Why I Serve 13 Desserts on Christmas Eve


Bonsoir !

Every December, someone hears me mention a Provençal tradition I carried with me to Canada and says, “Thirteen desserts?! Do you bake for days?”

And I always smile, because the secret is this: it’s not about baking at all.

In Provence, les treize desserts isn’t a sugar marathon, it’s a table filled with small, meaningful treats. Some homemade, some bought, some as simple as nuts or fruit. A symbol of abundance and togetherness after Christmas Eve dinner.

Over the years, I’ve adapted it for my family, and it has become one of our most joyful holiday rituals. It’s generous without being stressful, traditional without being rigid, and always, always delicious.

This week, I’m sharing four of my favourite treats from this tradition… the ones that always make it onto our table.

Bûche de Noël (Yule Log)

A festive showstopper and the unofficial star of the table. Choose your favourite roll cake and watch everyone’s eyes light up. Make it!

Mendiants (Chocolate Bark with nuts)

My personal favourite. Simple, elegant, and endlessly customizable. Dark chocolate, dried fruit, nuts… and a sprinkle of magic. Try it!

Sweet Christmas Bread

A Provençal classic: a lightly sweet olive oil bread scented with orange blossom water. It symbolizes sharing, you’re supposed to break it with your hands.

Bake it!

And for the rest of your dessert table…

Fill in with little sweets you love: pain d'épice, nougat or turrón, candied orange peel, pâte de coing, fresh winter fruit, chocolate truffles, shortbread cookies, calissons, or anything that brings joy to your family.

Remember, this tradition is meant to be abundant, symbolic, and shared… not stressful. Read the full article here.

If mealtimes feel rushed or stressful…

That’s exactly what The Table Reset was created for — a 12-week French-inspired journey to bring more calm, rhythm, and connection to your family table.

What’s your family’s go-to breakfast right now?

Does your family have a Christmas dessert you must include every year?
Hit reply, I love reading about your traditions.

A bientôt,

Mél

Petit Porcini

Come hang out in my French kitchen abroad!

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