The cuisine of France is remarkably varied with a great many regional differences based on the produce and gastronomy of each region.
Culinary traditions that have been developed and perfected over the centuries have made French cooking a highly refined art. This is true of even the simplest peasant dishes, which require careful preparation and great attention to detail. It is expected that even the simplest preparation be undertaken in the most careful manner, which means disregarding the amount of time involved.
Of course, the secret to success in a French kitchen is not so much elaborate techniques as the use of fresh ingredients that are locally produced and in season.
French cooking is not a monolith: it ranges from the olives and seafood of Provence to the butter and roasts of Tours, from the simple food of the bistro to the fanciful confections of the Tour d'Argent.
A French meal might begin with a hot hors d'oeuvre (or for luncheon, a cold hors d'oeuvre) followed by soup, main course, salad, cheese, and finally dessert. The French operate with a strong sense that there is an appropriate beverage for every food and occasion. Wine is drunk with the meal, but rarely without food. An aperitif (a light alcoholic beverage such as Lillet) precedes the meal and a digestive (something more spirited -- say, cognac) may follow. This close relationship between food and wine may, in part, closely parallel the evolution of great cooking and great wine making. It is probably not coincidental that some of the best cooking in France happens in some of her finest wine-growing regions. In Burgundy, Bordeaux, Provence, and Touraine, wine is as prevalent in the cooking process as it is in the glass.
French cooking is considered by many to be the standard against which all other cuisines are measured (it is also referred to as haute cuisine). This standard was introduced into the French courts by Catherine de Medici in the 1500s, and later perfected by Auguste Escoffier (1846-1935), who is considered the Father of French Cooking. Nouvelle Cuisine, which became popular in the 1970s, was in reaction to the rich cooking of classic French cuisine. This new cuisine has a healthful cooking philosophy: crisply cooked vegetables and fruit based sauces as opposed to flour and cream sauces. From classic French cooking to Nouvelle Cuisine, and the many French regional cooking styles, there is something to satisfy just about every palate.
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The people living in France love their food and so they have perfected the art of making dishes which not only fill the stomach but also fill the heart of the person who eats them. As far back as the 1500s, it is acknowledged that French cuisine has been impacted by three aspects: 1. The incursions of Celtic Gauls resulted in the partition of land holdings, and the initiation of agricultural operations. 2. The conquering Romans who pioneered cheese making. 3. The marauding Moors who brought in goats to France. The Moorish impact held sway over the ingredients and cooking techniques in France. It is quoted the first French cookery books were greatly influenced by the exotic Moorish flavor. The earliest known groundwork for the present day French recipes has been established as far back as the 1500s. In this period, haute cuisine has been brought to French courts by a woman called Catherine de Medici, an Italian. Down the years, chefs have perfected the art of this style of cooking. The Italian inspiration has greatly changed French culinary recipes, the techniques, ingredients, and serving style. The Medici cooks brought about the use of butter, truffles, artichokes, innovative dishes, and cooking styles. The distinction between spicy and sugary dishes was also pioneered by them. In the year 1652, French culinary recipes progressed to using mushrooms, truffles, and spices to set off and enrich the flavor of food. The classical thick sauces gave way to delicate stocks and sauces, whereas meat is usually served in its own juice. At that time, a French cook called La Varenne, authored the first cookery book on French cuisine, with dishes listed alphabetically, together with cooking directions for vegetables. At present, French cuisine is based on the variations of the many regions of France. With each region being known for its celebrated culture, cuisine in France can be broadly classified into three categories: 1. French culinary recipes based on the northern regions of the nation comprises of trouts, pikes, salmon and birds. Meat dishes and tarts generally contain fruit. The famous Calvados and Camembert cheeses are also included in the preparation of their food. 2. French cuisine based on the regions of Central France is renowned throughout the country. The popular ingredients used in their dishes are red wine and garlic butter added to chicken or beef. The motivation to prepare innovative and home cooked food comes from Burgundy wines of this particular region. Homemade dishes are very central to this area of France. 3. French culinary recipes influenced by the southern regions of the nation comprise of olive oil, aubergines, tomatoes, Roquefort cheese, wild mushrooms, and garlic. In addition, the exotic range of seafood of this region greatly augments the reputation of its food. Across the word, delectable French cuisine graces the menu of many of the famous restaurants and hotels.
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