Foodie Friday: Fabulous French Recipes & Cooks' Tools

{ Via: Kerri Hess }

I was super excited that Bastille Day landed on Foodie Friday. No need to say where my inspiration came from for this post! If you enjoy French fare, I think you will find that this recipe roundup  has a certain "je ne sais quoi." 
Bon appétit!

HERE: 25 Ways To Celebrate

French Martini
The truth is, I am not a martini drinker. The ingredients in this classic cocktail however, just may make both you and I believers. Think raspberry liqueur, pineapple juice, and vodka. 
Wined Harma 

Coquilles Saint-Jacques
I have made this before, but only once. It was the first meal I made for my husband as a married couple. It wasn't a success, in fact, "Mr. Shop This" was very ill following dinner. Obviously I did something wrong. I think it is time to try these gratineed scallops again! You can find the shells HERE.
Saveur  

Rhubarb and Custard Crème Brûlée 
With the flavors of Summer, your guests will love cracking into the caramelized layer of this make ahead dessert. It calls for a kitchen torch, and I found one for less than $25 at Sur La Table. Get the pretty recipe at
Good Housekeeping UK 

Truffle Omelette
Special instructions for this over the top treat are "Store truffle and eggs in an airtight container for 1-2 days until ready to use. This allows the truffle fragrance to permeate the eggs." Enough said.
Gourmet Traveller 

Mixed Berry Almond Croissants
I remember my first French croissant. I thought that I died and went to heaven. This recipe is a mix between a croissant and beignet. They are best right out of the oven!
Half Baked Harvest 

Provencal Vegetable Tart
This recipe is so aesthetically impressive! It's made with eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes. A great use of the Summer's bounty.
Food and Wine 

French Market Basket with Double Handles
Le tote. Hand woven and heavenly for Summer days at The Farmer's Market. It is oh so très chic.
Food52

Confit Salmon and Potato Salad With Lentils and Champagne Shallot Vinaigrette
Daniel Boulud's composed salad is at heart, actually simple and unfussy rustic fare.
Elle Decor 

Classic Chocolate Mousse
It's simple, sophisticated, and a specialty of mine. This is the recipe I have used for years, and it works every time. I just can't imagine anyone not liking this. Oh! I always add a bit of liquor....whatever I have on hand. Cointreau is extra good with it.
Saveur 

Moules A La Normande
One of my favorite dishes. I never thought of serving homemade fries on the side!
Gourmet Traveller

Perfect Croque Monsieur And Croque Madame
Americans would call this a Grilled Cheese Sandwich, but it is really much more. The Croque Madame has a fried egg on top. The recipe includes my favorite cheese, Gruyère, and a Béchamel Sauce. Not exactly Velveta.
Pudge Factor

Banana Tartes Tatin
This recipe is for my Sister, Carole, who never has a craving for dessert unless there are bananas involved! Don't be intimidated, it's made from frozen puff pastry.
 Bon Appétit  

Five Things That Will Make Your Kitchen More Parisian
It's the little things like French Finishing Salt and Butter Keepers that will have you cooking like Julia in no time.
Food52 

Artichokes Barigoule Au Pistou
Served with creamy Burrata and basil. So very French and a lovely appetizer. Get the Palermo Block Print Tablecloth at Serena and Lily and the recipe at

Elle Decor 

Tuna and Tomato Tart With Dijon Mustard

This tart features the taste of the Summer sun! It's topped with Herbs de Provence. Gorgeous!

A French Girl Cuisine

Carrot and Poppyseed Cupcakes
This is such a pretty and interesting recipe. Lots of fresh ingredients and even a pinch of red chili pepper!
My French Kitchen  

Steak Tartar
Oh boy, do I love this dish! In fact many moons ago, I made about six pounds of it for a New Years Eve party we were hosting. Well, the biggest snow storm in years hit that day, and our big event turned into a party of four. Needless to say, this recipe also makes good burgers! You can get the Salt Plate HERE.  Recipe 
Williams-Sonoma 

French Spice
I can highly recommend Dean and Deluca's spice collection. When in NYC, I try to pick up some. This set of herbs is the foundation of seasoning French Cuisine.
Dean and Deluca 

Chicken Tagine With Olives And Preserved Lemons
This recipe wins the prize for good looks! It's a rich and fragrant chicken stew that is filled with complex flavors.
NY Times Cooking 

French Crepes Suzettes
Lucky me. I grew up on crepes, and my Mama knew nothing about French cooking. She just loved gadgets, and bought herself a crepe pan. This recipe is authentic with a Grand Marnier butter orange filling.
Dells Cooking Twist 

Vintage French Champagne Bucket
Made in France and therefore fancy! But their rustic look makes them perfect from the porch to the patio. Each one is unique and different. Cheers!
Food52

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose 
My very favorite champagne, thanks to Sara and Gary. It's expensive but beyond fabulous. Worth every penny. Try it with burgers like I did one fun night in San Francisco.
Wine.com

Nicoise Salad with Sesame Seared Tuna
Is this not a pretty platter? The purple potatoes make this a standout recipe. It's one of my favorite things to eat. A must make for this Summer.
Heather Christo

Blackberry French 75
It's Soixante-Quinze if you are in France. This cocktail calls for four ingredients; gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar. Love the way Heather changes it up for Summer.
Heather Christo

Macaron 101 French Meringue
I so enjoyed this article and recipe. Even after reading it, I am not sure that I have the courage to take the plunge and try these.  If you do, this is a great place to start.
No So Humble Pie




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Recipes For A Chic Cookout

Wedding Wednesday: Host A Beautiful Bridal Shower

{ Via: Brit + Co }

It's all about the details when it comes to planning any party, but especially a bridal shower! I love the idea of personalizing wherever possible. Set a theme and go with it from the invitation to the party favor. In doing so, everyone at the party, especially the bride to be, will leave feeling special. Here are some fabulous finds that will make the shower you plan pretty, personalized, and oh so pinnable.

