Saturday Goûter: Four Recipes That Taste Like Childhood


Bonsoir !

As the long weekend approaches, I can’t help but think of the goûters from my childhood, the little Saturday rituals that made life feel cozy and full. With Labour Day giving us a bit more breathing room, it’s the perfect time to slow down, bake something simple, and maybe even invite the kids to join in.

These four French classics aren’t “kid recipes,” but they’re the kind of beginner-friendly treats that spark curiosity, connection, and just a touch of nostalgia.

French Marble Cake (Cake Marbré)

That beautiful chocolate–vanilla swirl that feels like magic the first time you slice into it. Try it!

Crêpes de Mon Enfance

If there’s one recipe I made the most as a child, it’s this. Sweet, thin crêpes you can fill with sugar, jam, or just eat plain right out of the pan. Best recipe!

Almond-Chocolate Cake

The ultimate “easy but looks impressive” cake. I’d make it for goûter on Saturdays, and it was always an instant success. Make it!

Vanilla Custard Flan (Bonus from Mom)

This one wasn’t mine, I’d watch my mom make it. Silky custard, caramel top, that comforting vanilla smell filling the house. Make it!

It matters to cook together

Inviting kids into the kitchen isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating memories, connection, and a little curiosity on the plate. When they whisk, stir, or sprinkle, they’re more open to tasting. And when food becomes an experience, mealtimes shift into something lighter, calmer, and more joyful.

That’s the heart of my upcoming program The Table Reset: helping parents build a food culture where kids explore without pressure (and without “kid food”).

What is your childhood recipe?

I would love to know! I truly love hearing a food memory, it is so powerful!

A bientôt,

Mél

Petit Porcini

Come hang out in my French kitchen abroad!

Read more from Petit Porcini

Bonjour! I’m back from a little summer break (I had planned two weeks… but I treated myself to a bonus one as getting back into the routine is rough). Now I’m recharged and ready to bring more French comfort food to your table. This week’s spotlight for back to school? Quiche Florentine: a classic spinach and mushroom quiche that’s equal parts comforting and elegant. This Week’s Recipe Spotlight Quiche Florentine Think: buttery, flaky crust + creamy filling brimming with fresh spinach,...

Real life isn’t always pretty. But it’s still everything. It’s newsletter day for Petit Porcini, and as we head into vacation mode, I wanted to be honest with you. Last week, I posted a few stories on Instagram here and there, but truthfully? I’ve been struggling to show up. I love things that are pretty, well-matched, and thoughtful but is that real life? At home, it’s the same. What are we trying to achieve? The picture-perfect meal, a beautifully set table, an organized kitchen, calm kids,...

red currant jam

Bonsoir ! You know that moment when your market basket is brimming with gorgeous vegetables, fragrant herbs, and maybe a fruit you weren’t even planning on buying? Well… I’ve got you. I turned it all into simple, sun-drenched recipes that taste like summer in Provence. You’ll be cooking like a French in no time: easy, joyful, and full of flavour. Today, I'm sharing four seasonal recipes that are totally doable whether you're feeding your family, cooking solo, or bringing a dish to share:...