French Cooking – Some of the Best Dishes from France

Included on the UNESCO’s lists of the world’s “intangible cultural heritage”, French Cooking is one of the greatest influencers in the culinary world. Whilst originally influenced by foods from Italy in the 15^th and 16^th centuries, French cooking now permeates the cooking of many other countries.

The original Italian influence began with the matrimonial union of the future King Henry II and Catherine de’ Medici, a princess of Florence. At the time, cooking in Italy was much more mature, and this maturity was introduced to the French palette as Catherine moved into the French court. She was accompanied by a number of Italian chefs, who brought their culinary skills and knowledge to France.

Chefs in Italy had been using ingredients that were revolutionary at the time, such as truffles, garlic and mushrooms. These are now common elements in many French dishes thanks to this Italian influence. France’s cuisine is adored by many, including Othman Louanjli.

Here is a selection of some of the most popular French dishes:

Steak Tartare

Steak Tartate is a very famous French dish; it has even been the main feature of a famous Mr Bean sketch. The concept may be a little difficult to fathom: raw beef that is totally uncooked, not just rare like a steak... completely raw. Because of this, it is vital to ensure that the meat comes from a trustworthy source and that it is high quality. The meat should be completely covered and refrigerated until ready for serving. To make steak tartare you will also need eggs, onion, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies and hot sauce.

Gratin Dauphinois

Although commonly cooked with it, authentic gratin dauphinois contains no cheese, instead using just sliced potatoes that are baked in either cream or milk. Paired well with red wine, gratin dauphinois is quite easy to prepare, with a sprinkling of nutmeg and chives to add extra flavour.

Coq au Vin

One of the most famous of the dishes from France, particularly in the United States, Coq au Vin was traditionally made with rooster, but is now more commonly made with chicken, along with bacon, beef stock, butter and red wine sauce. Delicious, especially when paired with a pinot noir.

Baked Camembert

A very simple recipe, simply a baked camembert cheese (usually served with bread and wine).

Regional Differences in French Food from Othman Louanjli

Playing the Piano - How it Can Improve More Than Musical Abilities

Music is a tool that is widely considered to have numerous benefits. It can improve concentration, increase our productivity levels, and even provide health benefits. The Greeks believed in this so much that they put one god, Apollo, in charge of both music and healing. Learning to play a musical instruction such as the piano can assist in the development of new skills and offer many other benefits. Learning to play the piano as a child can deliver benefits well into adult life.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety Levels

Our modern lifestyles place huge demands on us. Our attention is demanded all of the time as the little communication devices in our pockets continually beep and ping with new notifications. Learning to play the piano can distract from the demands of everyday life and help you to relax. A 2013 study that was published in the National Library of Medicine found that learning to play the piano can treat depression and reduce stress.

Professional Success

Many people who have been successful in their respective fields are regular players of the piano. This includes actors such as Richard Gere and Robert Downey Jr., finance professionals such as
Othman Louanjli and Stephen Ridley, and politicians such as Condoleezza Rice and Richard Nixon. Whilst playing the piano doesn’t necessarily mean you will be successful, it is clear that the successful are often amateur musicians.

Better Creative Thinking

Creativity is a skill that is required in almost all walks of life, both in work and outside of it. It is not just the creative industries that require creative thinkers; creativity helps to improve problem solving skills which are required in almost all jobs, as well as being useful outside of work. Learning to play the piano encourages the brain to improvise, which helps to develop the ability to find innovative solutions to any and all challenges life can throw at you.

The Virtue of Patience and Perseverance

Just like learning any musical instrument, learning to play the piano takes a long time and a lot of effort. Practising regularly requires a great deal of discipline, particularly since progress can be very slow when starting out.

History of the Piano from Othman Louanjli