Saturday, January 30, 2010

French Dinner Deux

Is it possible to cook French on a budget? The answer is: Oui!

I did not want to go out shopping for too many groceries for French Night. At the end of the month, it's usually the end of our finances too. I rummaged through my fridge to see what I had and planned a simple, but still tasty French menu.

I marinated the chicken legs with rosemary, oregano, thyme, minced garlic & olive oil for two hours in the fridge. Baked it in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hr. 20 mins. I love the smell and taste of fresh herbs. The French are known for utilizing their local herbs to enhance the food.

For the side dish, I baked a Vegetable Tian (recipe by Barefoot Contessa). I served dinner with real French Baguette not the one from Sams.......... and what would dinner be without French wine?

I bought a bottle of French Press simply because....well.....the Eiffel Tower! To my surprise I quite enjoyed this wine. Smooth and easy to drink. I might just keep the label.
To finish off all the goodness last evening, I served Ile Flottante (floating island) also by the Barefoot Contessa. Rich, sweet, frothy, creamy, crunchy floating island that I wouldn't mind diving into daily. But I am watching my mid-drift.......

Every time we dine on French food, the anticipation of going to Paris to experience the authentic cuisine increases. We are in the process of finding the largest Piggy Bank online to start saving for our trip, which we estimated would cost at least $10K to got to Europe with 3 kids and stay for 3 weeks. Estimated time of departure, 2 years. Paris in the Fall!

5 comments:

Owen said...

Wow, quite a delicious looking French dinner... are there any leftovers ??? Or at least a last glass of French Press ?

So, two years to Paris ? A worthwhile dream indeed... My parents took me to Paris when I was about ten, a trip which no doubt influenced my return here years later...

Leo @ cupcakes in Paris said...

Looks like an awesome dinner! Your Ile Flottante looks fantastic and really authentic!

Let me know if you need any tips or info for your future trip to Paris! I'd be glad to help you!

Kathleen said...

Sounds like a delicious dinner. I've been to Paris once and would dearly love to go back!

Karin B (Looking for Ballast) said...

YUM! Looks like a good time. :)

Here's to your dream come true. *ching ching*

Catherine said...

Miam ! That's the word for "Yum"...
A perfect French dinner for 2. Do your children taste French cooking ? Maybe, not, they're not used to it (eat).
I'm not used to drink wine, a friend of mine tryes....but it's hard for me. Bad for a French person....I'm ashamed to confess I can't make a difference between all these wines. Maybe, you know them better than I !
Hope you'll realise your dream, Corine