Back to School, à la Française

Back to School, à la Française: Easy Recipes & Table Manners for Little Gourmets

As the school year begins, moms everywhere are looking for quick, wholesome recipes to keep mornings smooth and evenings calm. But in France, mealtime isn’t just about the food, it’s also about how you eat.

This back-to-school season, let’s bring a touch of French elegance to your home with easy, delicious recipes and timeless table manners that even the littlest ones can master.

🇫🇷 Part 1: Easy Back-to-School Recipes, French-Inspired

❤️1. Le Mini Croque-Monsieur Muffins

• • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Ingredients: Sliced bread, ham, grated Gruyère cheese, béchamel sauce.
  • How to Make: Press bread circles into a muffin tin, layer ham and cheese inside, top with béchamel, and bake until golden. Perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.

❤️ 2. Petits Pots de Yaourt aux Fruits

1. • Prep Time: 5 minutes
   • Ingredients: Plain whole milk yogurt, honey, chopped seasonal fruit (berries, peaches, or mango for a Miami twist!)
   • How to Make: Layer yogurt, fruit, and a drizzle of honey in small jars. Chill until ready to serve.
     

❤️ 3. Le Pain Perdu “French Toast” Sticks

1. • Prep Time: 10 minutes
   • Ingredients: Day-old baguette slices, eggs, milk, a touch of vanilla, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar
   • How to Make: Dip bread into egg mixture, cook in butter until golden, and serve with fresh fruit instead of syrup for a lighter, French-style treat.
     

🇫🇷Part 2: French Table Manners for Kids

In France, children are taught table etiquette early, not as strict rules, but as a way to show respect and enjoy meals together. Here are a few charming traditions to introduce at home:

• Start with “Bonjour” and “Merci”
  Greet everyone at the table before sitting, and thank the cook before starting your meal. Also, kids should ask to be excused before stepping out of the table.
• Hands on the Table, Not in Your Lap
  French children are taught to keep their hands visible (but elbows off the table!) it’s seen as polite and engaging.
• Wait for “Bon Appétit”
  No one starts eating until everyone is served and someone says, “Bon appétit!”
• Small Bites, Slow Enjoyment
  Meals are a moment to savor, not rush, encourage kids to chew slowly and taste each flavor. Also helps with digestion for kids and adults.
• Try Everything Once
  Even if they don’t like it, French children are encouraged to taste a small portion. It’s about curiosity and appreciation.

😃 Why It Matters:

Adding these little touches of French culture makes mealtimes less of a rush and more of a ritual. The recipes are quick enough for busy school days, while the manners help create calmer, more connected family moments, something we could all use more of. (no phones or screens at the table!)

At Roses and Dreams, we believe style is not just what you wear, it’s how you live. From your child’s school outfits to their table manners, a touch of French charm goes a long way. Bon appétit et bonne rentrée!