The Alliance Française de San Francisco's blog

Chebakia

Chebakia

Did you know ?

The chebakia is a Moroccan pastry in a rolled form. It is sometimes compared to the Moroccan cookie or donut. Moroccans prepare chebakia mainly to accompany the harira during the fasting month of Ramadan. It can also be found at parties and weddings.

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Visit Morroco : the pearl of the maghreb

Visit Morroco : the pearl of the maghreb

This week, the blog takes you to visit morocco!

Jambon Beurre

Jambon Beurre

A jambon beurre is a simple ham sandwich. But to French people, it is so much more...

Read this to find out everything there is to know about the tradition French sandwich.

La Ratatouille

La Ratatouille

Discover the delicious recipe of Ratatouille, a dish that can be appreciated both in winter and summer!


Have you ever been to Marseille? No? It’s high time you fixed that! French second largest city in the  heart of Provence will definitely steal your heart. Colorful neighborhoods, lovely restaurants and  bars, beautiful views, Mediterranean vibe - there is nothing else you need! Here are our six tips for what to do in this city.  


Why walk on one of the “Chemins de Compostelle”? 

Going on one of the “Chemins de Compostelle” is an opportunity to get your body used to walking again, to visit places full of history and to have meaningful encounters.

5 things to know about Andorra

5 things to know about Andorra

Andorra is a small country located between France and Spain. However, this micro-state is neither completely French, nor completely Spanish!
We tell you everything about this French-speaking region like no other!

Andorran oreillettes

Andorran oreillettes

Oreillettes are typical crunchy sweets that are elaborated under different names: "garrifes", "aurelhetas" or "crespells" in Occitania; "orellanes" in the Balearic Islands; or "crespeth" in the Aran Valley. There are only two rules to taste this dessert: follow the recipe and lick your fingers!

Louis XV: Tales of love and cookery

Louis XV: Tales of love and cookery

If Louis XIV was known to eat alone in public, according to the royal protocols, his successors, on the other hand, tried to escape from it. The last years of his reign saw the emergence of the fires of conversation, the pleasures of gastronomy, and the presence of women at the table, exploding the stuffy and rigid atmosphere of the royal dining room!
Here are a few portraits of women (and dishes) that shaped the royal life!

Recipe : Bouchées à la reine

Recipe : Bouchées à la reine

My first is a puff pastry, my second is a set of spices, my third is a diced meat. My third is a diced meat. My last one is a thick forest sauce. As you may have guessed, we are heading to Paris for the famous Bouchée à la reine!

Togolese idioms: French as you've never seen it!

Togolese idioms: French as you've never seen it!

Although Togo is indeed a French-speaking country, the local population is no less creative in the use of our good old French. Grab your pens and notebooks, it's time to discover the flowery expressions and subtleties of language typically Togolese!

Recipe : Togolese ginger shrimps

Recipe : Togolese ginger shrimps

Fancy a healthy but tasty and original dish? Head to Togo to discover N'foutou, a delicious ginger shrimps dish which we can't get enough of!

The Tarte Tropézienne : the darling of French stars

The Tarte Tropézienne : the darling of French stars

We are all aware, whether we are French or American: the French Riviera is THE place to be all year round. We love this region for its mild temperatures, sunny beaches and local restaurants with menus between land and sea!

The Tarte Tropézienne is no exception to the rule: learn about the origins of this dessert made famous by the French cinema!

Recipe : Tarte Tropézienne

Recipe : Tarte Tropézienne

Let's go to the French Riviera for a light and sunny dessert: the Tarte Tropézienne!

The Tarte Tropézienne is a pie with brioche dough and light pastry cream sprinkled with sugar! Although the secret of its making is still well kept, we give you some tips for a result worthy of the greatest French restaurants!

Comorian music: committed and hybrid

Comorian music: committed and hybrid

The Comoros is an archipelago located in West Africa, in the Indian Ocean. It is a former French colony which included Mayotte until their independence in 1975.

The national languages of Comoros are French, Arabic and Comorian. This mix of European, Indian and African, and Arab culture has resulted in a rich and amazing musical heritage and culture!

Discover the Comoros, as you have never seen them before!

Recipe : Comorian Samoussas

Recipe : Comorian Samoussas

Head to East Africa to discover the salted beef chaussons: the Comorian samoussas!

Diptyque, an example of French luxury travelling across the ocean

Diptyque, an example of French luxury travelling across the ocean

St Germain Diptyque is a luxury French fragrance brand. Based in Paris, the company produces eau de parfum, eau de toilette, scented candles, and perfume oil diffusers. Its original boutique is still located at 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain in the 5th arrondissement of Paris.

