French gastronomy is an art in itself. Just like the French woman, it has no need for fancy introductions or explanations for existing; it just is.
Below are 7 rules and suggestions that will change your dining style significantly. They are regularly used by the French and probably underestimated by the rest. Let’s get started.
1. Make Your Own Salad Dressing
Get rid of all those artificial dressings, especially the proclaimed “French” dressing. Who named it after the French when it doesn’t even taste like the real homemade French dressings? Yes, the French make their own salad dressing and most of the times it’s on a par with what we call vinaigrette.
For starters, mix a bit of sea salt, sherry wine vinegar, chopped shallot, dijon mustard, and some olive oil. Not only will this dressing taste less better, it’ll also save you money since you can use these ingredients for other dishes as well.
2. Ditch the Space-Taking Condiments…
…in your fridge. Toss that ketchup, mustard, fake French dressing, and soy sauce. Well, only if you want to follow in the footsteps of the French. They don’t have a need for these condiments since they usually make their own when they need to. Also, their fridges are smaller than the average American fridge.
Tossing these condiments will ultimately benefit your health, food taste, and your pocket. After all, those condiments have so many additives that offer no benefit to us. The lack of condiments will also push you to experiment with new methods in the kitchen. And last but not least, those condiments may run for $4.00 each and we think there are better things to use that money for.
3. Water is the Only Drink
Our bodies can go without all of those sugary and carbonated drinks and the French know this. They even have water bars where they serve various mineralized waters. Water is all we need and if it’s too hard for you to swallow, no pun intended, then start with sparkling water. Or even flavored sparkling water like San Pellegrino. Yum!
4. …And Herbal Tea
Okay so we know we said water was the only thing but herbal tea, or tisane, is the next best thing. Sure, Parisians also drink coffee and hot chocolate but herbal tea is definitely not underestimated. And please, try to refrain from the black tea since it doesn’t count. Try something natural and tastier like peppermint tea.
5. Eat Without Distractions
Step away from the couch, your T.V. set, and your bed. Invest in a dining table with actual seating. Dining should be given all of your attention. By giving it your focus, you can prevent overeating and enjoy your food even more. Also, dining at the table is a great time for human interaction and conversation.
