French Food Information for Kids

Simple preparation, fresh foods and no snacking are three basics of French food and French eating habits. Many classic dishes are easy to prepare, and the French keep their appetites sharp for them.

Simplicity

Some great French dishes start out surprisingly humble. Onion soup is basically onions cooked in water. Quiches and souffles are puddings made with eggs, butter and milk. French chocolate cakes are small, rich and unfrosted.

Long meals

Traditionally a French family does not eat dinner in 30 minutes. Meals are leisurely and conversation is important. Working parents might begin dinner prep at 6 p.m.; the family will eat at 8:30 or 9 p.m.

Fruit

A French family is more likely to end a meal with fruit or cheeses than with a heavy baked sweet.

No snacking

Typically the French frown on constant between-meals snacks. After school, children do eat a pain au chocolat (piece of bread and chocolate) about 4:30 p.m, to tide them over until a late dinner.

Wine

While wine consumption has been declining in France, it's still a normal part of life there. Children are introduced to it young.

References

• Entre Nous; Debra Ollivier; 2004
• Bringing France Home; Cheryl MacLachlan; 1995

Resources

• French food and cooking