Theme Party: Bastille Day

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Think about it and you'll realize that Americans have the French to thank for more than our independence.  We also owe to them our exposure to a ton of delicious dishes!  Not everyone can hop a plane to Paris to celebrate Bastille Day.  But we all can recreate the celebrations in our own homes.

What is Bastille Day all about, anyway?  Well, it's France's version of our Indepence Day, celebrated on July 14th of each year and known in France as "la fete nationale."  The date was chosen in honor of the storming of the Bastille fortress and prison on July 14, 1789.  The common people of France decided to storm the Bastille to gain the ammunition held within it, which they planned to use against the monarchy and royalists in the violence they foresaw.  They also sought to free the political prisoners held within it, including many dissidents whose publications had displeased the monachy.

Roughly one hundred people died during the attack.  Less than a month later, on August 4, 1789, the feudal system which the common people had protested against was abolished, and shortly thereafter, on August 26, 1789, The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was proclaimed, establishing the Enlightenment ideals of the natural rights of all men.

Recipe

Chocolate Hazelnut & Banana Crepes

Have you ever made crepes? It's really not hard. Of course, you can buy pre-made and fill with awesome options like bananas & Nutella, melted chocolate chips & strawberries, cinnamon & sugar or honey...but why not whip up your own in a light pan? Combine 2 eggs, 2 cups flour, 1.5 cups milk, and 1.5 cups water. A pinch of salt, a few pinches of sugar, and a teaspoon of vanilla are all you need to add before pouring into the pan and flipping. It's fun and you'll get the hang of it quickly! Read More

Recipe

French Menu

Need a general guideline for your Bastille Day Dinner? Check this article out! You'll find recipe suggestions, from apps to desserts, a French bread guide, plus instructions on how to compose the perfect French cheese plate. Of course, don't forget the champagne--you are celebrating an important holiday, after all! Read More

Decoration

Vive la France Decor

How to decorate for your Bastille Day fete? Don't fret, because you probably already have a bunch of decorations within easy reach that are just the right colors. Can you guess? That's right, red, white, and blue are the colors of the French flag too! Accent your re-used 4th of July decor by hanging French flags and vintage French travel posters. Complete the feel with French-inspired place cards for guests. Read More

Recipe

French Onion Soup

Impress your guests by preparing a drool-worthy version of this comfort food classic. With swiss, provolone, and parmesan, beef broth, and French bread, this soup will have your guests happily slurping away and developing a new appreciation for French culture. Read More

Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu

It DOES NOT get more classic than this dish. This is THE signature dish. There is even a national chain of culinary schools scattered across America and the world with the same name. There's no better dish to serve at you Bastille Day party than this one. Read More

Recipe

Savory Spinach, Bacon and Mushroom Crepes

You'd be amazed at how delicious flat pancakes are. Like...really really really delicious. But the French aren't amazed. These crepes are just a snack for them, an entree (which means appetizer in French--think entering the meal). A prequel to the main event. Let them fill that role at your dinner, and reserve some crepe batter for dessert, when you shock and awe with the chocolate hazelnut banana crepes above! Read More

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