Recipe : Far Breton

Recipe : Far Breton

The word "far" comes from the Breton word "farz forn" which means "far au four" and from the Latin word "épeautre" which means "spelt" which is a cereal-based preparation. As you can see, the recipe of the day is of Breton origin, is mainly made of wheat flour and is baked in the oven!

Night of Ideas : Where are we going ?

Night of Ideas : Where are we going ?

As France takes over the presidency of the European Union in a context of geopolitical upheaval, the Night of Ideas proposes to bring together artists, philosophers, writers and thinkers from all over the world to propose a glimpse of an answer to the question of the time: Where are we going ?

La Gastronomie Française sur Culturethèque

La Gastronomie Française sur Culturethèque

If you would like to explore french recipes, culinary magazines and videos offering up a veritable feast of options, then look no further than the AFSF Culturethèque e-library which serves up excellent resources to expand your knowledge of all things gastronomic.

Recipe : Pork and citronella omelette

Recipe : Pork and citronella omelette

Let's go for a recipe inspired by a country shared between Asian and French gastronomy: the pork and lemon grass omelette from Laos!

Laos, the Land of a million elephants

Laos, the Land of a million elephants

Head to Southeast Asia to discover Laos, a country shared between the French and Buddhist culture!

World Music day : a French-American friendship story

World Music day : a French-American friendship story

A review of the French and American origins of an international festival!

Recipe : Provencal Turkey

Recipe : Provencal Turkey

Head to the land of sunshine: Provence! This small region in the south of France is THE destination for Mediterranean-style aperitifs!
A few olives, a glass of rosé, and let's go for the menu's day : turkey à la provençale!

Recipe : the Berawecka

Recipe : the Berawecka

This week we make you try a speciality called Berawecka, a small bread made of dried fruits and tasted with Brandy!

Thomas Sankara, the Che Guevara of Burkina Faso

Thomas Sankara, the Che Guevara of Burkina Faso

On October 15, 1987, Thomas Sankara, an icon of the struggle against colonial imperialism, was assassinated in a coup d'état organized by his own comrades in arms.A brief look at the life of Thomas Sankara, father of the struggle against colonial imperialism.

Recipe : Banforas

Recipe : Banforas

Let's go to Burkina Faso for a gourmet recipe halfway between the doughnut and the cookie! Discover the Banforas, the little sugar and pineapple sweets!

Recipe : The Parisian Financier

Recipe : The Parisian Financier

Discover this week a classic French pastry: the Financier! Head to Paris to taste this sweet treat!

World Health Day in France: from patient to citizen-user

World Health Day in France: from patient to citizen-user

Every year, on April 7, hundreds of organizations celebrate World Health Day throughout the world with the aim of better informing public opinion about the political and economic mechanisms surrounding public health. This approach is the result of a long term work, especially in France, where the issue of health has emerged during the political and economic history of the country. We tell you everything in this article!

Recipe : Malagasy gambas flamed with rum

Recipe : Malagasy gambas flamed with rum

If rum is part of the most popular preparations of Madagascar, the alcoholic beverage is as much an aperitif as an essential seasoning of the Malagasy cuisine! Discover the recipe of the gambas with rum arranged with orange, lemon and cinnamon!

8 customs and traditions only Malagasy people can understand

8 customs and traditions only Malagasy people can understand

You probably know the movie Madagascar, but do you really know the island it is based on? Have you heard of the Vodiontry, or the Famadihana? Head to the Indian Ocean, we tell you all about Malagasy customs and traditions!

French woman portrait: Marguerite Yourcenar, or the entry of poetry in the French Academy

French woman portrait: Marguerite Yourcenar, or the entry of poetry in the French Academy

Marguerite Yourcenar, born as Marguerite Cleenwerk de Crayencour, is the very first woman to have entered, not without difficulty, the French Academy. Learn more about this talented and yet unknown poetess!

Recipe: Apple, endive and walnut salad

Recipe: Apple, endive and walnut salad

Spring is finally here, and with it comes fresh fruits and vegetables! Discover a light and tasty recipe typically French: the endive, apple and walnut salad!

5 things to know about Seychelles

5 things to know about Seychelles

Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands is THE paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean! Known for its beautiful white sand beaches, these islands are full of cultural and culinary secrets of the most amazing!

Recipe : Seychelles sweet potato cake

Recipe : Seychelles sweet potato cake

Head to Seychelles for a sweet and original specialty: the sweet potato cake! More commonly known as "Gâteau di patate", this light and fragrant sweetness is a treat for young and not so young!

March, Women's History Month

March, Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month! On the occasion of the celebration of Women's Rights Day, here are 10 portraits of women who have marked French history in all fields: war, fashion, politics, writing, art, we tell you everything!

Recipe : Mini chocolate-hazelnut puffs

Recipe : Mini chocolate-hazelnut puffs

Mini chocolate-hazelnut puffs! Here is an idea for a gourmet snack very easy to prepare! There is plenty for everyone: with jam, with another filling, or even in a salty version with pesto or cheese!

