real life. Deeply French, but also very much in love with the flavors and aesthetics of other countries she visited. The book achieves what I look for most times in cookbooks: it reads like a novel with prose and anecdotes and at the same time it serves the purpose at hand, giving you plenty of recipes and creative ideas for casual to sophisticated plates.

The book is divided in two major parts; one where Bea goes through core recipes used in various chapters, as well as covering the flours, sugars and utensils she favors. The other parts covers all the recipes, from breakfasts to picnic, to casual lunches with friends, to sophisticated or simple dinners. One thing I really appreciated in Bea's writing is the fluidity of the recipe writing as well as the simple yet to the point style of the headnotes.
If you are familiar with Bea's blog, the book is indeed, its perfect extension. Recipes that are simple to make, full or flavors and leaving you inspired to go create more of your own. I made 3 batches of these Chocolate Financiers in the span of a week. They disappeared as fast as I was pulling them out of the oven. (Recipe for the financiers after the jump)

Bea was kind enough to answer a little fun interview I prepared so you could get to know her better. For more descriptions and excerpts from her book, you can check her amazon author page, here.
1/ Which person in your life influenced your cooking the most?
My mother. No doubt. I learned by her side. But in many ways too, it's my upbringing in France. And the fact that I come from a family where there's always been a clear passion for food, home cooking, and making someone happy with a meal. My brother and sister-in-law whom I am very close to love to cook and eat--like my mother, they keep an amazing vegetable garden to feed our crave for homegrown foods. Whenever I am in France, we spend a lot of time cooking together. Talking about food. So I know that it's really us all, as a family, that rooted this love for food inside me. And the way I cook.
2/ Which culinary traditions or family habits have you kept from France?
The fact that I cannot skip lunch. Ever ;-) I am so French in that way. Lunch is cooked and needs to be a sit down meal during which I leave work and other things I am doing behind--to enjoy my meal. And it does not matter if I will have that meal alone. Everyone deserves that treat. As a family, Lulu, P. and I always eat together. Sharing our meals is a very important time of our day. Lulu is only 3 but she understands and loves it.
When I look at the dishes I make, no doubt, my cooking is French in essence. But I don't perhaps cook what most people think of as French cuisine. I like to reinvent classics, which connects me to my roots and the foods that I loved to eat as a child. And then I personalize them to my taste and the influences my cooking gained from traveling and living in different countries. So in the end, it's French but with a twist and exotic touches. I am curious about food, so I also like to constantly try new ingredients and build recipes around them.
At home, we always cared how food was presented on a plate. And we also always made sure that our meals were balanced in nutrition as well as in texture--hence I will always eat something cooked with something raw (ie there will always be salad that accompanies my meals). I think these definitely explain why I love to play with food the way I do. I like to make a dish pop onto a plate, looking light and colorful. And not overly complicated. I believe that we eat with our eyes first. I believe that what makes a great meal is quality ingredients, attention--and the rest follows naturally. That's the way I was brought up to think about food.
3/ If stranded on a deserted island, which of the following would you miss the most?
- vegetable
- fruit
- spice and/or herb
vegetable: carrots from my mother's garden
fruit: I'd say I'd miss the taste of a wild strawberry. So concentrated. So delicious and unique.
spice: cumin
herbs: parsley, coriander, chervil
4/ What is your favorite meal to cook for a romantic dinner "a deux"?
Not sure. It changes all the time since my creative flow keeps coming. I know there'd be chocolate somewhere during the meal (hello Molten chocolate cakes!). And we'd have a stunning looking refreshing appetizer, most likely a dressed-up salad or a verrine, with tons of zest (grapefruit, orange or lime), avocado and crab meat. As a main, I could easily imagine a creamy red kuri squash risotto finished with truffle oil and served with clams cooked in white wine, garlic and .fresh herbs.
5/ Favorite word? Least favorite word? Favorite color? Two things you can't stop eating lately?
Favorite word: Maman....it's filled with so many meanings and special things for me.
Least favorite words: Dépêche toi! (hurry up!) I hate when I have to rush....
