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If Paris isn’t in the budget, create a beautiful dinner with these quintessential French Recipes, easy to make at home. Whether it’s a dinner for two or a gathering of loved ones.
Which is often the way it is at my house. A setting for two is rare, but friends and family are always welcome around our table.
Be it Valentine’s Day… or any other day.
What makes the holiday special, for me, is anything Paris… or French. The following French recipes are classics, many by renowned chefs like Julia Child, Jacques Pépin and others.
If you want to make dinner even more authentically French, these four easy ideas will help bring that French flair home.
4 Easy Ways to Create a French-Inspired Valentine’s Day
Here are some easy ideas to bring France home for a dreamy French Valentine’s Day.
1. Send a French Themed Note: – Send your loved one a hand-written note on French stationery.
2. Listen to French Tunes: Set the tone by playing classical French music during dinner. Here is a French music playlist we made on YouTube.
And — an Amazon French music playlist here:
3. Create a French Mood: – Transport yourself to France by adding fresh or dried lavender, fresh flowers, and scented candles. The French cuisine you’ll be making will do a masterful job of bringing the essence of France home too.
4. Set a French Table: Use your best china or create a French bistro-type setting. Make it intimate and small with linen and cloth napkins. And by all means, light candles and dim overhead lights.
French Recipes and Cookbooks at Amazon
French Inspired Cookware at Amazon
French Recipes for Valentine's Day
If Paris isn't in the budget, create a beautiful dinner with these quintessential French Recipes, easy to make at home.
1
Black Olive Tapenade with Figs and Mint
"What makes this Jacques Pépin tapenade special is the clever mix of oil- and brine-cured olives and the surprise of sweet, fresh and tangy notes from the dried figs, mint and capers."
2
Cream of Parsnip Soup
A delicious creamed soup perfect for a French-inspired dinner.
3
Classic French Onion Soup
"This french onion soup recipe is made with perfectly caramelized onions, fresh thyme sprigs, crusty baguette slices and two types of melted cheese right on top!"
4
Daube de boeuf Provençale
"This version is attributed to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, this type of stew is cooked all over France and has long been a staple in households throughout the country. Made with beef, vegetables and red wine and traditionally served with pasta it is a delicious and filling main course."
5
Quick-Roasted Chicken with Mustard and Garlic
For this delicious, mustardy chicken, Jacques Pépin splits the chicken and cuts between the leg and shoulder joints to halve the cooking time.
6
Beef Stew in Red Wine Sauce
"This is the quintessential beef stew. Jacques Pépin’s mother served it at her restaurant, Le Pélican."
7
Julia Child's Coq au Vin
"Julia Child's Coq Au Vin is undeniably the best. This recipe sticks very much to the original, only minorly changing the ingredients and cooking method to bring it in line with the times. While Coq au Vin (or chicken in wine) might sound fancy, it is really just a simple French chicken stew that anyone can master."
Crispy garlic and thyme boulangere potatoes
"For the ultimate side to your main, serve up these French-inspired crispy garlic and thyme boulangere potatoes."
10
Classic French Provencal Ratatouille
From the Provence region, this simple dish of roasted vegetables becomes a perfect side or even the main event.
11
Mini Cheese Souffles are a Deserving Classic to Revive
Serving a mini, individual cheese souffle is both intimate and easy!
12
Gruyère Cheese Soufflé
"To get the most crust with the cheesiest flavor, Jacques Pépin uses a wide, shallow gratin dish."
13
Dark-Chocolate Mousse
It doesn't get more French than Chocolate mousse. And with an electric mixer, this mousse couldn't be easier.
14
Easy Petit Pain au Chocolat (Chocolate Croissants)
When it comes to French patisserie, this is always my first choice, whether I'm in France or at home. But making your own is simpler than you might think. Make them ahead up to 24 hours in advance and bake when you're ready.
16
Easy French Ganache Tart
Rich, creamy and silky, this chocolate French Ganache Tart with Chocolate Almond Shortbread Crust is the easiest, fanciest dessert you will ever make.
17
Crepe Suzette
Crepe Suzette – warm pillowy soft crepes coated in a delicious orange-infused buttery syrup all made from scratch. A decadent French dessert for date nights at home or for breakfast and/or brunch!
18
French Palmier Cookies
"Palmiers are a classic French cookie/pastry made from puff pastry. Sometimes called palm leaves (palmier is “palm tree” in French), French hearts, pig ears, or elephant ears, palmiers can be served as a breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or dessert."
19
Petit* Pots de Crème au Chocolat
"Quality ingredients are the showcase of this dreamy, velvety custard that's actually pretty easy to make at home. The best part? There are endless ways to experiment with the garnishes and flavorings. Pair it with seasonal fruit, like chopped raspberries, or toppings like pistachio, coconut flakes, or chocolate shavings."
20
A Quick and Easy Strawberry Napoleon Dessert in Minutes
A super simple, quick dessert everyone always loves. Look for all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor!
