French-inspired recipes for Thanksgiving dinner menu chosen among classic French cuisine repertoire or nice dishes that will perfectly suit and give a twist.
Do the French celebrate Thanksgiving?
Unlike Americans and Canadians, in France, we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving. Therefore there are no holidays either during that period.
Even more, most French don’t know what this celebration is about. They roughly know the period (maybe thanks to Black Friday, which is now a bargain well appreciated in France).
Most also know that Americans eat giant Turkeys with stuffing at Thanksgiving. I think most don’t understand that the dates are not the same in America and Canada.
This is not the same with Halloween, which is celebrated in France and does have roots in Europe too, and Black Friday that international brands introduced as a way to sell more and more. It started to appear in France in the mid-2010s.
Why don’t the French celebrate Thanksgiving?
The origin of Thanksgiving dates from the 17h century when people in the new world started to celebrate harvest.
In France, there are local traditions named fête des moissons / harvest festival.
Considering those overseas roots, it’s expected that the French and Europeans, not having the same history, don’t celebrate it.
How to say Happy Thanksgiving in French
As we ay Joyeux Noël (Merry Christmas), in French we can say joyeuse fête de Thanksgiving or Joyeux Thanksgiving or Joyeuse Thanksgiving (is Thanksgiving male or female???).
In Canadian French it’s Joyeuse action de grâce.
What recipes to choose in the French cooking repertoire that suit traditional Thanksgiving dinner or French recipes that could be adapted or give a nice French twist to your menu?
Here is a roundup of recipes I think, from a French perspective, not really used to American or Canadian traditions but with a little bit of knowledge of cuisine, would give a French je ne sais quoi.
Apéro
kir and Kir royal
While Kir Royal is made with Champagne or other sparkling wines instead of white wine, Kir is the original preparation with dry white wine. Both cocktails, originating from France, are incredibly fancy, delicious, and refreshing, making them perfect for any occasion.
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Vin Chaud French Authentic Mulled Wine
The perfect way to prepare vin chaud / mulled wine in my native region of French Alps, with red wine, spices and oranges.
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Pesto Rosso and Tapenade Tarte Soleil (Puff Pastry Sun Tart)
This tart is an impressive treat for simple moments or great occasions. A complex appearance and very nice presentation but actually it’s very easy to make. The kids just love tarte soleil. Adults too. It’s one of those gorgeous dishes that make a “wow” impression!
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Starter
Pumpkin Soup with Caramelized Gingerbread Croutons
Quick and easy smooth squash soups with a twist: croutons of pain d’épices aka honey and spices gingerbread, previously pan fried in butter to become caramelized. Comforting and delicious. Pan fry cubed gingerbread with butter. Prepare the soup, cook vegetables and mix. Dress soup in bowls with gingerbread croutons, cream and parmesan.
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Main
Roasted Capon with Chestnuts and Winter Vegetables
Cook capon in the oven the French traditional way at Christmas, with winter vegetables and chestnuts. I give you cooking tips for very tender meat.
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Roast Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Sunday oven-roasted chicken is a tradition in France. Here with a nice twist: on a bed of sweet potatoes instead of potatoes. It gets a bit caramelized.
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Side
Purée with Dried Ceps and Potatoes
Mushroom lovers, here’s how to give a festive way to serve mashed potatoes or creamy French style purée.
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French Classic Potato Gratin
This is an absolute classic of French cuisine, traditional side for any kind of main dish. I explain step by step in photos how to master this recipe.
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Caramelized Onions
This onion stew or confit, almost caramelized, can be served as a side to any kind of savory dish or even be added to your preparations, such as savory custard or tarts. A French recipe.
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Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans Bundles
A traditional dish in France that's always a pleasure to eat yet so easy to prepare. From casual to fancy dinner, it's the perfect side for your meat or fish dishes.
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French-Style Peas Petits-pois à la française
A great classic of French cuisine, pure pleasure for vegetable or traditional dishe lovers of seasonal. Wonderful combination of sweet green peas, spring onion and lettuce. Possible with frozen peas to serve all year long. Vegetarian version without bacon.
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Dessert
Butternut Squash and Vanilla Flan
A delicious, quick and easy silky dessert mainly made with butternut squash purée, without flour – thus gluten free – and without any fat. A French homecooking recipe.
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Alsacian Streusel Crisp
Streusel is a traditional crumble topping from East France Alsace. Cinnamon and hazelnut or almond powder are added to the classic butter – sugar – flour mix.
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French Iconic Tarte Tatin, Upside-Down Caramelized Apple Pie
This upside-down caramelized apple tart is an iconic recipe of French cuisine. I give you the classic recipe and story befind.
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French Apple Tart with Norman Cream
The French love tarte aux pommes / apple tart. Here is an easy old-fashioned apple pie generously garnished with apples with a decadent custard from Normandy. One recipe and two ways of serving it, gorgeous pie like a pastry chef, or basic homecooking way in a tart tin.
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Passion Fruit and Chocolate Fudgy Brownie, with a French Twist
An American classic with a French twist. Passion fruit gives a twist to the fudge dark chocolate brownie and seeds a crunchy texture. Mix all ingredients and bake, that’s all.
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Or if you want to have a French-themed Thanksgiving dinner, then select from the best French Christmas recipes.
Happy Thanksgiving and Bon Appétit!
You made one of these recipes? Tag @My_Parisian_Kitchen on Instagram or use #myparisiankitchen so that I can see what you cooked.
