Top 3 Recipes To Make French Food

Perfect for those cozy, evening dinners with your family.

Contents:

You will receive a guide to make:

• A soup dish

• A vegetarian dish

• A dessert dish

Here’s how you can make this in 10 steps:

1. Get a large pot and melt the butter along with some olive oil, over medium heat.

2. Stir in the onion slices with some sugar and cook until caramelised. (This process takes ≈30 minutes)

3. Season with salt and pepper, then add the dry white wine. Scrape up any excess caramelised bits from the bottom of the pot.

4. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 30 minutes.

5. Preheat the oven to broil.

6. Pour the soup into bowls.

7. Top the soup with the sliced baguette pieces.

8. Sprinkle it with Gruyère cheese.

9. Broil until the cheese turns into a golden colour and bubbles start to form within the cheese.

10. 🔥 Serve hot and enjoy! 🥣

I’ll show you how to recreate this famous dish:

1. Grab a skillet and start heating the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the onions and the garlic. Sauté until they become translucent.

3. Add in the eggplant and cook for ≈5 minutes.

4. Stir in your bell pepper and zucchini. Cook until they soften up.

5. Add the tomatoes and add your pinches of salt and pepper. Simmer this for ≈20-30 minutes.

6. Until everything is tender, garnish with fresh basil before you serve. (optional)

7. Enjoy at a warm/room temperature!

Here are the instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F)

2. Grab a cast iron skillet and melt the butter and sugar over medium heat. Turn off the heat when it turns golden brown.

3. In the skillet, start arranging the apple quarters and cook for ≈10 minutes until softened.

4. Cover the apple quarters with the puff pastry sheet.

5. Tuck the edges in and bake for ≈25-30 minutes until crusts and the pastry itself is golden.

6. Let it cool for a few minutes and serve on a plate.

…Lastly, 🍴 Bon appétit! 😋

 ~Brianna 👩‍🍳

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Online resources I used for this:

• [French onion soup] -> https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/13309/rich-and-simple-french-onion-soup/

• [ratatouille] -> https://www.thekitchn.com/ratatouille-recipe-23673997

• [Apple tart] -> https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/tarte-tatin

I rewrote these recipes with my own words, replacing some ingredients with more accessible and convenient versions.

Thank you for reading!

Francophonie in North America

The Francophonie community in the United States is vibrant and unique. Around 1.18 million Americans over the age of five reported speaking the language at home, making French the seventh most spoken language in the country. Some Francophonie communities can trace their roots as far back as the eighteenth and seventeenth centuries - where settlers immigrated from Europe or Canada. This includes groups such as the Acadians of Maine and Louisiana. Other communities of French speakers arrived in the US much more recently, including those from France, Haiti, Senegal, Côte D’Ivoire, and other African countries. 

Within these communities, the French spoken differs greatly from the standard Parisian French due to many factors, such as pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary. However they should not be considered ‘inferior’ versions of the French language. This evolution of the language depicts the natural adaptation of French in its environment: different cultures and languages adding to the vibrancy of these French dialects spoken in the US. 

Acadian French is a dialect spoken in Canadian Maritime provinces and in certain parts of Maine in the US. Acadian French is traditional in its form and structure as it retains characteristics typical of French spoken in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This dialect includes certain characteristics such as the pronunciation of the open o vowel sound as [u] (as in ‘spoon’). This phenomenon is known as the ‘ouisme’ and is seen in words such as homme (pronounced as houmme) and bonne (pronounced as bounne). Acadian French also retains older forms of French grammar: using the pronoun je (I) instead of nous (we) with first-person plural forms of verbs (e.g je chantons instead of nous chantons); using the ending -ont with third person plural forms (ils chantons instead of ils chantent); and the simple past tense. Acadian French also features some English words incorporated into its language, known as chiac. 

Down south in Louisiana, Cajun French is found. This language can trace its roots back to the Acadian settlers who were exiled by the British in the mid-18th century from present-day Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. These refugees settled in Louisiana, blending their French dialect with the cultures of Native American, Spanish and African people. Because of the variety of cultures that have influenced it, Cajun French has an incredibly special vocabulary, including words borrowed from Spanish and Native American languages. This includes words such as chaoui which means racoon (greatly different from the French raton laveur) which is borrowed from Choctaw or lagniappe which means ‘a little something extra’ (derived from the Spanish phrase la ñapa and the Quechua word yapa which means ‘to add to’). Furthermore, the grammar of Cajun French is just as unique as its vocabulary. In International French, the present progressive is être en train de, however, in Louisiana this form is être après (such as je suis en train de faire quelque chose in standard French versus je suis après faire quelque chose in Cajun French).  

These French communities and dialects are vibrant and colourful evidence of the natural adaptation and evolution of the French language in different cultures and environments - an expression of history and culture that can be traced back centuries. Preserving them should be a priority as they tell the story of the communities that speak them as well as honour the linguistic diversity of French around the world. 

