Flavors of France: The Dinner Party

One of the most important rules in France when invited to a dinner party is 
never arrive early! Arrive fashionably late - that is the cultural norm. They 
even have a term dedicated to this “le quart d’heure de politesse” – the 
quarter hour of politeness. 

The French enjoy food and having dinner is an experience in itself and can 
last for hours so it’s important to do a little planning so you can enjoy the 
party with your guests. Learn how to prepare and plan for a three course 
dinner that will be sure to impress your friends and family!

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Gougères au Fromage – Savory Puff Pastry with Cheese
Potage Saint-Germain – Fresh Pea Soup
Poisson en Papillote aux Tomates et Olives – Fish in Parchment Paper with 
Tomatoes and Olives
Tian aux Legumes – Layered Summer Vegetables
Poires Pochée au Vin Rouge – Pears Poached in Red Wine and Spices

Zoé McLaughlin was born in Paris and raised in San Francisco. She graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and worked in restaurants in France while she wrote and published her first cookbook – a collection of family recipes influenced by her multicultural upbringing.  She now lives in San Francisco, where she works in the non-profit culinary world and hosts online cooking demonstrations.  She has a passion for bringing together the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of the Bay Area with the time tested techniques of classical French cooking.