Ideas for a French Main Meal

Mardrew

I wonder if you kind people could give me some inspiration. We are having a group of friends around for a French theme food evening and I am trying to put my main course together and need some ideas please. I'm very much a 'chicken person' and was wondering if anyone had any fail-safe recipes you could let me have. I'm thinking for something other than coq-au-vin (but will do it if someone has a good recipe) and also what 'French style' veg to accompany.

Many thanks

Mardrew

adsk

If you like chicken a different spin on chicken with wine would be Coq au Riesling. A traditional recipe in Alsace/Lorraine in Eastern France. It's particularly nice made with a jointed whole chicken rather than with just chicken breast.

Nigel Slater version of the recipe here
http://www.beard-redfern.com/recipe.html


Here's a version from the region of origin (with a slightly dodgy translation but you'll get the gist)

http://www.alsace-route-des-vins.com/NewVersion/index.cfm/fuseaction/Gastronomie.ShowRecette/ID/33/Language/En.cfm



Do use the correct type of wine (Alsace Riesling - Tesco Finest or M&S are very nice. Both cost £5.99 each so not very money saving I'm afraid).

cannycat

If you're looking for a twist, how about chicken with some kind of calvados sauce?

And, of course, yummy French cheese and bread and/or chocolate mousse for afters.

Oh no, I'm making myself hungry again!

Pink.

Hi Mardrew,

Delia's Chicken with Sherry Vinegar and Tarragon Sauce is lovely (assuming you like tarragon). Like coq au vin, it's a great dinner party dish as it can be bubbling away leaving you time to spend with your friends.

Pink

Mardrew

You are superstars. I knew you would get me sorted. Also, thanks for the wine suggestions. As we are only providing the main course I can push the boat out a bit for the wine. Whenever we do anything like this the host does the main course and the other courses are divided up. It makes it so much easier and cheaper.