Artichoke-and-Spinach Tian
Tian is the Provençal name for gratin, which is usually a vegetable dish but occasionally includes meat. This tian is as Provençal as the lavender that blooms in summer and the gray-green olive trees that dot the hills of the region. Traditionally made with the small purple artichokes of Provence called poivrades, it is also flavorful made with the more common, larger artichokes. The combination of vegetables--softened with a bit of cheese--is irresistible.