French

Espagnole is a classic brown sauce, typically made from brown stock, mirepoix, and tomatoes, and thickened with roux. Given that the sauce is French in origin, where did the name come from? According to Alan Davidson, in The Oxford Companion to Food, "The name has nothing to do with Spain, any more than the counterpart term allemande has anything to do with Germany. It is generally believed that the terms were chosen because in French eyes Germans are blond and Spaniards are brown."

Despite being low in fat, these little cookies will satisfy any chocolate lover's craving.

Truffles add a flavorful woodsy note, but if you make this French-influenced celery-root purée without them, it will still be delicious.

Elise McBryde of Stamford, Connecticut, writes: "I would love to have the recipe for the Valrhona chocolate pudding served at the City Limits Diner, in Stamford, Connecticut."

Armelle Curley of Smithtown, New York, writes: "My mother, who was French, traditionally made this almond butter cake for Easter. She ground her own almonds, but I find it's much easier to use almond paste instead. I've been making it now for 70 years — not just for Easter, but for other holidays and special occasions."

Pommes allumettes There are two temptations in this recipe that you need to resist: Do not use a small pot for frying the potatoes — the oil will bubble up and overflow, which is extremely dangerous. And do not try to cook the potatoes in fewer than 6 batches or they won't get crisp enough. Because the timing for this menu can be complicated, we recommend that you make the potatoes ahead. They are just as delicious at room temperature as they are when hot.

This recipe is an accompaniment for <epi:recipelink id="230635">Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce, Creamed Spinach, and Truffled French Fries</epi:recipelink>. You'll need a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil.

Slender wedges of this creamy quiche also make a wonderful appetizer.

This recipe sponsored by Black Swan Vineyards

Grand Marnier adds a little kick to this variation on the classic Champagne cocktail.

A pretty drink for brunch or lunch.

A dish from the Pays de Caux region in northern France, where it is called salade Cauchoise. The salad is traditionally bound with crème fraîche, but it is delicious made with mayonnaise, too. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Nothing is more basic to French olive people than tapenade, the simple and delicious Provençal caviar eaten with toasted bread. It can be flavored with garlic, bay, thyme, mustard, and even rum or Cognac. Here, it is done the old way.