French Culture and Lifestyle Blog in USA for Francophones and Francophiles
French Traditional Recipes
Beignet (ben-YAY) comes from the early Celtic word bigne meaning "to raise" and French for "fritter" made from deep-fried choux pastry or "pâte à choux". Beignets, a New Orleans specialty, are fried, raised pieces of yeast dough, usually about 2 inches in diameter or 2 inches square. Sprinkled with sugar or coated with various icings, … Continue reading Mardi Gras Beignet or Pets d’âne
The traditional "Bûche de Noël!" or Yule Log Cake is formidable all holiday long! It usually comes in: chocolate, coffee, raspberry or my favorite "crème de marrons" chestnut cream. Do you make your own bûche? If not, find it here >>> Top 10 French Bakeries in LA Pinterest Twitter Facebook Instagram © Copyright … Continue reading La Bûche de Noël – Yule Log Cake
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Les Petites Madeleines de Proust Extrait de Marcel Proust, À la recherche du temps perdu, Du côté de chez Swann, 1913. "Il y avait déjà bien des années que, de Combray, tout ce qui n'était pas le théâtre et le drame de mon coucher, n'existait plus pour moi, quand un jour d'hiver, comme je rentrais à la … Continue reading Les Petites Madeleines de Proust
A Croque-Monsieur is simply a yummy grilled ham and cheese sandwich. It originated in French cafés and bars as a quick snack. Typically, some good quality swiss cheese such as Emmental or Gruyère is recommended. The name is based on the verb croquer ("to crunch" or to take a bite ) and the word monsieur ("mister" or sir ). The sandwich's first recorded appearance on a Parisian café menu was in 1910. The lady … Continue reading Croque-Monsieur or Madame: French Grilled-Cheese Sandwich!
Faites sauter les crêpes! Le 2 février en France on fait sauter les crêpes pour la Chandeleur ( Candlemas) pour célébrer le retour des jours ensoleillés ( la crêpe symbole du soleil) ! Aux USA , mis à part le Super Bowl, c'est aussi Groundhog Day! Selon la légende, la marmotte annoncera le début du … Continue reading Faites sauter les crêpes!
Fondue, Raclette, and Tartiflette! It's time to take out the fondue pot and the Raclette! These dishes are traditional French winter dishes and my kind of comfort food! It's a good occasion to invite friends & family over and celebrate the French convivial way! La Fondue Savoyarde is a fun cheesy dish made melted cheese: Swiss, … Continue reading Fondue,Raclette,and Tartiflette!
On January 6th all over France, we celebrate Epiphany Day 12 days after Christmas with La Galette des Rois which is reminiscent of the biblical Christian tradition of the three wise men’s journey bearing gifts of gold, myrrh, and incense following the birth of Jesus. The three wise men or Kings were called Balthazar, Gaspard, and … Continue reading Bonne Fête des Rois!
On January 6th all over France, we celebrate Epiphany Day 12 days after Christmas with La Galette des Rois which is reminiscent of the biblical Christian tradition of the three wise men’s journey bearing gifts of gold, myrrh, and incense following the birth of Jesus. The three wise men or Kings were called Balthazar, Gaspard, and … Continue reading La Galette des Rois – Epiphany Day
Quiche Lorraine is delicious with its French Gruyère, bacon, cream, and caramelized onions but at our house, I like to make it "California Style" with sharp cheddar cheese or mozzarella and ham! It's one of those easy French Influence comfort foods along with crêpes, Madeleines, Boeuf Bourguignon or lentils & smoked sausage. The kids love … Continue reading California Quiche