July 14 is known around the world as Bastille Day, a French holiday commemorating the beginning of the French revolution. It was a time of political turmoil and saying au revoir to Marie Antoinette (and her cake), but now the holiday is all about celebrating everything French. And what better way to do that than with French food? It’s time to pop a bottle of Champagne, bake up a batch of macarons and enjoy every delicious thing the French have brought into our kitchens. Bon appétit!
1. Macarons: Pretty treats like these are sure to get lots of oohs and aahs. Don’t be intimidated by the long recipe, because with a little time and care, you can bake up a batch along with the best chefs. (via Catalyst Cupcakes)
2. Cream Puffs: To achieve this creamy perfection, start with an eggy dough that is piped onto sheet pans and baked. Then cut open the puffs and fill them with cream or ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You can also make a savory version of these with cheddar cheese and chives. (via Baked Bree)
3. Steak Béarnaise: Béarnaise is a classic French sauce that’s perfect for serving alongside seared steak. Top the dish with shoestring fries, or frites, as the French call them. (via Food and Wine)
4. Ratatouille: While the French are famous for their meat dishes, they also know how to do a vegetarian dish with the same amount of style. This classic ratatouille captures all the flavors of summer in a rustic vegetable stew. (via MJ and Hungryman)
5. Croissants: Probably the most French thing you can make is a fresh croissant. But be warned: Even though these are time-consuming to make, once you’ve tried the handmade thing, you’ll never go back to those grocery-store options again. (via House of Bakes)
6. Crème Brûlée: You would find this classic dessert at pretty much any French restaurant. The baked vanilla custard with a caramelized sugar topping is not only a delicious dessert, but it’s really fun to make. You get to use a mini torch — it doesn’t get much more fun than that. (via Averie Cooks)
7. Coq au Vin: Take your traditional chicken dinner to the next level by cooking it in wine for a rich, hearty flavor. Fresh chicken, little pearl onions, button mushrooms, bacon and of course, red wine… what more could you possibly want from your dinner? (via Tasty Ever After)
8. Crepes: Walk along any street in Paris and you’ll come across carts selling freshly made crepes. Nutella and bananas is a classic choice, but you can fill them with anything you want. (via Heavenly Home Cooking)
9. French Onion Soup: Even though it’s hot outside, the meltingly tender onions, meaty stock and rich, nutty melted cheese flavor of this French soup is not to be passed up for more summery dishes. (via Williams-Sonoma)
10. Salade Niçoise: A staple all over France, this healthy, protein-rich salad is made with local Niçoise olives, oil-cured tuna and anchovies. Packed with color and healthy ingredients, it’s also a Paleo option if you’re trying to keep things healthy this summer. (via Cotter Crunch)
11. Tarte Flambée: Did you know the French have their own version of pizza? Perfect for a picnic or summer fête, this thin-crust pizza is made with crème fraîche, asparagus and prawns, and is the perfect size for personal pies. (via Strudel and Cream)
12. Kir Royale: Toast the French with a light, summery glass of bubbly. A Kir Royale begins with crème de cassis, a black currant liqueur with a berry flavor. Choose a crisp white wine or a bottle of Champagne and garnish this champagne co*cktail with a twist of citrus or a few raspberries. (via Well Plated)
13. Roast Chicken: Garlic lovers, get ready to be amazed at this traditional Sunday dinner. Made with a few springs of thyme and 40 (yes, 40!) cloves of garlic, this dish is often served with roasted potatoes for a truly homey and comforting meal. (via Martha Stewart)
14. Cheese Plate: Set up gooey baked Camembert and slices of soft Brie along piles of fluffy French bread for dipping. A cheese spread is the perfect way to keep your guests entertained and amazed by your je ne sais quoi hostess charm while you finish cooking the rest of dinner. (via What’s Gaby Cooking)
What’s your favorite French recipe? Share your love of all things Français in the comments below!
Kate Thorn
Kate Thorn is an illustrator, foodie, photographer, and blogger at Create & Kate. She loves creating art, traveling, and all things chocolate. A native to the Great Northwest, she is currently living in London and pretending to be a mature grad student.
