The feeling of
December
It is sometimes very hard to write a December letter, as December holds such a dear feeling in my heart. Something sacred, even — with the four Advents, the Advent calendars I make for the girls, St Nicholas’ Day, candles, Christmas music, and then the most magical dinner of all: Christmas dinner. And no matter the fact that I live in France, and feel more French at heart than Latvian, and that I do make foie gras for the starter and a bûche de Noël as one of the desserts, on the 24th I cling to the taste of my childhood (the tradition) — the most sacred tradition, and the only constant in my life for as long as I can remember.
And that constant has a particular taste wrapped in one menu when I serve sautéed sauerkraut (not like the Alsatian kind) that has been prepared for eight hours, crispy roast goose, fried potatoes, grey peas with smoked meat, pickled cucumbers, meat patties (pīrāgi), something with salmon, and the most legendary cake of all — honey cake. The cake to which I owe my entire professional life. My love for baking, preparing, serving, and making life taste good.
reflect
Three-day cooking weekend. November
This late November weekend was all about that — being merry while learning 25 French seasonal recipes, learning about one’s body, about tea, and mastering the art of the most perfect Christmas wreath. At some point, especially during the second dinner, nibbling on a ten-hour lamb roast long after none of us had any space left, it truly felt as though we were a big family with stories to tell, meeting at a Christmas table after a year apart.
Discover
Travel
Paris in festive season.December, 2025
There’s nothing quite like Paris in December: festive lights twinkling everywhere, chestnuts roasting at street stalls, mulled wine served in the most delightful way, and bûche de Noël appearing in every pâtisserie. Discover
RECIPES
From simple appetisers and dinner dishes to easy-to-make cookies, tarts and more laborious cakes. But, mostly, all French and seasonal. Visit
HOME
From essentials like the softest and best-made duvets and cleaning materials to scents, candles, interior design accessories and all that makes your home the best place to live in. Visit
Drinks
One can pretend that a meal without wine is the best. But one can also be honest and say that it lacks that excitement of discovery. Some may say that coffee is the worst thing ever, exchanging it for tea or a chai latte, while others say that one cup of coffee is such a pleasure that it even times stops. And there is no right or wrong, as long as the product you use is made with respect, love and, preferably, a sustainable approach. Visit
BEAUTY
No matter the beauty rituals we have, we do have some. Some get by with a simple wash with soap. Some need four different products. Some crave an SPA visit every day, and some do not wish for anything annoying to their perfect, natural skin. I like to have a bit of everything, yet, as long as it is natural, clean and makes my mind and body happy. Visit
My latest recipes
Featured
EVENT
Cooking weekends. Burgundy and Latvia
April, May, September 2025