Favorite color: That's a hard one as I love most of them. Right now, I'd say red as I can see myself buying a lot of fabrics, bowls and home textiles with different hues of red on them. I also also love spring green and turquoise blue.
Two things I can't stop eating right now: fine slices of apples enjoyed with pecans and honeycomb; coconut milk tapioca pudding with stewed fruit.

Bea and her publisher were also very kind to share two copies with two readers. To enter the giveaways for a copy of "La Tartine Gourmande, Recipes For An Inspired Life" - all you have to do is leave a comment (no anonymous, one entry per person) on this post between Monday March 5th and Thursday March 8th, midnight EST. You must claim your prize within 48 hours or two other winners will be picked. I know this sounds harsh but many enter, I announce winners and prizes stay unclaimed for months and/or are never claimed which is not fair to the other participants who really do care about a gift.
Disclosure: I was sent a copy of the book by the publisher. All images (except the book cover) and opinions are my own.
Chocolate Financiers, slightly modified from La Tartine Gourmande:
Ingredients:
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup almond meal
2 tablespoons millet flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
A pinch of sea salt
1/3 cup powdered sugar
4 large egg whites (beaten slightly)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350F, position a rack in the middle and line the inside of 10 muffin tins with wrappers.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and cook until it starts to turn brown and smells smells like hazelnuts, between 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the almond meal, millet flour, cocoa powder, salt, and sugar. Mix until blended. On low speed, beat in the egg whites.
Add the butter and vanilla and mix for another 30 seconds.
Divide the batter evenly between the muffin tins and bake the financiers for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the middle comes out clean. Let cool and dust with more cocoa powder if desired.
399 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 399 Newer› Newest»Bea's work is so inspirational and what a fantastic tag team post and interview. Both of you truly make me just pause, stop, and stare at the screen when I look at your work!
The cookbook looks delightful!
I follow her blog as well as yours. Lovely!
Tartelette and Tartine all in one post, what a beautiful meeting of kindred gourmandes. Thank you!
I love Bea's blog! Her cookbook sounds amazing - lovely pictures too.
Great giveaway - this cookbook looks like a real winner! :)
I love Bea's blog and her recipes so it would be incredible to have her cookbook!
Bea's blog is wonderful, I love the little interview [:
Bea's blog is so inspiring, and her book looks wonderful. Thanks for this interview - so fun.
Thank you for having the giveaway!
What a lovely recipe book to own, especially with gorgeous pictures to drool on! :P Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
I have followed Bea's blog for a few years. I am tickled that her dream has become a reality!
I enjoyed your interview with her and the photos!
Great looking book!
Bea has been a great inspiration to me in not only her recipes but her food styling and photography. I would love to explore this book further, but the chocolate financiers look like a great place to begin. ;-)
xoxo,
Margaret
--
margeincharge(at)gmail(dot)com
I just wrote the comment on how I love the interview and photos but it looks like my HTC ate it...
Looks like a beautiful book and the interview was a treat to read!
Looks like a great cookbook!
Looks like a great cookbook! The cover is beautiful.
I love Bea's blog, she has inspired me with her food styling..the beautiful fabrics she uses I love the warmth and sensibility that exudes from her blog...would cherish a copy of her first book.
This book looks gorgeous! What a great post. Now I'm hungry... :)
Lovely interview! My mouth was watering reading the romantic dinner 'a deux'...avocado, truffle oil, risotto, clams & wine! Divine!
Would love to add this book to my collection :)
Thank you for introducing me to her - I love her sensibilities!
jenn.
Pint-sized Pioneering
I love Bea's blog, her food styling has inspired me, the beautiful fabrics and warmth that exudes from her recipes and family pics. I would cherish a copy of her first book
ooh! photos itself is already an inspiration to head into the kitchen!
Her pictures are beautiful, and her stories are so fun to read. It would be incredible to have her book!
Looks like a lovely book. I always read cookbooks like they are novels so this sounds like a really enjoyable book.
Oh, her cookbook truly looks like a feast for all the senses. I love reading both her blog and yours--you're both an inspiration. Thanks for posting that fun little Q&A with Bea!
Looks like a great book! Would love to have a copy!!
