The Art of Easy French Cooking

Pay homage to the Queen of the Kitchen–Julia Child–by preparing these simplified classic French dishes. Since you won't be spending all day in the kitchen, invite friends over for a quick bite and catch Julie & Julia at the theater.

Photo: Rick Lew; Styling: Ana Kelley

Croque-Madame

Before you take in a matinee, whip up this indulgent open-faced sandwich for your movie-going pals. Make the Mornay sauce just before assembling the sandwiches, to ensure the best, most luscious flavor for you and your friends.

Recipe: Croque-Madame

Randy Mayor; Melanie J. Clarke

Croque Monsieur

Serve a French-style grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich for a hearty pre-theater dinner. Prep the sandwiches before guests arrive, then cook them in the skillet in batches so that everyone gets a piping hot meal before they head for the movies.

Recipe: Croque Monsieur

Photo: James Merrell

Quick No-Cook Paté

Appetizers don't get much easier–or fresh–than this. Combine the four main ingredients in a food processor then serve over baguette slices for an easy do-it-yourself appetizer that's sure to get guests talking.

Recipe: Quick No-Cook Paté

Espresso Crepes with Ice Cream and Dark Chocolate Sauce

Skip dinner altogether and serve a delicious (and fun!) dessert before heading out to see the flick. Make the crepes ahead, then assemble the five-ingredient desserts while the guests are arriving. Lick the chocolate off your fingers and get going–you've got a movie to see!

Recipe: Espresso Crepes with Ice Cream and Dark Chocolate Sauce

Photo: Petrina Tinslay

Basic Quiche

Prepare this recipe and cook the quiche so that it finishes just before your guests arrive. Ask them to bring wine or a bite-sized dessert (save room for movie popcorn!) to pair nicely with this one-dish meal. If you like, add a small green salad to round out the menu.

Recipe: Basic Quiche

Photo: James Baigrie

Salmon Nicoise Salad

When the weather is warm and time is short, nothing beats a deliciously light and summer salad. In the time it takes to boil the new potatoes, the rest of the dish comes together in a indulgent cacophony of flavors. Thanks to the bite-sized pieces, this dish is ideal for a standing room only apartment gathering before a big night out.

Recipe: Salmon Nicoise Salad

Becky Luigart-Stayner; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell

Quick Coq au Vin

Shortcut the classic French recipe by cooking the dish uncovered over high heat, which reduces the liquid and concentrates the flavors in a fraction of the time, leaving you with plenty of time to stand in line for popcorn at the movie.

Recipe: Quick Coq au Vin

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Shrimp Bouillabaisse Fondue

This inspired take on the French stew captures all the flavors of a dish that has simmered all day long, but cooks up much more quickly and provides a fun entertainment element for your guests. Serve with crusty French bread and a light dry wine.

Recipe: Shrimp Bouillabaisse Fondue

Photo: Beau Gustafson; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Herbes de Provence Lamb Chops with Orzo

Herbes de Provence is an excellent shortcut to making a dynamic rub with only a few ingredients. Cook the chops in the broiler for about six minutes, turning once halfway through the cook time, then serve with a quick pasta toss. You'll be at the theater before the opening credits begin to roll.

Recipe: Herbes de Provence Lamb Chops with Orzo