French may be the language of love, but for us, French food is our love language.
Try one (or more) of these classic French recipes to wow your love for un dîner romantique.
Duck Confit
Duck confit is rich duck legs cooked completely submerged in duck fat. After a nice low and slow roast and a quick trip to the stovetop, the duck is fall apart tender with a golden brown crisp skin. Serve it along a silky potato purée and your favorite green vegetable.
Roasted Duck with Orange Sauce
For a faster-cooking but no less decadent duck dish, look to our take on the classic duck a l'orange. Duck breasts have a substantial layer of fat, which is seared and rendered until crispy and savory. Take advantage of in-season oranges for a bright and slightly sweet sauce that is impressive, but simple.
Sautéed Trout a la Meuniere
Julia Child, the much-adored friend of the CIA, has said that this dish, eaten on her first day in Paris, cemented her love affair with French cuisine. We've modernized the presentation (no fish heads on the menu for Valentine's Day), but but the classic flavors of toasty brown butter remains. We like it served with simply sautéed vegetables.
Moules Marinière
Pair these garlic, white wine, and butter-steamed mussels with Pommes Frîtes for a classic combination of Moules-Frîtes. For something a little different, add a splash of Pernod or other anise-flavored liqueur.
Chocolate Sabayon Torte
The French may favor a cheese plate, but on Valentine's Day, we think a deeply flavorful chocolate cake is magnifique. Made with a rich egg yolk foam called a sabayon, this cake is the definition of decadent.
Crème Brûlée
If chocolate isn't your perfect match, there is no more iconic dessert than this toasted sugar-topped custard. Personalize your crème brûlée by adding a dash of your favorite spirit or liqueur, or by first steeping the milk with ingredients like cracked coffee beans, fresh herbs, or whole spices. You can purchase a small culinary torch at most home or big-box stores.