5 things to know about French Guiana

5 things to know about French Guiana

Welcome to French Guiana! France's largest department located in South America is home to as many culinary and cultural treasures! Here are 5 things to know about French Guiana!

Recipe : Guyanese chicken colombo with pineapple and grapes

Recipe : Guyanese chicken colombo with pineapple and grapes

An irresistible need to travel? No need for a plane ticket, the traditional dishes of Guyanese cuisine will take you on an excursion with Creole, Amerindian, Brushingue or even Chinese, Indian and Brazilian influences. We have found a sweet and sour recipe for you: chicken colombo with pineapple and grapes!


"It's a rock! ... It's a cape! ... What am I saying? It's a pinnacle!" We all know this famous line from the play Cyrano de Bergerac, but have you heard of his author? We tell you all about Edmond Rostand, 19th century playwright and poet, and father of the famous Cyrano!


Zouglou is THE Ivorian music par excellence! This popular variety was born in the 80s, and today mixes Nouchi, French, and brings up to the present day some wild traditional rhythms. Although mainly Zouglou known for combining tradition and modernity, the history is very closely linked to that of Ivory Coast, we tell you everything in this post!

The secrets of Ivoirian gastronomy

The secrets of Ivoirian gastronomy

What would Ivory Coast be without its gastronomy? From the meat of the bush to the most popular alcohols, we tell you everything about the flavors of the Ivory Coast!

The story behind the Chandeleur

The story behind the Chandeleur

Do you know the history of Candlemas? Every year, February 2nd is the date when pancakes delight young and old gourmets. But do you know the history of Chandeleur? What is the origin of this day, and especially why do we eat French crepes ? We tell you everything!

Recipe : French Crepes

Recipe : French Crepes

The French crepe is not only an emblematic culinary preparation from Brittany, it is also certainly one of the easiest French meals to prepare. Whether with brown sugar, chocolate, cheese or served with a salad, this fine milk-based preparation delights young and not-so-young all year round.

Recipe : The Ivorian Fufu

Recipe : The Ivorian Fufu

Head to West Africa, to discover one of the emblematic dishes of the Ivory Coast : the Fufu !
Whether it is made of cassava, plantains, or potatoes, this tasty dish is a must-try with a light salad, a chicken soup or a sauce, depending on your tastes.

Exploring Senegalese Literature, Music and Science

Exploring Senegalese Literature, Music and Science

Did you know that this year’s Prix Goncourt went to a Senegalese novelist, making him the first writer from sub-Saharan Africa to be awarded France’s oldest and most prestigious literary prize? Would you be surprised to learn that Senegal is among the 11 African countries working on the Great Green Wall  project to plant trees across the African continent, creating a natural barrier to hold back the Sahara Desert from climate change?

Recipe: Roasted Camembert cheese with honey

Recipe: Roasted Camembert cheese with honey

 Camembert, one of the cheeses that symbolize the French heritage. With its fluffy rind and creamy, melting center that we sometimes just like to eat with a crusty baguette... Enjoy this comfort-food recipe, ultra-gourmet and so simple that it is impossible to miss! 

Recipe : The Basque Cake

Recipe : The Basque Cake

Discover the Basque cake, the culinary emblem of the Basque Country. This small golden and soft cake filled with pastry cream will delight your taste buds on long spring Sundays! 

Recipe : Senegalese Tuna Pastels

Recipe : Senegalese Tuna Pastels

Head to Senegal with this delicious recipe for tuna pastels. Ideal for the aperitif, this recipe is easy to make and will surprise your guests! Serve them with a spicy sauce to follow the Senegalese tradition.

5 things to know about Senegal!

5 things to know about Senegal!

Located on the west coast of the African continent, Senegal is a country bordered by Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. Renowned for the hospitality of its people, Senegal is a crossroads of ethnicities and traditions, as well as a popular tourist destination!
Discover 5 things to know about Senegal!


Get to know: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and the Little Prince, or one the most famous French stories to this day. 

Catherine Deneuve: An icon of French cinema with  an international reputation!

Catherine Deneuve: An icon of French cinema with an international reputation!

Born in 1943 in Paris, Catherine Deneuve is a French actress as well as an occasional singer, model, and producer considered one of the greatest French actresses of her generation. In numerous movies such as "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg", "The Young Girls of Rochefort", "Donkey Skin" or "Belle de jour", she has marked generations of moviegoers...
Here is all you need to know about  Catherine Deneuve! 

Recipe: Potato Rösti

Recipe: Potato Rösti

An express and simplistic dish that will delight young and old for sure! Discover the recipe for potato rösti, a recipe from Switzerland, ideal for this winter period.




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