French CuisineWorld Foods

In France, good food and wine are an important part of daily life. In many parts of France, cooks buy food fresh each day, and they take great care in selecting it. The French usually shop in small specialty shops rather than in large supermarkets.

Why do you think they do this? How does this relate to other countries we have already studied?

Three Classes of Cuisine:Haute Cuisine- elaborate preparations,

fancy garnishes, and rich sauces.Provincial Cuisine – style practiced by

most families. Less fancy sauces, locally grown items with simple cooking

methods.Nouvelle Cuisine – Emphasizes lightness and

natural taste. Cooks serve less butter, cream, and high calorie items; more fresh fruits and vegetables. Flavor, color, texture, and presentation are important.

French SaucesCan be used as a base or a finishing touch.A roux is a mixture of butter and flour.

Forms the base of all white sauces like béchamel or veloute.

Sauces:Béchamel

How to make béchamel sauceHollandaiseVelouteVinaigrettesDemi-glaceButter sauces

French SeasoningsFines Herbes – a mixture of chives, parsley,

tarragon, and chervil. Used to flavor soups and stews.

Other important herbs include:MarjoramRosemaryBasilSaffronOreganoFennelBay leavesthyme

French Appetizers and SoupsHors d’oeuvres – hot or cold small dishes

designed to stimulate the appetiteSoup follow and are grouped in four

categories:Consommés – meat stock base and clearPuree soups – made from meat items with

vegetables and pureedCream soups – béchamel base with either

meats or vegetables addedVeloute soups – similar to cream soups; eggs,

butter and cream thicken the soup

French Main Dishes

Braised Halibut Provencal

This classic French dish features the bright flavors of Provence: garlic, shallots, fennel, tomatoes, olives, and fresh sage.

Seafood and poultry form many dishes

Fish are popular as well as frog legs, crabs, scallops, etc.

All types of poultry are roasted and eaten (chicken, duck, goose)

Beef and other red meat are usually broiled and served with a sauce

They braise beef, veal, and lamb

French Vegetables and SaladsTwo or more vegetables are served with a

main dish.Served with butter, seasonings, creamed,

braised, glazed, cheese, or hollandaise sauce.A green salad is usually served with

vinaigrette dressing . Best known salad is salad nicoise.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PII_-ya9SW8

French cheese is famous and is served with fruit after the salad.

French Baked GoodsBread is served at every meal.Baguette is the most popular. Others include

brioche and Croissants.Dessert is most simple and elaborate like

Napoleons, Éclairs, and Baba aurhum.Chocolate filled éclairs – Paula Deen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ABh5eZ2hWQ&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL5C5B81DB4121ECCB

TrufflesThe most expensive food in the world

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUVcxa-wGcE