Transform your kitchen into a private bistro with classic French recipes like cassoulet and beef bourguignon. We'll help you master macarons, clafoutis, brioche and much more. Bon appetit!
Say ‘Oui!’ to Our Favorite French Recipes
Updated on Aug. 28, 2024
Classic Creme Brulee
My favorite dessert is this creme brulee recipe. Recently I was at a party where the guests finished preparing their own desserts by “broiling” the sugar on their portions with a small torch. What a great idea! —Joylyn Trickel, Helendale, California
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Strawberry Macarons
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
30 macarons
From the Recipe Creator:
These strawberry macarons have a sweet surprise in the filling: strawberry jam. To keep the jam contained, pipe the frosting around the outer edge before adding the jam in the center. —Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 macaron: 106 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Steak Frites
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Have a tasty and indulgent meal in just mere minutes with this steak frites recipe. Russet potatoes are thinly sliced for a crispy side dish. Then ribeye steak is lightly seasoned with butter, garlic and thyme and cooked on the stove until perfectly pink in the center, creating delicious, tender bites. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 3/4 cup fries: 517 calories, 39g fat (12g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 1267mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
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Nicoise Salad
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
More and more people in my workplace are becoming vegetarians. When we cook or eat together, the focus is on fresh produce. This salad combines some of our favorite ingredients in one dish—and with the hard-boiled eggs and kidney beans, it delivers enough protein to satisfy those who are skeptical of vegetarian fare. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 329 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 vegetable, 2 medium-fat meat, 11/2 starch.
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Country Cassoulet
Total Time
6 hours 40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This bean stew is fantastic with fresh dinner rolls and your favorite green salad. It's a hearty meal that's perfect after a long day in the garden. —Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 375 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 950mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 10g fiber), 35g protein.
Pair this stew with a fresh hunk of a homemade French baguette.
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Blood Orange Caramel Tarte Tatin
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
That sweet blood orange flavor with some brown sugar is a perfect combination. Whenever I have something to go to, my friends demand that I bring this dessert. —Pamela Butkowski, Hermosa Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 416 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
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Coq au Vin
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love being able to fix a fancy gourmet dish in such a short amount of time and still have it turn out so delicious. To reduce fat, use chicken tenderloin pieces or skinless chicken breasts. This recipe is really fabulous served with rice. —Judy VanCoetsem, Cortland, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 255 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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French Lentil and Carrot Soup
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s crazy how just a few ingredients can make such a difference. Using finely chopped rotisserie chicken in this recipe makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal, but you can leave the chicken out if you prefer. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 338 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 738mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Crepes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 crepes
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my favorite simple crepe recipe. It's best to make the batter at least 30 minutes ahead so the flour can absorb all the moisture before you start cooking the crepes. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 crepe: 61 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Summer Ratatouille
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make use of your garden’s surplus with this comforting dish from the Provence region of France. It’s a vegetable dish traditionally made with eggplant, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, garlic, bell peppers and various herbs. I highly recommend accompanying it with some freshly baked bread. —Phyllis Jacques, Venice, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup ratatouille with 1 cup bread cubes: 205 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 7g protein.
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Bouillabaisse
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings (5 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This golden-colored soup is brimming with an assortment of seafood and is paired with savory, colorful sourdough toast with spread.— Lauren Covas, New Brunswick, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups with 2 teaspoons spread on 1/2 slice of bread: 239 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Blueberry Clafoutis
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This blueberry clafoutis is somewhere between a fruit-filled pancake and a fruity egg custard. Wrong season for fresh berries? Use frozen berries thawed in a colander and discard the juice. —Ken Hulme, Venice, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 188 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
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The Best Quiche Lorraine
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nestled in a buttery, rustic crust, this quiche is filled with sweet onions, bacon bits and cheese. It's truly the best quiche Lorraine recipe. —Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 671 calories, 49g fat (27g saturated fat), 308mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
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Slow-Cooker Beef Burgundy
Total Time
7 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender cubes of beef are braised in a wine sauce with savory vegetables. I made this slow-cooker beef burgundy often when I worked full time. It’s good over noodles or mashed potatoes. —Sherri Mott, New Carlisle, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 460 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
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Fruit Tart
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s well worth the effort to whip up this creamy fruit tart bursting with juicy berries. A friend gave me the recipe, and it always receives rave reviews at gatherings. —Susan Terzakis, Andover, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 433 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Brioche Rolls
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
At 10 o'clock each morning, it's coffee time at our house. Friends, neighbors and relatives stop by just to grab a bite of these brioche rolls fresh from the oven. —Wanda Kristoffersen, Owatonna, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 295 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
Learn more about other types of French bread.
