Spring Box: Parisian Lunch Ideas

Are you feeling some "joie de vivre" now that you have your chic Parisian embroidered napkins? The Parisian way of life is about leisure, pleasure, community...and incredibly delicious food! What to have for lunch then to experience a little sliver of that?

Before you eat, if you can get somewhere that's quiet (or outdoors...please Spring, hurry!) so you can relax and enjoy for a few minutes, try and do that it. If you'd like a soundtrack while eating, check out the station "60s French Pop Radio" on Pandora or the playlist "Ye-Ye (60s French Pop)" on Spotify.

Ok, let's do a yummy sandwich!

Cut a wedge of French bread and slice it in half. Spread apricot preserves on both. Layer turkey and brie (I like Supreme from Trader Joe's) and place that half under the broiler. (Keep an eye on it! You want the brie to get gooey. Some of the brie will melt off the sandwich but make sure you keep it, you can dip your green apple chunks in it.) Top with the other half of bread and...YUM!!!

If you are feeling more like a salad, make a delicious Tuna Niçoise and I promise you, it's easy! 

Take 50/50 salad mix and add a few handfuls to a big bowl. On top, add the following, clockwise: sliced radishes, green beans, black olives, chunked tuna, halved hard boiled eggs, grape tomatoes, and sliced or quartered new potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with a vinaigrette of your choice. (I like to just experiment with olive oil and white wine vinegar and add some lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper...maybe some thyme. Try making your own mix!)

If you really need something quick and easy, try Amy's French Country Vegetable soup with a hunk of French bread for dipping. It's one of my favorites!

Note: Parisians are not big snackers so if you really want to manger comme les français, focus on your entrée. HOWEVER...

For an easy side, pair sliced green apples with seasoned (savory or candied) walnuts. You could also make some pomme frites sprinkled with some truffle salt. Honestly, what's better?

For a sweet treat, there are so many possibilities, of course! Enjoy a macaron, which are easy to find in the grocery store's bakery or frozen dessert section. If you are lucky enough to have a French bakery nearby, like me, treat yourself to a few of these delicious sweets...and how about trying a new-to-you flavor for a little extra adventure! There are also yummy cookies, like Palmiers or these chocolate crepe wafer cookies from Trader Joe's.

If you are in the mood for something lighter, a Yoplait Oui French yogurt is delightful! They even have a non-dairy version.

I'm a big proponent of water all day, every day and I always squeeze some lemon in it for a bit of flavor. However, if you need something fizzy, you always have Perrier. If you want to get fancy, try a French soda. (I enjoy Pink Lemonade and Strawberry Basil. You can find these at World Market or Trader Joe's.)

Profitez de votre déjeuner basé sur un goût de Paris!

(Let's hear some of your ideas! Comment below!)