By Andrew Bui
Updated: Dec. 8, 2022 3:39 pm EST
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Whether you’re making your way through Julia Child’s culinary bible or David Lebovitz’s modern anthology, French cooking is a timeless trend that never goes out of style. And while your daydreams of biking through the Provençal countryside, baguette in hand, may be out of reach at the moment, there are still plenty of other ways to live out your Francophile fantasies. Take the humble pantry for instance — once you stock your cupboards with these nine essential French ingredients, making dinner will transport you all the way to Paris, without the expensive plane ticket.
1. European butter
A higher fat content than the conventional plastic-wrapped sticks you’ll find in the dairy aisle gives European butter a richer taste and a pronounced yellow hue. Your ambitious French baking projects will be patisserie approved, though it’s worth splurging for this luxe item just so you can spread it liberally over crusty baguette slices.
Plugra European Style Unsalted Butter, $55 for a four-pack
2. Dijon mustard
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3. Fine vinegars
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4. Crème fraîche
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In lieu of half-and-half or butter, add a complex richness and subtle tang to your pan sauces by adding a spoonful or two of this cultured cream.
Vermont Creamery Crème Fraîche, $6
5. Dry wine
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No, this isn’t just for drinking. As long as you have a bottle (it doesn’t have to be pricy!) of a dry red and a dry white wine on hand, you’re only an enameled Dutch oven away from a classic French stew. Need something stronger? A brandy, such as cognac, is also a must-have for deglazing your pan or for making a boozy, liquored-up dessert.
La Forge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, $13
6. Finishing oil
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7. Hard cheeses
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There’s never any harm adding funky, aged Gruyère to your béchamel to make a gooey cheese sauce, and despite its Italian origins, Parmesan cheese is the perfect golden topping for vegetable gratins.
Gruyère de Comté, $15 per pound
8. High-end salt
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9. Boutique chocolate
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Generic chocolate chips aren’t going to cut it if you’re splurging your calories on a French dessert. Stockpile a few high-quality brands, such as Valrhona or Callebaut, for the next time you’re in the mood for pot de crème.
Valrhona Cocoa Powder, $14
Dining and Cooking