The Tamesis
The sun is out, the sweaters are (mostly) put away, and the sprays are flowing: summer is coming.
We dream of days soaking in the sun; diving into cold, clear waters; indulging in a good book; and ending the day with a glass (or two) of wine and a dinner made with fresh, bright ingredients. In time to make all our Mediterranean summer dreams come true, Mélanie Masarin, founder of non-alcoholic aperitif brand Ghia, publishes Riviera: Recipes from the French and Italian Coast. Like Gia, Mazarin drew inspiration for the book from her childhood in France, specifically the precious hours she spent with her grandmother in the kitchen.
“I’m lucky to come from a family that cooks a lot, so I never feel stressed in the kitchen. We have an open-door policy and neighbors and friends are always coming and going, always offering something to eat or drink,” Mazarin told Fashion. “The kitchen has always been a place of rest. I wanted to capture that feeling in this book.”
Photo: Courtesy of Melanie Mazarin
Photo: Hugh Davidson
Masarin first came up with the idea for the book in 2020, when she found herself cooking simple recipes at home during lockdown and instructing her friends on how to make them. “People kept learning about what I was making and that’s how it started,” she said, adding: “Honestly, the instinct to start Gia was also the reason to start the book. I wanted to feel relaxed about gathering together.”
Mazarin hopes the cookbook will “take the fear out of cooking” and includes recipes for tomato tart, seared scallops, minestrone and more. “You really don’t need a big, well-stocked pantry,” she said. “Most of these recipes come down to good olive oil, flaky salt, fresh herbs, garlic and a good attitude.”
One of Mazarin’s favorite recipes in the book is Fig Yogurt Cake. “This version is riviera This is a riff on a cake my grandmother made during my childhood, which was really a glorified pound cake…the cake itself was tender, with a slightly tangy flavor from the yogurt, and the figs did all the work to make it feel even more delicious. But, she clarifies, you can also use citrus, frozen raspberries, papaya or whatever you have. “That’s the whole idea of the book: cook with seasonal ingredients and adapt the recipes to your life.” ” Below, Masarin shares the recipe Fashion.
