How to Make a French-looking Menu

French cooking is widely known to be both tasty and sophisticated; its flavors and methods are often considered to be one of the master types of cuisine. Preparing your own French-looking menu can be simple. With the right vocabulary and ingredients, any menu can have that French flair and sophistication.

Instructions

1. Create an "amuse-bouche." Tthis single, bite-sized appetizer is meant to excite the taste buds and get your diners excited for their meal. Choose an item that represents your style as a chef and that coordinates with your meal. Pay special attention to presentation in keeping with the sophistication of French cooking.

2. Select "hors d'oeuvres" and "charcuterie." Hors d'oeuvres refer to appetizers such as small salads and vegetables and charcuterie to smoked meats and patés. Note that these are part of the beginning of a French meal, also know as "l'entrée." Allow your guests to select an "aperitif," such as a kir royal.

3. Select "le plat principal" or the main dish. Consider selecting traditional items, such as a meat or fish dish, with a side or two of vegetables. Prepare a "salade verte," or larger version of a green salad, to serve between le plat principal and the next course of the meal, in the traditional French style. Complementary French wine can be served throughout the main meal.

4. Prepare a cheese plate or "le fromage." Use three or four different types of French cheeses, such as brie, roquefort and camembert, and serve with crackers. Consider decorating this course with grapes, apricots or other small fruits and nuts. Serve this after the main dish and its accompanying salad.

5. Prepare a light dessert, such as a tart with fruit or a chocolate cake. Keep portions small and the tastes distinct. "Le dessert" should be served before offering "le cafe"--espresso and coffee drinks. Follow with a "digestif," like cognac.

6. Create your menu on paper, using French terms for your main ingredients. Adhere to the French order of a meal, as outlined above. Try to use ingredients local to France and select true French wines.

Tips & Warnings

• The crackers used to accompany the cheese are the "water crackers" or "biscuits" made by English companies such as Carr's, available in most grocery stores. They are bland in taste so as not to compete with the topping used.

References

• Organize a traditional French menu