I still have no idea how French women stay so slim as temptation is everywhere in this country, from rich pastry cakes, crunchy fresh bread, lashings of thick cream, meat bathed in thick sauce all washed down with obligatory deep red or crisp white wine. But if you can’t beat them then join them hey?! Here is what I think you NEED to indulge in when you are next in France (just don’t blame me if your waistband gets a little tighter):
Croissant – These staple breakfast pasties smell so enticing when freshly baked. I swear they pump extra mouthwatering smells out of the boulangerie (bakery) to entice you in. Spread it with jam, butter or Nutella as long as you remember to use the back of a teaspoon as I posted about here. Extra French points if you dunk it in your bowl of hot chocolate or coffee.
Baguette – I was so confused when I saw my boyfriend stood in the supermarket bakery with a baguette to his ear and eyes focused in concentration like some sort of bread whisperer. Turns out he was doing the ‘crunch test’ which involves squeezing the baguette slightly to hear it crack softly. You want a gentle crispy noise that isn’t too soft or too hard. He was like goldilocks of the bread world, trying to find one that’s just right!
Fruits de Mer – Don’t be shellfish give this dish a go! A mixture of raw and cooked crustaceans including sea snails, oysters, cockles, crab, shrimps, mussels… all served on a bed of ice with crusty bread and mayo. Super simple but can be quite pricy depending on the season.
Frogs Legs – I posted here about my experience trying these little blighters. Whilst they might not be everyone’s cup of tea I would recommend that if you have the chance to sample this famous dish then you should, as they are not as easy to get hold of as you may think.
Meat Fondue – Hot oil+naked flame+raw meat = Fun night in! Get everyone huddled around the table piercing thick chunks of meat onto skewers and dunking them in the volcanic hot oil that is bubbling away in front of you. Simply leave it in for as long as you like it to be cooked and there you go! A fun and unusual dinner party but maybe not so suitable for clumsy/drunk people.
Crepes - These super thin pancakes can be found in a range of sweet and savoury fillings. From the classic chic crepe with sprinkles of sugar to packed melted cheese, ham and runny egg. Oh yes. Pancakes do not just need to be saved until shrove tuesday!
Chouquettes – Sooooo good! *licks the screen* Teeny tiny mouthfuls of light choux balls covered in globs of thick sugar or chocolate drops are one of my fave things to get from the boulangerie. Just let’s not think about the calorie levels as everyone deserves a treat now and then right?
Aperitif – Pre dinner drinks are not that uncommon back home but over here as much care and attention is given to the aperitif as the main dinner. Don’t be swigging a glass of rose wine as you finish getting ready or do your makeup oh no! You need to all be sat together popping champagne corks, passing round platters of perfectly proportioned amuse-bouche and grazing on saucisson, olives, crackers, blinis and crudités. Just make sure you leave enough room for the rest of your dinner!
Cheese – I am more of a sweet than savoury girl but even I have difficulties saying no when the cheese plate gets passed around after the evening meal. Yes every evening meal! From stinky Roquefort to gooey Camembert to melting brie and creamy goat’s cheese the cheese shops and supermarket aisles are packed with choice for fromage fans.
Have you got a fave French dish?
