Weekend Dinner Party: Burgundy

This month, we’re sharing our love for French country cooking — and inviting you to do the same. Gather friends and family to celebrate the first flushes of fall and the rich culinary traditions of Burgundy, from savory beef stew to world-renowned wines.
 

Frisée and Apple Salad with Herb-Crusted Goat Cheese Medallions Start the meal with this salad, which offers a mix of flavors and textures: bitter frisée, sweet-tart apples and creamy, tangy goat cheese with a crispy coating.

Beef Bourguignonne This hearty beef stew is a classic for a reason, combining caramelized mushrooms and a rich braising base. Serve with boiled potatoes with parsley to soak up the juices.

Pain d’Epices Pound Cake with Cassis Butter and Berries Cassis syrup and quatre épices—a French spice blend composed of ground white pepper, cloves, nutmeg and ginger—give this pound cake a warm spice flavor that pairs deliciously with the fresh berry topping.

• Before you sit down at the table, offer guests fresh baked gougères, marinated olives and an assortment of cheeses. Arrange the olives in condiment bowls painted with warm hues for an Old World look and feel.
• Open a bottle of one of Burgundy’s signature grapes with your main course. Silky Pinot Noir makes Burgundian reds among the most seductive wines on earth. Don’t forget the correct glasses!
• Stick with natural textures on the table to complement the rustic fare — think woven chargers and hand-painted linens in neutral colors.
• Individual serving dishes are perfect for presenting the Beef Bourguignonne. Bonus: the clay retains heat  to keep foods at their flavorful best.