How to Eat Authentic French Cuisine

French cooking is one of the most prized—and copied—styles of cooking in the world. But, what we call French cuisine is actually a collection of unique cooking styles that make use of the abundant produce, seafood and wine of France's many provinces. Here's a look at a few of the best of things.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Dine Norman style. The cuisine of Normandy, located in northwestern France, is noted for its use of apples (and apple products such as cider and Calvados, apple brandy), pork and lamb. The traditional French apple tarte hails from Normandy as does the regional specialty, "tripe a la mode de Caen."

2. Taste Provencal cooking. The cuisine of Provence, located between the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the Alps, combines traditional French cooking with the abundant produce and seafood found in this region. Provencal cooking features olive oil rather than butter. Other common ingredients include black olives, garlic, tomatoes, fish and eggplant.

3. Enjoy the food of Burgundy. Burgundy, located in east-central France, is known for the richness of its cuisine. Beef, especially the locally raised Charollais cattle, is popular as are the hearty red wines of the region. Specialties include Beef Burgundy and "coq au vin" or rooster cooked with wine.

4. Savor the cuisine of Alsace. This province, in eastern France along the Rhine River, has switched back and forth several times between France and Germany in its long history. The cuisine of the region reflects this mixed heritage. Here you'll find sausages, sauerkraut, grainy mustard and the crisp, cool-weather white wines of the region. The local specialty is "choucroute," a long-simmering combination of sausages, smoked meats and sauerkraut.

Resources

• Authentic French food recipes

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