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language_in_the_United_States

https://french.williams.edu/speakers-french-us/

https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/acadian-french

https://telelouisiane.com/journal/introduction-to-louisiana-french

Soy Sauce Western Cuisine

The French, pioneers of cooking and eating, have had an often undernoted influence on Hong Kong’s food scene. One notable example is the local comfort food that I, along with many Hong Kongers, have grown up with and loved. What is it? You might ask. Well, the story dates back to the involvement of the British in this city since the mid 19th century, which has brought along many Western ways-of-livings, ultimately contributing to the birth of the Soy Sauce Western Cuisine – a cuisine of the Hong Kongers’ own interpretation of the Western delicacies. 

That said, one restaurant has been repeatedly marked as the founding father (since the founder of the restaurant is a gentleman) of this unique genre: Tai Ping Koon. Its creator was a Chef who worked for a western trading company in Guangzhou and his specialties were western dishes. After leaving the company and becoming a hawker, he created a fusion of Chinese and Western dishes, muchly appreciated by his customers, whom I’d assume to be mostly Chinese. Founded in Guangzhou as the first restaurant specialising in Western cuisine, Tai Ping Koon unfortunately no longer operates in Mainland China, leaving the four spots in Hong Kong as its only remaining branches. Following its establishment, many other restaurants were founded focusing on a similar style of cuisine. With its rather affordable and most definitely exotic nature, this cuisine will always be placed in a special chamber within the people of Hong Kong's hearts.

Sources:

https://www.taipingkoon.com.hk/index.php/en/about/milestone

https://www.scmp.com/magazines/hk-magazine/article/2035494/soy-sauce-western-hong-kongs-self-made-cuisine

https://hk.news.yahoo.com/%E7%84%97%E8%B1%AC%E6%89%92%E9%A3%AF-%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF-%E6%8E%A8%E4%BB%8B-%E5%A4%A7%E5%AE%B6%E6%A8%82-%E7%84%97%E8%B1%AC-%E5%90%89%E5%88%97%E8%B1%AC%E6%89%92-235833392.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAM_jLVUbc7YlD5pvFkRSQw5ZZxVdDvu-Bhvy6N8rgETWR63dKwUW_5lkITcxGYI3smZixl0ipjaUQQK0JnZddo4Fu9Ea404ForWctTye6I0S9U6ZHKdSt18Kqd8w0SsdqtoFYR_9xKk7ycwXeI8g-oaQRVhmKXTCI8rzx6FKTsdD

The Most Influential Revolution of All Time

The French Revolution (1789–1799) is generally considered the most well-known and influential political revolution in world history. It is often referred to as the "mother of all revolutions" because it fundamentally reshaped European society, abolished absolute monarchy, and introduced modern democratic, secular, and nationalistic concepts. But it wasn’t just a fairytale story behind the foundation of a new nation; the pillars of history lay hidden in the gaps, with good and bad moments too.

It all started in the 1700s. France essentially was in a full-blown crisis. The country was nearly bankrupt after helping in wars like the American Revolution, while its own people struggled under a highly unfair tax system that privileged the rich. Severe food shortages led to a lot of people becoming hungry and angry. Society was divided into 3 clear factions. The Clergy, the Nobility, and the commoners, people just like us. These were called the 3 estates. The last one made up almost 98% of the population at that time, yet had the least power. Their frustration was spiraling out of control against King Louis XVI, that is a lot of Louis as kings.

In May 1789, France’s Estates-General met to find a solution to the problem. Hurrah! But disagreements quickly turned into a revolt. Oh No! The commoners declared themselves the National Assembly responsible for the people of France rather than their lousy king. Soon after, in July 1789, the storming of the Bastille, a royal prison and symbol of tyranny where people who were against the Monarchy were kept, was depicted and became the Revolution’s first great moment. The Fall is actually still celebrated to this day: it is called Bastille Day, a very unique name, and it is on July 14th.

The revolution produced several powerful yet controversial figures. King Louis XVI, though not a cruel man at all, was indecisive and failed to control the worsening situation. His wife, Queen Marie Antoinette, became famous for her royal lifestyle while ordinary people were starving. She became known for her iconic quote, stating when she heard that the people had no bread, “ Let them eat cake.” However, these quotes and claims were exaggerated against her.

On the revolutionary side stood Maximilien Robespierre, a lawyer who rose to lead the revolution and the Committee of Public Safety. He believed in Liberty and equality but became known for his severe, ruthless, and sometimes downright stupid methods. Georges Danton and Jean-Paul Marat were other key voices, each with different versions of what the outcome would be

The guillotine was scary. It was a mechanical beheading device, and became the Revolution’s most feared symbol. It was meant to be a fair and humane form of execution - quick, efficient and equal for everyone. Ironically, it ended up starting one of the bloodiest chapters of the Revolution: The Reign of Terror.

During this period, Robespierre and his allies used the guillotine against anyone suspected of disloyalty to the revolution, from nobles to ordinary citizens. King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were both executed by guillotine in 1793. Thousands of others followed. The ideal of “liberty” was overshadowed by fear until Robespierre himself was finally executed - by the same guillotine he had defended.

