After a careful review of Amy's selections I've decided on a menu for my first dinner:

Starter: Cheese Straws
Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic
Asparagus with Hollandaise
Cauliflower Gratin
Dessert: Lemon Meringue Tart

All family and friends who want to come RSVP by Saturday night 1/10.  No more than 10 so RSVP right away!

On Christmas night a formal wager was made between my older sister Amy and I.  I will cook each recipe she selects from "Barefoot in Paris" for her at least once, and then I may assume ownership of her new cookbook.  No exceptions for food quality or mistakes!  She did not drive a hard bargain. 

On New Year's Eve, Amy marked all of the recipes in the book for me to cook.  More than 40, but I say, bring on the challenge!  I've always wanted to learn how to cook French food and though Ina Garten is no Julia Child the food will be delicious.

In my corner:  EVERYONE!  Let's face it - everyone wants me to win this one.  Their mouths started watering at the first mention of veal chops and loin of pork.  But I will be the ultimate winner!  New skills, new cookbook, and lots of fun dinners with everyone I love.  Who could ask for more?

To Start

• Cheese Straws  First French Feast
• Cheese Puffs  Sumptuous Seafood Stew

Lunch

• Croque Monsieur  Soup, Sandwiches & Chocolate
• Blue Cheese Souffle
• Eggplant Gratin
• Pissaladiere (Provencal Pizza)
• Herbed Baked Eggs
• Mussels in White Wine
• Seafood Platter

Soup & Salad

• Provencal Vegetable Soup  Soup, Sandwiches & Chocolate
• Seafood Stew  Sumptuous Seafood Stew
• Brioche Loaves
• Warm Mushroom Salad

Dinner

• Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic   First French Feast
• Roast Duck
• Loin of Pork with Green Peppercorns
• Boeuf Bourguignon
• Filet of Beef au Poivre  Steak and Potatoes - au la francais
• Steak with Bernaise Sauce
• Veal Chops with Roquefort Butter
• Rack of Lamb Persillade

Vegetables

• Asparagus with Hollandaise  First French Feast
• Vegetable Tian
• Zucchini Gratin
• Tomato Rice Pilaf
• Roasted Beets
• Cauliflower Gratin  First French Feast
• Moroccan Couscous
• French String Beans  Steak and Potatoes - au la francaise
• Sauteed Wild Mushrooms
• Caramelized Shallots
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes  Steak and Potatoes - au la francaise
• Herbed New Potatoes

Dessert

• Meringues Chantilly
• Plum Raspberry Crumble
• Ile Flottante
• Lemon Meringue Tart  First French Feast
• Pear Clafouti
• Baba au Rhum  Steak and Potatoes - au la francaise
• Chocolate Orange Mousse  Sumptuous Seafood Stew
• Brownie Tart
• Pain Perdu
• Strawberry Tarts
• Profiteroles
• Chocolate Truffles  Soup, Sandwiches & Chocolate
• Creme Brulee