cuisine | A French Collection

Seasonal Fall Menu

Seasonal Fall Menu - 'A Dinner with Friends'

Autumn or Fall is a time of changing colour and cooler temperatures and of course heart warming recipes. Nothing is better than cooking and preparing for a cosy family gathering or dinner with friends in the fall; and I was delighted to be invited by the leading magazine and website on food, travel and lifestyle in the South of France and the French Riviera, Perfectly Provence to curate their fall menu.

Each season a well-known French blogger, acclaimed chef or restaurant owner curates a menu featuring Provençal regional seasonal produce and this fall I've put together 'A Dinner with Friends' menu. Included are four delicious courses and a festive cocktail. Pink Elephant Martini Cocktail, Marrow on Toast, Pot-au-feu, Cheese Plate with Figs and a sweet Fig Tart with Marzipan complete the dinner menu.

French Cheese – Etiquette Rules for Eating Cheese

French Cheese - Etiquette Rules for Eating Cheese

Living part of each year in France has allowed our family to eat and cook like a French family. This of course has meant eating lots of cheese and we've noticed there are some differences between how the French and Australians eat and entertain with cheese.

Eating Cheese In France

In France cheese platters are served at the end of the main meal and before dessert whereas in Australia cheese is usually the initial course. Either an initial course or a snack, cheese is not offered in Australia between the main meal and dessert. French cheese platters only have cheese on them, but in Australia cheese is often served with cold meats, dips, crackers, fruit and raw vegetables.

Do you know the French etiquette of cutting cheese when the cheese plate is handed around? Follow these few tips when you're in France you will not offend your French hostess or dinner guests.

Artisan French Cheese

Cheese has been a national French food for as long as people can remember and France is well known for its quality and variety of cheese. In fact, over 350 cheeses are documented as being produced by France.

General de Gaulle once quipped “How can you govern a country that has 246 varieties of cheese?” What he probably meant by this memorable witticism is that France as a country is as diverse as its cheeses – or vice-versa.Continue Reading

Annette Charlton

Annette lives with her family between their homes in France and Australia. She’s been featured in International magazines including French Property News, on numerous blogs and travel websites and appeared on ABC National Radio. You can connect on Instagram or Facebook.