By 1792, the French monarchy was abolished. France had become a republic, the first in its history. But chaos continued: revolts, wars with foreign countries, and divisions. Eventually, one man stepped up, one of the most iconic leaders of all time: Julius Caesar. I’m kidding, Napoleon Bonaparte.

Napoleon promised stability after years of bloodshed. By 1804, he crowned himself emperor, ending the revolutionary government but spreading many of its ideals throughout Europe by taking over other countries and spreading his ideas. His Napoleonic Code introduced principles of equality before the law and merit-based advancement - ideas that still influence modern legal systems.

What impact did the revolution have on the modern world?

In France, it ended the absolute monarchy. Privileges related to status were removed. Education, government roles, and justice became open to all. Over time, France has grown into a republic with universal values that have shaped how it is today

Globally, the Revolution inspired other movements. People in Europe and Latin America looked to France as an example of how societies could challenge kings and nobles and rise against them for the greater good of their own country.  It led to widespread reform throughout the world and had lasting effects on many countries.

In conclusion, the French Revolution, far from being an isolated event, wove itself into the fabric of world history. It ignited global revolutions and created a new era defined by democratic ideas. Its rallying cry for liberty, equality, and fraternity inspired uprisings from Haiti to Latin America, while Napoleon’s conquests carried these principles across Europe, dismantling ancient kingdoms and reshaping societies forever.

Pourquoi le français est une langue si difficile? 

Depuis ma tendre enfance, la langue française a toujours été un supplice pour moi. J’ai le souvenir d’être en classe, à l'âge de huit ans, et de recevoir un papier avec comme titre : “les auxiliaires être et avoir”, bastions de la langue française et mes futurs geôliers. 

Ce moment a marqué mon initiation dans ce monde confus et ténébreux qu’est l'orthographe française, un enfer parsemé d'exceptions, compléments d'objets, subordonnées et d'épithètes. Après des centaines de dictées, des heures passées à pleurer et à maudire mes conjugaisons, et avoir appris par cœur les terminaisons des verbes du troisième groupe, je peux finalement dire avec fierté que je ne maitrise pas encore la langue française. 

Pourtant, je suis née en Belgique où j'ai passé les huit premières années de ma vie dans un environnement francophone. Malgré ces avantages, je continue à me tromper constamment quand j'écris. En effet, si ce texte n’avait pas été rédigée en ligne, il serait constellé d’erreurs inexcusables. Merci le correcteur de google docs! 

Je n’ai pas le même problème avec l’anglais ou l’italien, mes deux autres langues. C’est un phénomène naturel de trouver la grammaire et l'orthographe françaises extrêmement compliquées - tant pour les apprenants que les locuteurs natifs. Tout le monde se lamente des exceptions qui n’ont pas de sens, de l’accord des participes passés et du fait que le français n’est absolument pas une langue phonétique. 

Mais pourquoi est-ce que cette langue est si compliquée? Pour répondre à cette question, et mettre en paix les âmes des millions d'étudiants qui ont appris le Français, il faut voyager dans le temps…

En 1634, Richelieu (la cause de tous nos maux) fonde l'Académie Française, avec comme but de créer un dictionnaire qui imposerait une orthographe spécifique à la langue française. En effet, avant le 17ème siècle, chacun avait sa propre orthographe. Molière écrivait d’une façon différente de Rabelais, Rabelais de Montaigne, etc. En créant des règles spécifiques pour la langue française, il unifie les français sous un seul code linguistique. 

Pourtant, Richelieu avait aussi un but plus sournois quand il a fondé l'Académie: celui de rendre l’orthographe française délibérément difficile pour en faire l’outil élitiste des riches. Examinons un extrait d’un des premiers dictionnaires de l’Académie Française : “L'orthographe servira de distinguer les gens de lettres des ignorants et des simples femmes”. Et, plus tard, ajoutant plein de nouvelles consonnes doubles et consonnes étymologiques à l'orthographe, en tranchant certaines racines et en conservant d’autres, on crée une langue irrationnelle et plus complexe qu’il ne le fallait. 

Et voilà la raison pour laquelle on nous fait souffrir depuis l’enfance avec les règles de l'orthographe - parce que Richelieu, et la noblesse après lui, voulaient un moyen pour se montrer supérieurs à la populace. 

Enfin, je vous laisse a vos réflexions en vous posant une dernière question: si la difficulté de la grammaire et de l'orthographe françaises est basée sur des motivations douteuses plutôt qu’un patrimoine historique, pourquoi ne pas les simplifier? Pourquoi ne pas offrir à la prochaine génération une orthographe moins compliquée, plus logique et investir leur temps d’apprentissage dans des choses plus pratiques, d’autres matières plus actuelles?

Eh bien, c’est parce que ceux qui ont souffert veulent que les autres souffrent aussi. Tant pis pour vous!

Sources: 

“La Faute à L'Orthographe”, Ted Talk, YouTube

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Armand-Jean-du-Plessis-cardinal-et-duc-de-Richelieu