Just a few days now until Bastille Day and I thought that some of you Francophiles might have fun creating a little French dinner party for your friends. This “how to” French soirée is the kind of thing that I’d do and is not overly complicated:
La Soirée
My favourite dinner parties are always ones that are prepared in advance so that I can spend the time enjoying my guests rather than stressing over the cooking. With it being winter over this side of the world, a casserole is always a winner. You can prepare it earlier in the day or the day before for even more flavour.
La Musique
If you’re after some French music for the night that’s not cliché, I’ve got you sorted. We recently asked our friend Antoine in France to put a cool, not obvious playlist together for us so that we can discover some new music. You can listen to it here on Spotify.
Aperitif
When they arrive, it’s always nice to start with some champagne and a few simple nibbles like some olives and saucisson.
Entrée
For ease and a treat, you can’t go wrong with Fois Gras. Just make sure it’s a quality one and arrange it on a plate with a few lettuce leaves. You can also throw in a rillettes here for those that aren’t so fussed on Fois Gras. Yes they do exist! Serve with thinly sliced toasted baguette or pain de campagne (good French country bread).
Le Diner
My absolute favourite winner recipe would have to be a daube. Once the poor man’s version of the beef bourginion, this recipe is anything but that. You can find my daube recipe here.
You can also serve a simple salad of lettuce tossed with vinaigrette at this point.
Le Fromage
What is a French meal without some good stinky cheese? In the early days of this blog, I wrote a “how to” post on putting a cheese platter together. There are some rules believe it or not, so have a read. For excellent quality cheese in Auckland, go to The Dairy at Ponsonby Central.
Le Dessert
If you’re living up to French standards, it should be about midnight at this point. If you want true ease for the dinner, you can always go to a good patisserie for a tarte, or if you’re in the mood for cooking, then pop over and be seduced by one of Mimi Thorisson’s recipes (and French country life) on her blog, Manger.
Bonne soirée!
Mel xx
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Sounds delicious Mel – you need to add a delicious Nespresso to finish it all off!!!! Happy Bastille Day on Tuesday! Have you moved yet? rox
Hi Ro! Yes, always:) We haven’t moved but the good news is that we found a house in Westmere. We’re in Sydney at the moment and will move a few days after arriving back. x