Gourmet Cooking Recipes Of European And American Cuisines
French Heritage Cuisine provides gourmet cooking recipes inspired by historical European and American cuisines. Our offerings include appetizers, side dishes, main courses, and desserts. We also offer insights into various global cooking ingredients, and many of our recipes are based on these unique culinary ingredients.
“How can anyone govern a nation that has two hundred and forty-six different kinds of cheese?”
Just as the French cheese selection seemed pleasantly endless to Charles de Gaulle, so too are the modern cook’s options for making the next meal. Where to start? With so many flavors, smells, and textures available to experiment with, it can be a difficult decision, though admittedly, not as consequential as de Gaulle’s. My love for historical recipes has often inspired my menu choices. There is something satisfying about connecting with past generations through food. I am particularly drawn to recipes from European cuisines or notable restaurants that have come and gone. Whether I am recreating a recipe from 19th century France, made more straightforward by pre-made and readily available ingredients or seasonings, applying a tried and true technique to a modern recipe, or creating a new recipe inspired by a famous American steakhouse, the process is as satisfying as the results. I think Charles de Gaulle would agree. John
Appetizer and Hors d'oeuvres
Gourmet Recipes For Meal Starters
A single appetizer starter or a variety of several can set the tone of a meal. You should always strive for savory gourmet starters to share at the table for your dinner meal. When entertaining guests without sitting down for dinner, various platters of gourmet hors d'oeuvres are sure to impress.
Side Dishes
Recipes For Gourmet Side Dishes To Complement Your Entree
Gourmet side dishes can be the highlight of a dinner. The right savory side can impress your dinner guests. Some dinner sides can take lengthy preparation; others are simple. Some of the most common and traditional are vegetables and breads. The potato plays a significant role and has an excellent reputation for elegant and savory side dishes. The French have achieved unparalleled dishes with the potato, or in French (pomme de terre), "apple of the earth", which is how it translates for potato. Many French potato dishes are excellent, savory, and visually appealing. American steakhouses are known to have side dishes that are very indulgent at times. Be it a historical European side or a creation from an American steakhouse, you can make many gourmet side dish recipes at home to impress your guests.
Main Dishes
Gourmet Entree Main Course Recipes
Select a dish to impress your dinner guests when it comes to a gourmet entree. Be it a casual pizza night or a formal get-together, there is a fitting entree. Many entrees, like pizza, pasta, or meats, can be taken to a gourmet level with savory sauce. Some European entrees are historical, dating back centuries; other cuisines, like American, may not have as extensive a history. Be it an age-old or a modern cuisine, you will surely find a fitting dinner meal to prepare for guests.
Desserts
Recipes For Gourmet Desserts
Gourmet desserts can range from elaborate to easy. I develop more recipes for easy gourmet desserts. My dessert recipes are well within the capability of being made in the home kitchen. Some of the best desserts to make at home are cakes and tarts. The ability to make a variety of desserts based on these two is vast. The types range from chocolate to nuts and berries, often accented with vanilla, orange, or lemon. However, many other types of desserts, from European historical ones to American desserts, borrow ideas and flavors from worldwide cuisines.
Gourmet Cooking Ingredients
Exploring Unique Global Culinary Ingredients
Sometimes, a unique ingredient inspires an appetizer, hors d'oeuvres platter, side dish, entree, or dessert. Today, many fine premade ingredients are available for gourmet cooking. Explore our Ingredients page, as many of the ingredients give ideas for how to use them in various cooking and baking applications.