I took these photos ages ago but forgot to share them on here - I need to tell you about Tariette! A couple of years ago, my good friend Thomas launched a gourmet hamper business here in the UK featuring traditional, artisanal produce from his native Provence. Thomas started Tariette with his maman Sylvie to champion the simple, delicious food he missed from southern France. They chose Provençal producers and farmers who share their common values: tradition, excellence, and a passion for their craft.
The regional product selection changes each season and showcases local traditions, from cold-pressed olive oils and fruit coulis to hand-finished dried lavender pillows, linen napkins and rustic wooden tableware. I’ve loved every product I've tried so far: good quality, straight from indie producers, and beautifully packaged to make great gifts. You can create your own hamper to suit any taste and budget, which are shipped nationwide, packed in a pretty wicker basket, and tied with grosgrain ribbon with a handwritten note inside.
I've reordered several pots of the Great Taste award-winning black olive tapenade made by Moulin Paschetta which, thinly spread on chunks of toast or served as a dip with crudités, is perfect for a simple apéritif. We always have the basil-infused extra virgin olive oil and herbes de Provence in our kitchen cupboard, are on our third jar of the award-winning hazelnut praline spread from Confiturerie Chatelain - a healthier Nutella alternative, simply made with 60% hazelnuts and 40% sugar - and are running low on the classic French favourite Pac citron, a refreshing, all-natural, artisan lemon cordial in cool, retro packaging.
My favourite of the sweet treats is the chocolate olives de Provence from Confiserie Doucet in Oraison, which are roasted almonds coated in glossy, glazed chocolate to give the illusion of olives. Not too sweet, not too naughty: délicieuses! The chocolate dusted hazelnuts and roasted almond pralines are great pick-me-ups with an afternoon coffee too. I've been adding the dreamy lavender honey to morning smoothies or drizzling on toasted sourdough, and love the vintage packaging of the flower set honey, which I'll try next.
If you're a fellow Francophile or foodie, and fancy an authentic taste of Provence - let me know what you go for!
