Dinner – Family Feast

Like a small Parisian dinner party, you can set an elegant holiday table with easy French dishes that look special. You’ll find soups, a seafood starter, a rich roast, and simple sides that pair well together. Follow clear steps for each recipe, time dishes so they finish warm, and pick one showpiece dessert to end the meal. Keep prep organized and your guests will notice the polish. Soupe À L’Oignon Gratinée A warm, cheesy classic that turns caramelized onions into a cozy, elegant starter. Ingredients: 4 tbsp unsalted butter 2 tbsp olive oil 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 8–10 cups) 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 tsp sugar (helps caramelize) 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 1 cup dry white wine (optional) 6 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter version) 2 bay leaves 4–6 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme) 1 tbsp cognac or brandy (optional) Baguette slices, about 8–10 pieces, toasted 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or a mix of Gruyère and Emmental) Freshly ground black pepper and chopped parsley for garnish (optional) How to Make: Melt butter with olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar; cook, stirring often, until deep golden brown and caramelized, about 35–45 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute more. Sprinkle flour over the onions, stir to combine, and cook 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits; simmer until mostly evaporated, about 3–4 minutes. Add broth, bay leaves, and thyme; bring to a simmer and cook 20–30 minutes to blend flavors. Stir in cognac if using, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper; remove bay leaves and thyme stems. Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, place a toasted baguette slice on top of each, and pile with grated Gruyère. Broil bowls until cheese is bubbly and golden, 2–4 minutes — watch carefully to avoid burning. Remove from oven, let cool briefly, garnish with parsley and a crack of black pepper, and serve immediately. Enjoy this bubbling, cheesy classic that’s perfect for chilly evenings and holiday gatherings! Velouté De Champignons À La Crème Velouté de Champignons à la Crème — a silky, comforting mushroom velouté that feels like a warm French hug. Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) mixed mushrooms (cremini, button, or chestnut), cleaned and roughly chopped 2 tbsp unsalted butter 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 4 cups (1 L) chicken or vegetable stock, hot 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream 2 tbsp dry white wine (optional) 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish A squeeze of lemon or a few drops of good sherry vinegar (optional) How to Make: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts and foams. Add the chopped onion and cook 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and thyme, increase heat slightly, and cook 6–8 minutes until the mushrooms release their liquid and begin to brown. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir for 1–2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste. Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it reduce for a minute, then gradually whisk in the hot stock until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 8–10 minutes to thicken and marry the flavors. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then use an immersion blender to purée the soup until velvety; alternatively, blend in batches in a regular blender. Return to low heat, stir in the cream, warm through (do not boil), and season with salt, pepper, and a small squeeze of lemon or splash of sherry vinegar if desired to brighten the flavor. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley or chives, and serve immediately. Enjoy this silky mushroom velouté with crusty bread — simple, elegant, and utterly comforting. Salade De Frisée Aux Lardons Et ŒUf Mollet A crisp, comforting French classic of peppery frisée, smoky lardons and a silky soft‑boiled egg — perfect for a festive starter. Ingredients: 6 oz (170 g) frisée lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces 6 oz (170 g) lardons or bacon, cut into small strips 4 large eggs 1 small shallot, minced 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar) 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 tsp Dijon mustard Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional) Crusty bread or toasted baguette slices, to serve (optional) How to Make: Bring a medium pot of water to a gentle simmer and prepare an ice bath in a bowl. Carefully lower the eggs into simmering water and cook 6 minutes for mollet (soft-set whites, runny yolks). Adjust ±30 seconds if you prefer firmer or softer yolks. While eggs cook, place lardons or bacon in a cold skillet, then turn heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to paper towels to drain. In a small bowl, whisk together minced shallot, vinegar, Dijon, salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to make a smooth vinaigrette. Toss the frisée with most of the warm lardons (reserve a few for garnish) and the vinaigrette. Taste and adjust seasoning. When eggs are done, transfer them to the ice bath for 1 minute to stop cooking, then gently peel. Divide dressed frisée among plates, top each portion with a peeled mollet egg, and scatter the remaining crisp lardons over the salad. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley, extra black pepper, and serve with crusty bread to mop up the yolk. Enjoy that warm, runny yolk mingling with smoky bacon and peppery greens — a little bite of French comfort. Saumon En Croûte À L’Aneth A flaky, buttery salmon en croûte brightened with fresh dill — a festive centerpiece that’s as elegant as it’s easy. Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) salmon fillet, skin removed 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen) 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 3 tbsp crème fraîche or sour cream 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish) 1 small shallot, finely minced 1 tsp lemon zest 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for searing, optional) Sesame seeds or flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional) How to Make: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Season the salmon lightly with salt and pepper and set aside. In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard, crème fraîche, chopped dill, minced shallot, lemon zest, and lemon juice; season to taste. If you like a slightly cooked surface, heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high and sear the salmon 30–45 seconds per side; let cool. (This step is optional.) Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth seams and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mustard-dill mixture down the center of the pastry in a strip roughly the length of the fillet. Place the salmon on top of the mixture, then fold the pastry up and over to encase the fish, sealing edges by pinching or pressing with a fork. Trim any excess pastry and score the top lightly for decoration, being careful not to cut through to the fish. Brush the entire pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds or flaky salt if using. Bake 20–25 minutes, until pastry is golden brown and salmon reaches your preferred doneness (about 125–130°F/51–54°C for medium-rare). Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with extra dill and a lemon wedge, then slice into portions. Serve warm and enjoy a buttery, herby slice of holiday elegance — bon appétit! Coquilles Saint-Jacques Poêlées A buttery, elegant seared scallop dish that’s quick to make and perfect for a festive starter. Ingredients: 12 large sea scallops, muscle removed and patted dry Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small shallot, finely minced 1/4 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or similar) 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about half a lemon) 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives Zest of 1/2 lemon Optional: pinch of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce Crusty bread or toasted baguette slices, for serving How to Make: Season both sides of the scallops lightly with salt and pepper. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until the fat is shimmering. Add scallops to the hot pan without crowding; cook undisturbed 1.5–2 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip scallops and sear the other side 1–1.5 minutes until just opaque; transfer scallops to a warm plate. Reduce heat to medium and add the minced shallot to the pan; sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the white wine to deglaze, scraping up browned bits, and simmer 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in lemon juice and heavy cream; simmer gently 1–2 minutes until sauce slightly thickens. Taste and season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if using. Return scallops to the pan briefly to warm through and coat with sauce, about 30 seconds. Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley, chives, and lemon zest over the scallops. Serve immediately with crusty bread to mop up the sauce. Enjoy these golden, buttery scallops as an elegant starter that brings a touch of French holiday magic to the table. Ballotine De Volaille Aux Marrons A festive, elegant chicken ballotine stuffed with chestnuts and herbs — perfect for a French Christmas centerpiece. Ingredients: 1 large boneless, skin-on chicken breast (or 2 small breasts), butterflied and pounded thin 150 g cooked chestnuts (marrons), roughly chopped 100 g ground pork (or pâté for richer flavor) 1 small shallot, finely minced 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried) 1 egg, lightly beaten 30 g breadcrumbs 1 tsp Dijon mustard Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for brushing) 50 g thin bacon or prosciutto slices (optional, for wrapping) Kitchen twine or toothpicks for tying/securing Optional pan sauce: 100 ml dry white wine, 150 ml chicken stock, 1 tbsp butter How to Make: Season the butterflied chicken breast with salt and pepper on both sides. In a bowl, combine chopped chestnuts, ground pork (or pâté), shallot, garlic, parsley, thyme, egg, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt and pepper; mix until cohesive. Lay the chicken flat, spread the chestnut mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a small border. Roll the chicken tightly into a log, seam-side down; secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks. If using bacon or prosciutto, wrap the roll now for extra flavor and moisture. Brush the outside lightly with olive oil and season with a little more salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1–2 tbsp olive oil. Sear the ballotine in the skillet, turning until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total. Transfer the seared ballotine to a baking dish and roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Remove from oven, tent with foil and rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. (Optional) For the pan sauce: deglaze the skillet with white wine, scrape up browned bits, add chicken stock and reduce by half, then finish with a knob of butter and season to taste; strain if desired. Slice the ballotine into rounds, arrange on a platter, and spoon a little sauce over each slice if using. Serve warm and enjoy — this ballotine brings cozy chestnut flavor and French flair to your holiday table! Filet De BœUf Rossini A luxurious showstopper of a steak topped with foie gras and truffle — elegant, rich, and perfectly festive. Ingredients: 2 center-cut beef filet