Food, drinks, and fireworks in July aren’t limited to the United States. Ten days after America’s Independence Day, the French also have their own red, white and blue holiday. Called variously la Fête Nationale or 14 juillet (Bastille Day to English speakers), the day celebrates the anniversary of the storming of the medieval Bastille prison on July 14, 1789. This event spurred the violent overthrow of the monarchy, making way for a republic and the beginning of a modern nation. This year the French may have an additional reason to celebrate: a win in their quarter-final World Cup match against Morocco this Thursday would propel them to the semi-final round to be held on — you guessed it — July 14.
Whether or not you are cheering for the football team, Bastille Day provides the perfect excuse to make delicious French food and celebrate liberté, égalité, and fraternité. The EYB Library contains a multitude of options including over 18,000 French recipes available online to help you celebrate. Here are a few Member favorites:
- Onion soup (Soupe à l'oignon) from Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volumes I & II by Julia Child and Louisette Bertholle and Simone Beck
- Traditional French cassoulet from Serious Eats
- Mushroom Bourguignon from The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook by Deb Perelman
- Coq au Riesling from Nigella Express by Nigella Lawson
- Marie-Hélène’s apple cake from Around My French Table by Dorie Greenspan
- Potato gratin forestiere from Los Angeles Times by Daniel Boulud and Dorie Greenspan
- Chicken with mustard (Poulet à la moutarde) from My Paris Kitchen by David Lebovitz
- Creamy tomato bisque from Modern Comfort Food by Ina Garten
- Fromage fort from The Splendid Table by Jacques Pépin
- Gâteau Opéra from Chocolat by Eric Lanlard
- Orange & brown butter madeleines from Food52 by Aran Goyoaga
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