File that to the Francophile!

As a self-proclaimed Francophile, I get a little bit gushy over all things France. The language, the people, the culture, the FOOD (this is where Chez Daniel comes in), all make me a little starry eyed.

While I have yet to make my personal trek to France, it remains a lifelong dream. In the meantime, I satisfy my French longings with French films, kitschy Eiffel Tower items (earrings and cookie cutters, anyone?), and of course cooking and eating French fare! I even love French Bulldogs, and Creme brulee is by and large my favorite French dessert with our Profiteroles a close second. 

It's a fun hobby and keeps the momentum forward-looking for an eventual European vacation. I think that in this way I'm better prepared!

Test your own Francophile-ness with this quiz from About.com: Are You a Francophile?

So, how'd you do? Are you a Francophile, or do you have some other fun kitschy hobby? I'd love to hear about it!

Soup-er Duper!

Not only is warmth a desired trait in one's breakfast food or beverage of choice, but it's also somewhat of a comfort in all meals now that the weather is decidedly autumnal. 

Soup is one of the first foods that comes to mind as being positively soothing on cold days. Here at Chez Daniel, we pride ourselves on serving house-made soups that carry about as much joy and warmth as you can possibly get by the spoonful. 

Everyday we serve up three from-scratch soups that are sure to melt any lingering icicles and nip that frostbite in the bud. Our house-made French Onion and Cream of Mushroom soups are offered every day of the week, while the third soup, a Soup du Jour, could be anything that strikes Chef's fancy. 

What's your favorite soup? 

Stop on in this week to warm up over a cup or bowl and chase any of those "winter's en route" blues away!

Cassoulet

Cassoulet, the French version of casserole, is the perfect comfort food for this autumn weather we've been experiencing. A slow-cooked dish that typically contains meat and beans, there are many versions of the cassoulet in France and throughout the world.

A recent favorite that I stumbled across is this Two-Bean Cassoulet recipe from Better Homes & Gardens. This version contains chicken thighs, black beans, and butter beans.

Otherwise, there are plenty of options, from vegetarian to meatier options with lamb, pork, beef, or some combination of several carnivorous delights! There are many great recipes on the internet; otherwise, your favorite cooking magazines or French cookbooks should feature a cassoulet recipe or two for the Fall/Winter seasons.

Have you ever made a cassoulet or do you have a favorite casserole recipe that's your go-to favorite for chilly nights? Let us know, as we'd love to hear about it!

Fall is in the air!

The sun is setting earlier every night, the air is decidedly cooler, and the mornings are downright chilly. While I like to spend those steamy summer mornings enjoying iced lattes and cold coffee drinks (courtesy of City Blend, thank you), they are quite unappealing as of late.

In the meantime, I've been getting by with the timer on my coffee maker, so there's a hot, fresh pot waiting for me when I crawl out of bed. It's actually a good motivator to get up and start the day, because I don't have to go through all of the trouble of making coffee, the grinding and filling, and the hassle of waiting.

So, what gets you out of bed on these chilly mornings? Are you a hot cereal fan or hot chocolate lover? Or, like me do you rely on the dark stuff, coffee?

French Fare at the Fair

Today marks the beginning of the last weekend of the 2011 Minnesota State Fair, an annual celebration of food, community, and fun for the 'You Betcha' state.

This year, we spied some interesting options for French fare at the Fair. French Meadow Bakery and Cafe, located at Carnes Ave. and Underwood St., offers more than just your typical two-item plus drinks stand. Several varieties of croissant, lattes, scones, sandwiches, and more are some of the delights found at this adorably bright cafe spot!

If crepes are what you're after, head to the French Creperie (right next to the French Meadow Bakery). With breakfast crepes (filled with eggs, cheese, and/or breakfast meats), fruit crepes, hot crepes, and your traditional crepe with every topping option under the sun, the French Creperie will surely satisfy that crepe craving!

Then, if you head to the Crossroads Building (attached to the Food Building) and find yourself looking for something sweet after those salty Cheese Curds, look no further! The Ragin Cajun serves up all sorts of French Creole, down-home, Louisiana Bayou goodness. For that sweet and deliciously French item you were looking for, try a beignet. Similar to a donut, beignets are a square of fried dough, dusted with a healthy amount of sugar.

If after all that, you find yourself a bit thirsty and are craving some wine (in true French fashion), you're out of luck for a French varietal. However, you are able to snag some Minnesota wines at the Fair. (Think global, act local, right?!) Either grab a glass while you're at the French Creperie; otherwise, you can sample Minnesota wines as well as foods made with Minnesota wines (including ice cream) in the Horticulture building. Look for the happy individuals carting around cardboard cut-outs of our great state that serve as wine tasting boards.

Now you know what you want and where to find it, so what are you waiting for? Get thee to the Fair!