Now that the Fourth of July is behind us, it's fair to say we've gotten the rah-rah American patriotism out of our systems. The apple pies and flag cakes have been polished off, the grill scraped clean of cheeseburger drippings. But what to do with all this leftover red, white, and blue flatware?
If you're looking for an excuse to party that's a bit more, shall we say, European, Bastille Day is for you. You'll have subtle but classic dishes: Français in spirit, if not in name (or in some cases, Français in name, if not in preparation). You'll have salad, but you'll have frites, too. And best of all, you'll get some extra mileage out of all those patriotic accessories you were about to pack up 'til next summer. A bit of tradition, a bit of irreverence: sounds like a French-inspired American party to us.
More: Everything you need to throw a Bastille Day bash.
Anthony Myint's French Toast Crunch by Genius Recipes
Brie and Butter Grits with Honey and Raspberry Compote by Teresa
Not-Quite Niçoise with Lime-Chive Cream by creamtea
French Bean Salad with Tarragon and Green Peppercorn by Jennifer Ann
French "Peasant" Beets by Amy_N-B
Molly Wizenberg and Brandon Pettit's Red Wine Vinaigrette by Genius Recipes
Mussels Dijonnaise by ChefJune
Pan Bagnat: Le French Tuna Salad Sandwich by Waverly
Sunday Steak with French Butter by thirschfeld
Poached Pear Clafoutis by Jennifer (Delicieux)
Darjeeling Tea Pain Perdu with Condensed Milk Butter by Aliwaks
Classic French Macarons by Dana'sBakery
Champagne Cocktail by Erika Kotite
I'm a former Food52 Julia Child Food Writing Fellow now studying law so I can make food fairer, more delicious, and more sustainable for everyone. I was born and raised in Montreal (mostly on poutine and matzoh ball soup), but in my heart I am an Italian grandma—I live on pizza and make a mean eggplant parmesan.
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