Oh, her cookbook surely does look like a feast for all the senses. Both her blog and yours have been an inspiration to me in my own culinary adventure. Thanks for posting the Q&A session with Bea! It's always fun to learn something new about a person you admire.
found this on punchfork. mmmmm.
found this blog post via punchfork. mmmmmm
yum sounds like a delightful cook book
This book looks wonderful!
i would love to win this lovely book.
I love her blog, the photo's are gorgeous! Both of you are amazing, the double T's;)
The financiers looks amaaaaaaazing!
Great interview, Helene! Definitely makes one ready to go out and purchase the cookbook just to try out the recipes. :)
Bea's photograph is just gorgeous.
Thanks for the giveaway. Just ordered your book and would love to win hers to make it a complete set of awe inspiring books :)
The photos are as always stunning. I'll look for the book.
The book looks beautiful!
looks like a beautiful cookbook! thanks for the giveaway.
I love both of your blogs and want want want this book! The egg and salad recipes on her blog always look so delicious.
Beautiful!
Thanks for the lovely write up! I've been terribly excited about this book since it came out, but alas I have been unable to squeeze it into my budget. I would adore a copy!
This post is so exciting. I would love to read more of what Bea has to say about food.. and you, too!
I've always wanted to make financiers.
All these beautiful pictures of beautiful food! I love making what tastes amazing look amazing, and this blog does it best!
I can't wait to get my hands on her cookbook! So much to learn! :D
caroline@chocolateandcarrots.com
How divine it looks! I tend to be sucked in by the front cover of cookbooks a bit, but I am sure the content is just as wonderful. I too, love books with some stories and background, particularly if it involves family stories. I don't think we can get it in Australia, so I'd love a copy.
Thank you, Helene. Inspiring photos of your food, as usual.
Such a beautiful book from such a beautiful blog! Bea provides inspiration through her photography, recipes, & stories. What a wonderful giveaway!
oh, I've got my eye on this book and when all these competitions are over and I've not yet won one... I'm sure it'll end up on my bookshelf anyway!
Great giveaway!
What a lovely cookbook!
J'adore votre blogue et je trouve vos photos et recettes tellement inspirantes!! Je ne connaissais pas celui de Béa, mais je vais définitivement m'y mettre!! Bonne continuation!
I love French cooking and especially French baking! It would be so delightful to win this cookbook. If not, I will be putting it on my wish list!
Would love to see this cookbook in person!!
I would love to have the beautiful book!
What a beautiful cookbook. I'd love to win a copy!
I would live to have this book. Really-))
That book looks like a good read and an excellent companion in the kitchen.
What a beautiful cookbook. I can't wait to get my hands on it. I love anecdotal cookbooks as well as when the chefs personality shines through!
Those cupcake wrappers are gorgeous! <3
Yum! These sound delicious!
looks like a beautiful book
I just got this cookbook! After flipping through the pages I want to run out and buy lots of specialty flours! I just wanted to comment that this cookbook is absolutely beautiful and I look forward to cooking with it, be sure to pick another name if I win :)
Thank you for the giveaway. I always love hearing from the author.
Added to my list of things to do!
Looks absolutely beautiful!
This book looks just lovely. Would love to add it to my collection.
I just LOVE financiers!!
Bea's blog is so amazing and I am super excited about the book!
A beautiful post. Two brilliant food stylists and photographers. An delicious recipe. An awesome book giveaway. What could be more fabulous?....well, nothing! Thank you for offering us a true feast for the eyes and the cookbook giveaway.
I like the fact that she can't pass the lunch. For me, lunches way more important then dinner....
Nice interview and good to know a little more about Bea.
The pictures are beautiful! I would love to have a copy of this book! :)
I love and follow both of your blogs and would be thrilled to have a new cookbook to stain with my culinary attempts. :)
The Cover of the cookbook looks really good.. can't imagine the inside ! what a treasure !
Thank you for the giveaway.
Blessings
Christine T
So lovely- this recipe sounds great!
I enjoy your blog as well as Bea's.
I would love to look through the cookbook, she is an inspiration!
