If you have ever dined in a French restaurant, you are familiar with the French love for courses. In a more formal meal, you will sometimes find as many as eight courses, perhaps more. You need to be in good physical condition just to last through one of these elaborate meals. I have sometimes felt like collapsing on the table from the sheer exhaustion of all that eating.
Typical meals at home are, of course, much simpler affairs. However, even in these informal circumstances, a French entree is often served as a prelude to the main course. Our kids eat at the school cafeteria, and it is surprising to see how structured the meal can be: entree, main course, cheese, dessert. No wonder they have 90 minutes for lunch - they need it just to eat!
I love serving a first course, even if it is often just a tossed salad at our house. It gives me the chance to balance the meal -which for us usually means: more vegetables!
Consider these points:
- A French entree doesn't necessarily have to be light - it can also be something a bit heartier if, for example, you are serving poached fish as the main course.
- Consider the effort involved to prepare each course. If all you have to do for the main course is bake a chicken and some potatoes, you can take a bit more time to prepare an entree, and vice versa.
- Entrees are a chance for people to relax a bit, slow down, so that the main course isn't eaten in a big hungry hurry.
- Some dishes, including many French soups, while usually served as a French entree, can also serve as main courses. It really is for you to decide and have fun with.
Serving entrees
You can serve the first course on a separate, smaller plate. This puts the emphasis on each course as a distinct thing to be appreciated on its own. The time it takes to collect up these plates and serve the main course gives a small space in the middle of the meal - good for conversation and digestion. The few extra dishes this creates is well worth it.
Easy Entree Recipes
Flamiche - a leek recipe
Flamiche is a delicious leek tart that comes from the Picardy region of France. Learn how to make it easily and about other famous foods from Picardy.
Leek Tart Recipe
This very simple tart is filled with leeks, tapenade and goat cheese. Yummy!
Munster Cheese Quiche
Very similar to quiche Lorraine except that it's made with flavorful Munster cheese and spiked with cumin.
Quiche Lorraine Recipe
The classic French quiche - perfect to start a meal with a French theme.
Roasted Figs and Ham
A fabulous way to take advantage of fresh figs when they come your way.
Sardine Tart
This is a nutritious recipe that the kids love using canned sardines.
Vegetarian Quiche Recipe
Quiche made with goats cheese and zucchini. Delicious!
Vegetarian Terrine
A cold, layered dish made with zucchini, spinach and eggs. Very pretty.
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