French cuisine, while delicious, can be intimidating. But it doesn't have to be! Some French recipes, like Coq Au Vin and Beef Bourguignon below, contain many steps and take some time to develop the rich flavors. But if you've ever made stew, then you can make these recipes! Start off with the Croque Monsieur, which is a slightly fancier version of a hot ham and cheese sandwich. And be sure to have some quality French wine to sip while you're cooking!
Croque Monsieur
Take lunch to the next level with the Croque Monsieur, a hot ham and cheese sandwich topped with rich béchamel sauce. This recipe from Tastes Better from Scratch is perfect with a side salad or soup.
Coq Au Vin
Coq Au Vin, which means "rooster in wine" in French, is a hearty chicken stew made with lots of red wine, some brandy, bacon, fresh herbs and vegetables. This flavorful recipe from the Food Network's Ina Garten is well worth the effort.
Beef Bourguignon
Beef Bourguignon is a lot like Coq Au Vin. It's a rich stew made with a hefty amount of red wine, bacon, fresh herbs and vegetables that takes some time to make. But this recipe from Cafe Delites is a paired-down version of Julia Child's, so you know it's going to be delicious!