Gorgeous book cover! You brought back memories - I remember sit down lunches when I was a child.
This amazing book is on my wishlist!
I am looking forward to learn French baking and I love Bee's food styling. Would love to win a copy. :)
Btw, I love your blog, food styling and photography.
Great book, looks so nice!
This book just looks so beautiful. I'd buy it just for the photography, if for nothing else. The winner of this giveaway is sure lucky!
I have Bea's book on my wishlist... Love her writing and photography style. And I like it when a cookbook reads like a novel; the anecdotes make it personal and real. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love how you always combine the art of photography with the art of food, wonderful!
The pictures are adorable! Congratulations La Tartine!
What an inspiring interview! And beautifully presented in this post. I can't wait to immerse myself in this book.
I'm celebrating a big birthday today and Bea's beautiful book would provide the inspiration I need to start off a new decade!
must try out this recipe~~
Chocolate financiers... what a tempting midnight treat!
I'm a big fan of the traditional financiers, but I bet the chocolate would be spectacular.
Thanks for the giveaway! Looks wonderful!
I have wanted to get this cookbook since I first saw it was coming out!
I love Bea's blog and would love to win a copy of her cookbook. Thanks for the opportunity!
Those financiers look amazing! I'm going to have to try those...
Namaste - this is Beena from India :) Love your photography and thank you for introducing us to Bea's lovely blog! In the process of trying your macaroon recipe (old egg whites) and would love it if I could get one of Bea's book as well (all the way from Mumbai) :)
The cookbook looks beautiful, I absolutely adore French cuisine. Merci for the giveaway Helene! :)
Judging this cook by its cover, it looks like a must have.
Bea's cookbook looks amazing!
Two blogs I love! And I think I'm going to love these chocolate financiers as well!
The cookbook looks beautiful!
The cookbook looks beautiful!
Wow the cookbook sounds really awesome! and your food photos are as good as always :)
what an awesome giveaway! thanks for hosting it (:
I LOVE this book. I paged through it at my local indie book store and I want it badly. The pictures are beautiful and inspiring, the recipes make me want to run to my kitchen and start creating. The first recipe I want to prepare is the oeufs en cocotte. I hope I win.
I love Bea's blog and recipes! So happy she put together a cookbook.
I love Bea's blog and recipes! So happy she put together a cookbook.
I love Bea's blog and recipes! It is a must read for me. So happy to hear she published a cookbook.
This book looks wonderful. two favourite blogs in one blog post is a treat too!
coeur.de.verre@hotmail.co.uk
What a lovely book! It would make a wonderful addition to my collection of cookbooks.
What a giveaway! The book looks lovely and I was expecting nothin else since her blog is just like that. I would love to have the book and I hope I can be a part of the giveaway even though I'm from Sweden.
Thank you for an inspiring blog!
Kind regards
Maria
I'd like to have the opportunity to read this book!
Thank you for the nice opportunity!!
bye
maia
I love Bea's style of coooking and her eye for beauty. Thank you for the interesting interview! And I would love to get a copy of her amazing cookbook. I still haven't managed to order it.
At her blog I started to learn about food photo, long time ago on flickr. Would be nice to have her book 4 free, but if luck doesn't knock on my door - bday will come in a couple of months.
Tartelette and La Tartine Gourmande were the first blogs I began to read when I got into the bloggerworld in 2008. And even if every day other blogs are popping up I will always come back to the roots ;) Nice hacing you now both in one post! Cheers from Germany, Susanne
Bea's leap into realising a life of creativity, driven by her soul is so inspirational to us all, whether we aspire to be foodie bloggers or to simply trying to follow our heart for once in our work and daily life. Reading her answers, her voice, has made me even more determined to follow mine. Thanks Bea, and Helene for bringing me joy for a some precious minutes before I turn to the work documents I have to look at - for now, at least!
La couverture à elle seule fait très envie... Bravo Béa!
I really like browsing west countries blogs what inspire and motive me in writing of my foodblog. Helene, your photos are gorgeous. Bea's cookbook looks great and I am planning to get one copy, for sure. Maybe through your giveaway or through Amazon. I will get it.
