A Story from My Table to Yours — Dorette E. Snover

Cher Lecteurs, Dear Readers,

As the winter holidays approach, I find myself reflecting on the beauty of simple joys: the glow of a candle, the warmth of a fire, the scent of fresh rosemary. At C’est si Bon! Cooking School and DES Publishing, these are the moments that inspire not only our cooking but also the stories we tell and the connections we foster.

This season, I’m excited to share updates on our artisanal bread kits, a creative cape project, and the magic of chestnuts—woven into both my recipes and my storytelling.

Bread Kits Coming Soon

Our artisanal bread kits are almost ready to transport you to a rustic European kitchen! Each kit includes artisanal flour, a (dehydrated) sourdough starter, and detailed instructions to guide you in creating bread that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Keep an eye on my website for the official launch, and consider gifting one to the bread lover in your life!

Exciting News: Our Cookbook Is Coming Soon!

I’m delighted to announce that C’est si Bon! The Flavors of France Cookbook will be released this spring! This book celebrates the timeless beauty of French cooking, with recipes that bring the heart and soul of France from our kitchen to yours!

Stay tuned for the release date and pre-order details. I can’t wait to share this labor of love with you.

Create Your Own Mystical Cape

Inspired by a pivotal moment in my novel, The Mistress of Apples and Becasse, I’m thrilled to share a simple way to craft your own mystical cape from a piece of fabric or a blanket.

Whether it’s a cozy layer for the winter chill or a whimsical project to spark creativity, this easy guide will have you feeling like part of the story:

1️⃣ Find a large piece of fabric or a wool blanket. (I have done this with a simple and perfectly scratchy wool blanket from the Army Navy store. Do those still exist?)

2️⃣ Cut a slit in the center and finish the edges with a simple stitch.

3️⃣ Optional: Add a hood or embellish with trims.

It’s an enchanting way to turn everyday items into something simple, yet magical.

Celebrate the Simple Things

This season, I’m reminded of the comforting wisdom in simple traditions: collecting pine cones, lighting a candle, or making a loaf of rustic bread.

One of my favorite breads, straight out of my novel, Tales of the Mistress, is a chestnut focaccia. Chestnuts have long been a symbol of generosity and provision, representing our responsibility to care for ourselves and our communities.

Here’s a recipe to bring this rich tradition into your home:

Chestnut Panis Focacius with Tomato and Thyme

A chewy, savory bread topped with the warm flavors of garlic, thyme, and tomatoes.

(Include the recipe instructions here or link to the full recipe on your website.)

Looking for chestnut flour? Check out these sources in North Carolina or order directly from Italy. Chestnut Flour Resources:

From Ohio: Route 9 Cooperative offers regionally milled chestnut flour, ideal for baking.

From Italy: Alma Gourmet provides imported Italian chestnut flour for authentic flavor.

Join the Movement: Consider supporting the American Chestnut Foundation, based in Asheville, NC, which works tirelessly to restore the iconic American chestnut tree. Memberships make wonderful gifts for nature and history enthusiasts!And for those passionate about preserving the legacy of the chestnut tree, consider gifting a membership to the American Chestnut Foundation.

In the spirit of giving, I hope this season brings moments to savor—the aroma of baking bread, the laughter of loved ones, and the simple joy of creating something meaningful.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I’d love to hear how you’re celebrating the season. Feel free to share your creations or reflections—whether it’s a loaf of bread, a mystical cape, or a candlelit moment that warmed your heart.

Warm wishes,

Dorette

P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@dorettesnover) for more recipes, stories, and seasonal inspiration!