Summer Eating: Provencal Gratin
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: July 15, 2014

Provence, France - a picturesque region that is nestled along the bright blue waters of the Mediterranean sea.  The air is scented with salt and lavender and the skies are as clear as can be during the summer.  Their sun-soaked cuisine lures travelers from around the world to sample their fruity wines, rich olive oil and earthy truffles.  Regional specialties includes bouillabaisse, Salade Nicoise, and Calissons d’Aix (a petal shaped cookie topped with icing).
Since the beginning, Provence natives have been eating locally and seasonally.  In other words you won't find a single truffle dish offered in the middle of July.  This simple and delicious Provencal gratin is a taste of this seaside cuisine.  Potatoes are layered with olives, tomatoes, and goat cheese before being baked in the oven until crisp and golden brown.  This is a great recipe to use up the fresh summer vegetables in your garden.