I've been following Bea's blog, and I find her truly inspiring, in so many ways! I would love to win a copy of her book. Thanks for the opportunity :)
Bea's blog is so colourful, filled with good stories to read and yum meals to make. I would love to win her book!
I like a nice story behind a cookbook :) Nice photos as always
Oh, I'd love to win a copy of this cookbook – I wanted it since it was published :)
I love French! I'm still in high school (though we don't call it this way in Holland) and I'm studying French and German, but I so prefer French even though my German is so much better. I love the language. I've never been to France even though it's only a 5 hour drive away, but I'll be going next year and I'm so excited! This cookbook would make a perfect entrance for the French cuisine. Je peux faire de cuisine tous les jours avec cet livre de cuisine. Je sais, mon français est mauvais, excuse moi.
Her blog is simply incredible. And, I believe it to be a constant work of art.....beauty. Would love a copy of her cookbook :)
I love Bea's blog and her beautiful pictures.
Vive les cuisinières française! ;)
That book looks...appetizing!
Vive les cuisinières françaises!
That book just looks sooo appetizing!
:)
Wow - this looks like a stunning book.
The book, especially the cover, as well as the recipe look both sooo nice and worth trying. Thank you for this post, I have never heard of Beatrice so this is a very nice inspiration for me :)
HanaS
I love La Tartine Gourmand blog. I made an amazing lemon tart from there more than once. I would a copy of Bea's book!
I'm not familiar with Bea's blog atall, but will go and have a look, as her book looks lovely.
Lovely post! People who have a love for food are truly inspiring. It's so nice to have your questions and Béa's answers! Now I'll be dreaming all morning of chocolate financiers. ;)
I'd love to win the book! It looks like a keeper!
I love both of your work, even though they are so different there's still a clear common thread. The french thing maybe? I would love to try more recipes of Beatrice's from her cookbook!
Bea is truly an inspiration to me. Her photography is stunning.....her food delicious!
Wow, I would love to win a copy! Thanks for the chance!
As a newbie to food photography, its great to see two brilliant artist's take on the same recipe! I'm super inspired. xx
Oh Bea's blog is a delight.. the recipes.. the anecdotes.. and of course her photographs... if her cookbook is an extension of her blog.. then its a must-have!!
Those financiers look amazing, Helen! Bea's blog was one of the first blogs I ever read, long before I started my own blog. It's amazing seeing her publish her book - all the best to her!
I was looking for a recipe with almond flour. So perfect!
I follow Bea's blog as well, it is very inspiring. What a beautiful book! Thanks for the interview.
would love to add to that special section on my bookshelf of inspired desserts and gorgeous photographs! Will make those financiers NOW!
These financiers look divine! Not surprised they disappear from your kitchen. It's lovely meet here Beatrice... two wonderful blogger in one post! Thanks for the giveaway
Martina
love to have the book
I would miss carrots too!
And pineapple.
And ginger.
And mint.
...so glad I'm not on a deserted island.
Thank you for this lovely interview. Bea sounds as beautiful as her book.
Would really love to own this book. If I don't win, I will probably purchase it. Bea's photos and sweet little stories are fabulous.
i am so excited about bea's first cookbook coming out! what i love about bea's blog is how easily she conveys her passion for creating good foods that not only look amazing but taste delicious...i walk away from her blog always feeling inspired! thanks bea! (and thanks to you too, helene, for sharing your enthusiasm too!)
It was so great to see you in Charleston this past weekend! We will have to come back and visit on a quieter weekend sometime soon. I would love to own a copy of Bea's cookbook. It would be a nice addition to my collection.
The Cookbook is Beautiful and I am sure the food inside is as well.
Sounds like a lovely book and a lovely woman!
Thank you for this lovely post! And to win of copy of Bea's new book would be just.... lovely!
This is such a lovely and inspiring book, thank you for telling us about it - and THANK YOU for your work, as well!
My Mother and grandmothers are my source of inspiration in the kitchen. Food was more than fuel, it was fun, it was a celebration of love and family. They made it special. That's what I try to do. Like making these little treats for my co-workers, a little warm surprise to brighten up their morning coffee break.