 

Monograms and Mimosas
What a wonderful idea for a shower. I mean, I didn't get anything monogrammed at my showers. Just think, towels, sheets, table linens, barware and more. And Mimosas? The girls will just love it!
Sea Paper Designs

Mimosa Bar Juice Tags
If you are doing Mimosas, offer a variety of juices and fruit accompaniments. These lovely scripted tags are a delicious detail.
Sea Paper Designs 

Champagne Cookies
In keeping with a Mimosa Bar or Champagne Brunch, these cookies are a sweet detail for your shower. If you are looking for other themes, you will surely find them at
Cousin Cookies

Photo Frame Prop
Without a doubt, the bride will be posting the details of her wedding events on social media. You have to make it look good! This wooden and satin photo frame makes a pretty prop. 
EG Fairytale Designs 

Champagne Bears

Champagne Bears
These boozy bears are the perfect table favor for a bridal shower.  With the right flowers and these peachy bears (see the first photo) you have a terrific tablescape!
Sugarfina 

Bridal Tea Invite
I threw a Bridal Tea Shower a few years ago. It is a great theme that is easy to pull together. This invite is so whimsical and pretty. You can purchase either a digital download or actual printed invitations. Click for details.
Creative Union Design at Etsy 

Tea Favor Box
When it comes to favors, the packaging and presentation is key. I love keeping with the theme from invitation to dessert. 
Beau-Coup

Acrylic Cake Stand with Lid
Are these not the cutest things ever? Imagine your guests reaction when they find these with a bon bon or mini cupcake on their plate or buffet table! A small detail that is clearly chic!
Beau-Coup

Bridal Shower Planning Checklist
Find ten easy steps to planning the best bridal shower ever at
Domino

Lace In Love Runner
No matter where you are hosting the shower, this fabric runner could be used for the buffet table or cut up for placemats. The lovely uses for this runner are endless.
BHLDN 

Bridal Brunch Invitations
Nothing says celebration better that bubbly. These invitations are modern and sophisticated.
Paper Work Envy at Etsy

Diamond Donut Toppers
Serving brunch? Serve up a pristine platter of sugar donuts and put a ring on them! 
Social Bash And Company

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Where To Shop For: Weddings & Registries

Summer Hostess Gifts

{ Via: Domino }

Backyard Barbecues, patio parties, bridal showers, weekends at the Shore. Those are the highlights of Summer. No matter where you are going this season, never arrive empty handed. Flowers and wine are lovely, but a bit expected. Find inspiration in this sunny selection of gifts that begin at just $12. 

 
HERE: 15 Bright Ideas

Royal Doulton Tapas Bowls

Bright and just right for a stylish Summer tabletop. Fill the set with dips, chips, and salsa. After the party leave them for the host. So much fun!

Domino

 Watermelon Mint Iced Tea

Doesn't that sound refreshing? At this price, these make a very cute party favor, as well.

Paper Source 

Neon Flamingo
Single and ready to flamingle? Even if you aren't, this little guy will light up the party. You can bet that your host doesn't have one of these.
Nordstrom

Three Sunshine Notepads
My friend, Sara, once gave me the cutest monogram notepads. I was thrilled! Who wouldn't be? It's a thoughtful gift that's less than $35.
Neiman Marcus

French Bull Salad Servers
What hostess wouldn't love to dress a salad with these stylish servers?

Domino

Caspari Lizard Cocktail Linens

Anything personalized or monogrammed is always thoughtful. These stylish squares are so gorgeous you won't believe that they are paper.

Neiman Marcus

Hand Painted Cocktail Shaker
Girls night in? Bring this to your hostess. Loving the vintage charm.
Shopbop

Laguiole Cheese Knife Set

This French set is a winning gift for the host or hostess. I have the steak knives, and they always look so happy on the table.

Anthropologie 

Flower Market Kitchen Tools
Kiss the cook and gift her with any one of these elevated kitchen helpers.
MacKenzie-Childs

Kate Spade Table Linens

For the colorful hostess with a sense of humor. These are fun given in multiples of two.
Bloomingdale's  

Set Of Three Handwoven Baskets
There are many baskets "out there," but these are exceptional. They are made from water hyacinth and just so lovely. Give all three if you are a weekend guest. Just going to the party? Bring one and fill it with fruit, breakfast food, or beach towels.
The Well Appointed House 

Tealeaves Pantone Collection
Silk wrapped and sensational, this is the ultimate gift for both the tea and design lover.
AHALife 

Ocean Blue Apron
 Talk about the Summertime blues! I love the blue linen paired with slate grey ties. It has a sleek but sophisticated aesthetic with thoughtful details.
Food52 

Drinking Buddies Glass Markers
No one wants to drink alone. These guys will get the party started and keep it going all night.
Swoozies 

What's A Hostess To Do
Entertaining expert Susan Spungen explains everything you need to know to host a party effortlessly and with elegance. With more than 300 ideas and inspirations for easy entertaining. It's the perfect under $20 gift. 
Amazon



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Bucket List: Chill'n This Summer