pain de mais

Pain de Mais (Cornbread)

Cornbread. Could there be anything more American? This national classic made me ponder whether the French eat anything close to cornbread, as I found cornmeal nonexistent in Paris’s markets. I’ve heard it exists in some of the smaller, international grocery stores there, but it’s definitely not a staple item in their markets’ baking aisles. The French just don’t seem to have the fascination with corn that Americans do. 

gratin dauphinois

Gratin Dauphinois (Scalloped Potatoes)

For me, Thanksgiving is all about the sides. I think that a lot of you share the same sentiment. The turkey, as delicious and necessary as it is to a proper Thanksgiving spread, can be brined, seasoned, and even fried to your satisfaction, but that’s not what makes most of us excited for our day of feasting. Because, to be honest, doesn’t Turkey just taste a bit like chicken? I mean, really, it’s not all that different.