Reading · DEVOUR by Odette Williams

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If you're new here, welcome. Every week I share recipes, menus, and ideas to help you cook with more confidence and gather people you love around the table. If that sounds like your kind of place, I'd love to have you as a paid subscriber. Your support keeps DEVOUR going and unlocks the full archive. I’d love to have you along.

G’day!

Hope everyone is doing great.

I was really sad to hear that Sam Neill died. He was a beautiful actor. One whose work lingers with you. I’ll miss his quiet, confident performances.

Last weekend we hosted our annual Bastille Day dinner. I’ve recorded a voice message for you. Just press play if you want my ramblings on the menu and what I think really worked.

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Shame the French couldn't quite find their game in the World Cup quarterfinal.

This year, we combined two annual traditions into one. The Regatta, a silly boat race in the creek beside our house- merged with Bastille Day for one glorious summer weekend. You might be wondering, “Didn’t this girl just throw a party at the crib?” Fair question. But traditions are traditions, and these two are too much fun to skip.

On Saturday my Salad Niçoise appeared in print in my column, Party Trick in The Wall Street Journal. I knew the purists would have opinions because I'd made a few thoughtful tweaks. They certainly did. Like I suspected, making changes to a classic French salad is enough to start an international incident. But I still think my version gives the home cook a very impressive and delicious lunch or dinner.

This interview with Will Ferrell puts the comment section in its place. Never, ever, let someone else’s opinion of you or your work become your own. If this comedic giant had listened to his haters, think of the performances we would have missed.

Back to the party. New and old friends came and we swam and cooked our hearts out on Saturday. It feels so good to be surrounded by warm-hearted friends. It forces you to be really present. All your usual inner ramblings get put on mute for those hours. It’s one of the reasons you should have people over and cook together. It’s a form of therapy.

So yes, Bastille Day has come and gone. Who cares? Take this post as inspiration to cook something French with friends, that you can take outdoors.

43 seconds of table length.

If you squint, you can see the party walking down to the creek. We looked like pilgrims (with stiff drinks).

My friend Marty brought the French ribbon. Swoon.

My New Zealand friend Craig won. He designed and 3D printed his own *Waka*, a traditional Māori boat. What if I told you he played piano and spoke French that night. Let me count the ways.

Jen and I coming back from regatta. Dinner served… 9.30pm-ishhhhhhhh. Who cares. We had fun.

We partially cooked the potatoes by frying them earlier in the day, so all we needed to do was heat them in the oven for 10 minutes.

Not very French, but my friend Flavia and I have a long history with Lionel Richie’s All Night Long.

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Here’s a collection of my favorite French-inspired recipes. Last year’s menu and the playbook for timing it all is helpful.

One returning standout from last year's menu was my Roasted Chicken Provençal Chicken with butter, lemon zest, and sage. It can do no wrong.

Whether you’re cooking for two or twenty, below are the recipes I just keep coming back to.

A Little French Cooking for Summer

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