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Country French Pork with Prunes and Apples
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The classic flavors of herbes de Provence, apples and dried plums make this easy slow-cooked pork taste like a hearty meal at a French country cafe. For a traditional pairing, serve the pork with braised lentils. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork with 3/4 cup fruit mixture: 286 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 449mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
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Palmier Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes just two ingredients to make these impressive but easy-to-do French pastries, which are often called palm leaves. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 83 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0mg cholesterol, 34mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Vegetable Tian
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful, hearty and delicious dish originated in Provence, France. A mandoline makes easy work of slicing all the vegetables, but a knife will work just fine if you don't have one. —Francine Lizotte, Langley, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 287 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 387mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
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French Buttercream
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
French buttercream has a custard-like texture and is great if you're going to be piping shapes or decorations. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 72 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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French Hot Chocolate
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my fondest memories of Paris is sipping a cup of thick, dark hot chocolate at one of the patisseries there. Parisian hot chocolate is velvety smooth, rich and decadent and almost the consistency of a molten chocolate bar. It is meant to be sipped slowly and savored. I bought Parisian espresso cups so we could enjoy this at home. — Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 226 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Beef Daube Provencal
Total Time
5 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is perfect on cold winter days, especially after we have been out cutting wood or white-tail hunting. If you are lucky enough to have venison, try it here for melt-in-your-mouth goodness. —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup beef mixture: 237 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
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Grand Marnier Frozen Souffles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious frozen souffle is perfect for summer and will impress just about anyone. It's a great make-ahead dessert! —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 souffle: 258 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 189mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Crusty French Loaf
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
A delicate texture makes this French bread absolutely wonderful. I sometimes use this French bread recipe to make breadsticks, which I brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. —Deanna Naivar, Temple, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 109 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 225mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Duck with Brandy Cherry Sauce
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Elegant, delicious and colorful, this French duck dish is perfect to serve for special occasions. —Francine Lizotte, Langley, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 duck breast with 1/2 cup sauce: 494 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 539mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
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French Butter Cookies
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The Brittany region of France is known for its use of butter. These French butter cookies, also known as sable Breton, shine the spotlight on the famous ingredient. This recipe is mildly sweet, rich, crisp and has a hint of salt. You won't be able to resist having a second—or third. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 107 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 42mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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French Onion Soup
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup soup with 2 pieces bread and 1 tablespoon cheese: 195 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 765mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
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Lemon Macarons
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
30 macarons
From the Recipe Creator:
These light and airy lemon macarons are perfect for special occasions or to give as gifts. —Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 macaron: 108 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb with Mushroom Sauce
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings (1 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
With this easy, surefire recipe, you don't have to be afraid to prepare a rack of lamb for a holiday dinner. Rice pilaf and roasted asparagus are a lovely way to round out the meal. —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 rack with 1/4 cup sauce: 532 calories, 39g fat (14g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
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Potatoes Lyonnaise
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned how to make this classic dish in culinary school. It’s comforting and simple to prepare. I like to switch up the herbs to give it a different flavor every time. The side is fantastic for casual dinners but also elegant enough for any holiday. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 190 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
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Socca
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Socca is a traditional flatbread from Nice, France. It's a common street food, cooked on a grill and served in a paper cone, usually chopped and sprinkled with salt, pepper or other delicious toppings. Bonus: It's gluten free. — Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 113 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Vol-au-Vent
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends and I have been getting together for "ladies lunches" for years. These vol-au-vents are the perfect no-fuss fancy food; they look complicated, but are actually simple and fun to make. Whenever I think of good friends and good company, I think of these savory pastries. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled pastry: 669 calories, 45g fat (16g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein.
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Chocolate-Glazed Raspberry Eclairs
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
1 dozen
Nutrition Facts:
1 eclair: 295 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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French Potato Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
French potato salad is vinegar-based instead of creamy, and is made with Dijon mustard, olive oil, scallions or shallots, and fresh herbs. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 201 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 239mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
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Macarons
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
30 macarons
From the Recipe Creator:
Even when decorated simply—a sprinkle of sugar and a drizzle of icing—these stylish beauties will be the showstoppers on any Christmas cookie tray. They are part of our creative Christmas cookies collection every year. —Josh Rink, Photo Stylist Taste Recipes
Nutrition Facts:
1 macaron: 101 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Quick Bearnaise Sauce
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
Bearnaise sauce is similar to Hollandaise but features wine and tarragon. This speedy recipe is delicious served over cooked vegetables or beef tenderloin. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 129 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 95mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Roasted Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Dutch oven roast chicken recipe gets wonderful flavor from the celery, onion and parsley tucked inside. This is my family’s favorite way to make roast chicken. When my daughter was away at school, she even called home to ask me for the recipe so she could make it herself. —Judy Page, Edenville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 525 calories, 25g fat (7g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 1399mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 52g protein.
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Yule Log
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A Yule log cake, also called a Buche de Noel, is a rolled sponge cake shaped and decorated to resemble a wooden log. This fanciful dessert is a holiday baking tradition that dates back to 19th-century France. This particular chocolate Yule log recipe from Bernadette Colvin of Tomball, Texas, has been a favorite Christmas dessert for her family. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 245 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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French 75
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
French 75 was a drink created at Harry's New York Bar, which is located in Paris France, during WWI. The original version of the drink had a powerful kick, like a French 75 mm artillery gun. The version here uses less gin. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 140 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Pressure-Cooker French Onion Soup
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love French onion soup on a cold night, but I don't love the time it takes. This is my quick version for when we're short on time. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 87 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 724mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Poached Pears with Vanilla Sauce
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 539 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 107g carbohydrate (96g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
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Croque-Madame
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son and I love having a croque-madame (a fried egg atop our grilled ham and cheese) for lunch. If eggs aren't your favorite, you can make the sandwich without it (which makes it a croque-monsieur). —Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 758 calories, 47g fat (24g saturated fat), 344mg cholesterol, 1691mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 46g protein.
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Lemon Vinaigrette
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1/2 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
Versatile and delicious, this lemon vinaigrette is a favorite among homemade salad dressings. The fresh lemon flavor brightens up simple green salads as a dressing but it's also a lively addition to fresh steamed vegetables, like broccoli, green beans or cauliflower. —Sarah Farmer, Taste Recipes Culinary Director
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 183 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
