Each week, I read numerous emails detailing your dinner parties, childhood memories, and favorite foods from holidays in France. The dishes included in the French recipes of the week list stand out from all the others in my collection because of the stories behind the requests.

One memorable request took a romantic turn last weekend. Pictured, above and to the right, is piperade from the Basque country of France. A friend of mine traveled the region a few years ago and had a spicy tomato-pepper sauce with his eggs one day. Try as he might, he has never been able to replicate the dish. Last week, he decided to propose to his girlfriend with a day of meals chronicling their European adventure. I gave him the recipe, which presumably turned out great, because she said yes and they’re getting married in the fall.

Here are just a few of this week’s most requested French recipes. Hint: try the piperade; it might win you a spouse! Bon appetit!

French Recipes of the Week:

• Lemon Aioli Recipe
• Basque Piperade Recipe
• Orange Rice Recipe
• Cardamom Coffee Mousse Recipe
• Black Raspberry Pastry Cream Recipe

Piperade Photo: Leandro Ercole