"4 Course" dinner in 30 Minutes

Tips for creating a "4 course" dinner in 30 minutes

Now, let me first start off saying that in a way, this claim of a 4 course meal in 30 minutes is a bit of a cheat as most Francophile dinners are simple and light. This is a sample meal that we make every one to two weeks on the busy nights with lots of activities or if the hubs is working late.

These pictures were taken in real time and show the start and finished product. 

Whats for dinner?

1. Avocado Capresse Salad
2. Eggs Coquette with Soldiers
3. Salad with homemade vinaigrette
4. Pears with Yogurt

How do I do this?

Start by putting a dash of cream (milk, heavy cream, half and half...anything creamy) in the bottom of each ramekin. Then crack eggs on top. My kids usually get one egg while adults will typically get two. Then I add herbs and spices... we usually add Rosemary (because it is my favorite herb) salt, pepper, some sort of creamy, melty cheese and mustard... .(trust me, mustard and eggs is heavenly!!) Top with a splash of cream if you want then in the oven on a baking sheet or dish to contain the ramekins at 375F.

These are some of my favorite salts to "elevate" any portion of my meal

While the eggs are cooking, slice bread and put in toaster.

While bread is toasting prep the first course,  combine chopped avocado, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese with balsamic vinegar, and a splash of olive oil. Add a dash of salt and put on the table with a serving utensil.

Next whisk together a dab of mustard, red wine vinegar, a dash of sugar, and a splash of olive oil in the bottom of a bowl that will fit everyones salad serving... after the dressing is made, top with the salad greens but do NOT mix it. Put salad tongs in the bowl and add to the table.

   

Toast should be done by now so grab the toast in cut into small strips. Place on small plate and again put on the table.

Check on the eggs in the oven.. if you or your children are timid about runny yolk (Side Note - it is not a guaranteed night on the toilet if you eat raw eggs, it is a small risk but eggs can and have been consumed raw for ages... Americans seem to be afraid for some reason, runny yolks are a rich, creamy, ambrosia... try it!) you can puncture the yolk and replace in the oven. The eggs will take around 20/30 min depending on your preference on how hard or soft you like them.

Look at you! We have the first 3 courses finished... now for dessert. In individual small bowls or ramekins, put a bit of yogurt in with your fruit of choice. Place on a tray off to the side on the table.

Next, fill everyones drinks and place on the table.

Got my wine!

Have the kids help "dress" the table with placemats, table cloth, dishes, utensils and napkins.

Dinner is just about all ready and you can see my middle one putting forks and plates on the table.

Pull the eggs from the oven and plate and take to the table. Fill a pitcher of water and place on the table while everyone is gathering for dinner. Say grace.

Clock reads 6:36 - 2 minutes to spare!

Great! Now how do I serve this?

Everyone must taste. Sometimes we feel rushed by our kids so we now have the rule that once the parents OR everyone has finished their "course" then the group can move on together to the next course. Think of it like a train, or tickets. Taking a bite will get you a ticket to the next part of the meal.

*TIP* The thing to remember here is not to turn the single taste into a fight, or worse, begin the 3 more bites game. Put it in front of them. Tell them to taste it, and change the subject. Talk about anything. Unicorns, a trip, the laundry, the weather... anything! Remind stubborn stragglers (Sutton haha) when you are getting close to being done, and that they will keep everyone from getting to the next course. Remember that you are teaching their tastebuds to be "grown up" and they need to try everything. "YOU DONT HAVE TO LIKE IT BUT YOU DO HAVE TO TRY IT".

First up is the capresse salad. Put a serving on each plate. Once complete, put each ramekin on each person's plate. After the eggs are plated, add the soldiers as an accompaniment. Once this course is complete, toss the dressing resting on the bottom of the bowl to evenly distribute your dressing. Serve the salad. *Use your pitcher of water to refill cups as needed.* Once everyone has had their fill of all of the courses, serve the dessert of the yogurt and fruit.

If your kids or you are hungry after, finish the remnants of the previous courses before getting seconds. This is important to showing the children that they can't just take a bite of everything then get extras and fill up on their favorite foods. If they are truly that hungry they will finish all of the portions if they really want that extra yummy food. Try very hard not to get into fights, focus on other things and the kids will eat. I promise!

Bon Chance Mon Ami!