mignons (about 6–8 oz / 180–225 g each), 1½–2 in (4–5 cm) thick Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp unsalted butter 1 tbsp olive oil 2 slices fresh foie gras or seared foie gras medallions (about 1–2 oz / 30–60 g each) — optional, but traditional 2 slices brioche or crusty bread, toasted and buttered 2–3 tbsp Madeira sauce, demi-glace, or a reduced red wine and beef jus 1 small fresh black truffle or 1–2 tsp truffle oil (optional) Fresh parsley or microgreens for garnish How to Make: Take the filets out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking and pat them dry; season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a heavy skillet over high heat until very hot. Add olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Sear the filets 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust time for thickness and preferred doneness). Add remaining butter and spoon it over the steaks as they cook. Transfer the filets to a warm plate and let rest 5–8 minutes while you prepare the toppings. In the same skillet, quickly sear the foie gras slices 30–60 seconds per side until browned and slightly melted; remove and drain briefly on paper towel. Toast and butter the brioche slices; place a slice on each serving plate. Put each rested filet atop the toast, then set a slice of seared foie gras on the steak. Spoon warm Madeira sauce or reduced jus over the foie gras and around the plate. Finish with a few shavings of fresh truffle or a light drizzle of truffle oil and garnish with parsley or microgreens. Serve immediately while everything is warm and decadent. Enjoy the ultimate festive indulgence — rich, elegant, and totally worth the splurge! Canard À L’Orange Classic French roast duck with a glossy orange glaze — elegant, bright, and perfect for holiday dinner. Ingredients: 1 whole duck (about 5–6 lb / 2.2–2.7 kg), giblets removed Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 oranges (one zested and juiced, one cut into quarters) 1 lemon, juiced 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice (plus extra from the zested orange) 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken or duck stock 1/3 cup (80 g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (120 ml) white wine or dry vermouth 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for color and depth) 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried) 1 small shallot, finely minced 1 bay leaf Freshly cracked black pepper and additional orange slices for garnish How to Make: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the duck dry inside and out. Season the cavity and skin generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with the quartered orange, a sprig of thyme, and the bay leaf. Prick the skin all over with a skewer or fork, avoiding piercing the meat, to help render the fat. Place the duck breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to start the browning. Reduce the oven to 350°F (175°C). Continue roasting for about 1 to 1¼ hours more (20 minutes per pound), basting once or twice with the pan fat, until the skin is deep golden and an instant-read thermometer reads 160–165°F (71–74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. While the duck roasts, make the orange sauce: in a small saucepan over medium heat, sprinkle the sugar and let it melt to a light caramel, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn. Carefully add the minced shallot, vinegar, and white wine (the caramel may seize — stir until it dissolves), then add the orange juice, lemon juice, stock, soy sauce (if using), thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce gently until it reduces by about one-third and thickens slightly, about 10–12 minutes. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Off the heat, whisk in the chilled butter pieces one at a time to emulsify and give the sauce a glossy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning or acidity with a bit more lemon or salt if needed. Stir in orange zest. When the duck is done, let it rest for 10–15 minutes to allow the juices to settle. Carve the duck into portions and spoon the warm orange sauce over the slices. Garnish with fresh orange slices and cracked black pepper. Finish with a flourish and serve immediately — the sweet-tangy glaze is irresistible with rich roast duck. Gratin Dauphinois Creamy, garlicky potato gratin that’s silky, golden, and utterly comforting. Ingredients: 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk 2 garlic cloves, minced (plus 1 clove halved to rub the dish) 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional) 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1 cup (100 g) grated Gruyère or Comté cheese (optional for a gratinée top) Fresh thyme or chopped chives for garnish (optional) How to Make: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thinly slice the potatoes about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick; keep them in cold water briefly and drain and pat dry. In a saucepan, warm the cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until just below a simmer; don’t boil. Rub the halved garlic clove all over the inside of a 9×13-inch (or similar) baking dish, then butter the dish lightly. Arrange a single layer of potato slices in the dish, slightly overlapping. Spoon some of the warm cream mixture over the potatoes to barely come up around them. Repeat layering potatoes and cream until the dish is filled; press gently to compact. Dot the top with the butter pieces and sprinkle the grated cheese evenly if using. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20–30 minutes until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife. Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving so the sauce sets. Garnish with thyme or chives if desired and serve warm. Enjoy a slice of rich, cheesy comfort — the perfect side for a festive holiday table! Haricots Verts Amandine Bright, buttery green beans with toasted almonds — a simple, elegant side that shines on any holiday table. Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) haricots verts (French green beans), trimmed 3 tbsp unsalted butter 2 tbsp olive oil 3/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (optional) Zest of 1/2 lemon (or 1 tsp lemon juice) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) How to Make: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the haricots verts and blanch 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and immediately plunge the beans into an ice bath (or run under cold water) to stop cooking; drain well and pat dry. In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the almonds and cook, stirring, until they turn golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes — watch closely so they don’t burn. If using garlic, add it now and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Add the drained haricots verts to the skillet and toss to coat, heating through for 1–2 minutes. Stir in lemon zest or juice, season with salt and pepper, and taste to adjust seasoning. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley if using, and transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately and enjoy the crisp beans and nutty crunch — perfect alongside roast or turkey! Bûche De Noël Classique Au Chocolat A rich, indulgent chocolate Yule log that’s as beautiful as it’s delicious — classic French bûche de Noël à la chocolat. Ingredients: 4 large eggs, separated 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 30 g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour 30 g (1/4 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder, plus extra for dusting Pinch of salt 1 tsp vanilla extract 30 g (2 tbsp) melted butter, cooled 200 g (7 oz) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped 200 ml (3/4 cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream (for ganache) 25 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter (for ganache), room temperature Optional: powdered sugar, chocolate shavings, or meringue mushrooms for decoration How to Make: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a 10×15 inch (25×38 cm) jelly roll pan with parchment and lightly grease. Whisk egg yolks with half the sugar (50 g) and vanilla until pale and thick. Sift together flour, cocoa, and salt; fold into yolk mixture gently. Stir in the melted butter until combined. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with remaining sugar to stiff glossy peaks. Fold one-third of the whites into the chocolate batter to loosen, then gently fold in the rest until uniform. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake 8–10 minutes until cake springs back lightly. While hot, dust a clean kitchen towel with cocoa or powdered sugar, turn the cake out onto the towel, peel off parchment, and roll cake up from the short side with the towel inside; cool completely rolled. Make ganache: heat cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit 1–2 minutes, then stir until glossy. Stir in butter until smooth; cool until spreadable. Unroll cooled cake, remove towel, spread a thin layer of ganache leaving a 1 cm border, then re-roll tightly without the towel. Trim ends and place log seam-side down on a serving platter. Spread remaining ganache over the outside with a spatula, creating bark-like texture with a fork. Dust with cocoa or powdered sugar and add chocolate shavings or meringue mushrooms if desired. Chill 30 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy slices of this classic chocolate bûche and watch it disappear — joyeux Noël! Tarte Tatin Aux Pommes A caramelized upside-down apple tart that’s buttery, glossy, and pure French comfort. Ingredients: 6 medium firm apples (e.g., Golden Delicious, Braeburn, or Granny Smith) 100 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter 150 g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar 1 vanilla pod or 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 sheet puff pastry (about 250–300 g) or 1 disk of shortcrust pastry Pinch of salt Optional: 1 tbsp Calvados or apple brandy Optional for serving: crème fraîche, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream How to Make: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Peel, core, and halve the apples; remove any tough cores and set aside. In a 23–26 cm (9–10 in) ovenproof skillet or tart pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and a pinch of salt, stirring until it dissolves and turns a light amber caramel. Stir in the vanilla and lemon juice, and optionally the Calvados; cook 1 minute more. Arrange the apple halves upright or rounded-side down in the caramel, packing them neatly to fill the pan. Cook apples over medium heat 8–10 minutes, turning once so they soak the caramel but keep their shape. Roll out the pastry if needed to a circle slightly larger than the pan; prick lightly with a fork. Place the pastry over the apples, tucking edges down around the fruit inside the pan. Bake 30–35 minutes until pastry is golden and crisp. Let tart rest 5–10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate (warm pan helps the caramel release). If any caramel sticks, spoon it back over the apples; serve warm with crème fraîche or ice cream. Enjoy a glossy, caramel-kissed slice of French tradition — Bon appétit! Conclusion You’ll pull off a French feast that feels fancy but stays doable. Pair rich Soupe à l’Oignon with light Salade de Frisée, serve buttery Gratin Dauphinois next to crisp Haricots Verts, and finish with a simple Bûche de Noël or Tarte Tatin. Plan timing, work in stages, and choose one showstopper dish. Cook steady, plate neatly, and don’t overcomplicate. Guests will notice the contrasts, not the effort, and you’ll enjoy the meal too.