Holidays

Meet “Cake Aux Fruits Confits” – a French-style fruit cake that brings all the festive vibes, without overwhelming sweetness or booziness – unlike its American or British counterparts. It features lightly rum-soaked candied fruits, plump raisins and chunks of tender marzipan in a buttery, airy crumb. This lighter take on the classic fruit cake might just win you over if you weren’t a fan before. Get ready to savor the joy of every bite!

The Holidays are just around the corner! For all your holiday baking inspiration, I have gathered the most delicious cookie recipes from the blog that are very popular around the Holidays in France- and easy to make at home. I included classics like the Butter Sablés from Alsace (Butterbredele) and lesser-known recipes like the Cocoa and Almond Thumbprint Cookies from Alsace (Linzele).

Brie en Croûte is a festive French appetizer that is simply perfect for entertaining. Made with store-bought puff pastry, it encases a warm and melty whole wheel of brie, that’s then topped with honey, cranberries, nuts and thyme. Serve it on a platter with fruits and crackers, and be sure to impress your guests!  

As a French food writer and passionate French home cook, one of the questions I get asked the most is what does a typical French meal look like? And since the Holidays are upon us, I wanted to share with you today the rituals and courses of a traditional French Christmas menu, known as “Le Repas de Noël,”

A Bûche de Noël is a must on the French Christmas table. But if the classic chocolate version is too rich for you, here is your answer… This lighter Raspberry Bûche de Noël features an airy Génoise cake rolled up with a subtle orange-flavored mascarpone filling with fresh raspberries. It is simpler and quicker to make than most Bûches recipes, but remains an ultimate show-stopper for the Holidays! 

This creamy chestnut soup, or “Soupe Aux Marrons” is a wholesome soup and a French favorite all throughout Winter. Fresh chestnuts are simmered in an aromatic broth and then pureed until smooth, creating a luxuriously thick, creamy texture with the full-on sweet buttery taste of fresh chestnuts. This is a delicious starter to cozy up to and impress with over the Holiday season.

Green Beans Almondine – or Amandine in French – is a classic French side dish that’s quick, easy and elegant. Crisp green beans are tossed in brown butter with toasted almonds and shallots for a healty-ish side that’s buttery, nutty and crunchy. It’s a great dish for the Holidays, or dinner any night of the week!

I have rounded up all my favorite Holiday recipe ideas from the blog that are sure to impress and make your guests happy! From classic appetizers like a “cake salé”, a crowd-pleasing side of Potato Gratin Dauphinois, to a classic Bûche de Noël, I have over 40 recipes for you to choose from and add a little French touch to your festivities this year.

Rye flour, a good amount of honey and a unique spice blend are the key components of a great Classic French Spiced Bread – also known as Pain d’Épices. This cross between a cake and a bread is a holiday staple in France. It can be found on most Christmas market stalls, sold in big slabs. It is also a favorite to make amongst home bakers as it is a really simple recipe that makes the house smell wonderful. This is a perfect crowd pleaser for the Holidays.

In France, a proper Christmas dinner wouldn’t be complete without the traditional Bûche de Noël. This wooden log look-a-like cake, traditionally made of a rolled-up Génoise cake frosted with Chocolate buttercream, is part of the official conclusion to a Christmas feast. A holiday ritual no one will pass on – even with an overfilled belly.