(I want to add...I'm a sucker for cookbooks. They're my "fun" reading. Who needs mysteries?!?!?)
the book looks lovely! if I had a copy, it would be spattered and well loved in no time...
I would love to win a copy of this cookbook- her photography is inspiring and all of her food looks delicious!
Would love to add one of those to my cookbook collection.
Such a great interview and giveaway - love her blog.
Bea and your blogs set me up every week with fresh ideas and inspiration for food! I love both your creativity and flair :)
What a wonderful opportunity to win such a beautiful book from such a creative woman/chef/blogger. Thank you!
What a wonderful opportunity for such a beautiful book by such a creative woman/cook/blogger. Thank you!
Wonderful interview! Gorgeous photos as usual!
Quelle chance!
I remembered to buy almond meal over the weekend. I've already made a batch of these and they're already gone! Needless to say my roommates really appreciated them. :)
Merci, Helene et Béa!
Those financiers look delicious! They make me want to return to good old France :) Merci pour la recette
I love both blogs ! Recipes and pictures are great !
Every single food you suggest for your ideal romantic meal a deux would be on my list...yum!
This looks like a lovely cookbook and I was not aware of Bea's work so thank you for that
I love Béatruce's comment that "lunch must be cookd." I can't wait to visit her blog.
Barbara
I'm embarrassed to say that I am not familiar (yet) with Bea's blog but I am excited to check it out so thank you for sharing! Completely unrelated I LOVE the photo of the stacked cupcake papers. I can't stop looking at it! Your photography continues to inspire me.
I just saw the video of Bea's book and it was so sweet and colorful, I could nearly smell and taste all the things she made and ingredients she used! If the book is anything like the video I have to buy it!! :D
Great giveaway! I hope I can get it))))
It looks wonderful -- I'd love a copy!
This looks like a fantastic book to receive just in time for Spring and Summer garden parties!
This would be a special treat to receive Bea's book. Smiles abound!
What a beautiful cookbook - and beautiful pictures of your own! Those chocolate financiers look very tempting. And what a wonderful opportunity for you to offer! It sounds like an interesting read, especially with the division between 'basics' and then more specific recipes.
Beautiful post. I felt like I was sitting in a kitchen with you both baking and getting to know a new friends. I would love to have and share her beautiful new book!Thanks for the opportunity.
Thanks for introducing me to Bea's blog. I will enjoy following it, I would love to have her cookbook and I plan on making these Chocolate Financiers this weekend!
Sounds like a lovely book. I will love to have it!
Thanks,
Oh! The book and the pictures look stunning!! Love it!!
This looks like a great cookbook! I love to read and cook/bake. Thanks for the giveaway
sunniewoodyplus2 atmsn.com
This cookbook has been highly anticipated! I can't wait to read it.
This cookbook looks great!
I have heard so much about this book and I would love to win a copy!
these cookbooks are so inspiring.
The cookbook looks wonderful. Thanks for posting a give-away.
What a lovely book!
Bea's cookbook looks so wonderful--it's the type of book that I would stay up late reading under the covers.
What a beautiful cookbook. Thanks so much for the interview and sharing the recipe. I would love to have my own copy of the cookbook!
I would stay up late reading Bea's book under the covers. :)
Both of you make me extremely proud to be French!!
Financiers, oh la la!!!
Great recipe and beautiful photos.
I have never read her blog before, but I am excited to start now!
Beautiful cookbook! Love the simplicity yet also the attention to detail!
Beautiful pictures, so inspiring! I would love to try out the recipes in her book!
Love the cook book and your writing!
It talks me back to French vacations.
I would love a copy of the book.
Susan Brazell
What a beautiful and inspirational book to add to anyones collection. Thanks for sharing and giving us the opportunity to win this marvelous book.
Excited to check out this cookbook! How exciting! I am 25 years old and I have my own baking business where I make mini dessert, specifically Cake Bites and design dessert tables for weddings and events! I am always inspired by your blog and I love this article, as it talks about going after your dreams!!!!...here's my website... www.cakebiteboutique.com
Thanks~Claire
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