France's Feast: From Foie Gras to the Yule Log

A traditional French Christmas dinner is a promise of exceptional eating. The holiday menu focuses on luxury and celebration. It often begins with oysters, lobster, and other seafood on an extravagant platter. Another common starter is foie gras, a rich duck or goose liver pâté. The main course is usually a roasted meat, like capon or turkey. The meal is paired with fine wines and champagne. Dessert is the iconic *bûche de Noël*. This "Yule log" cake, made of rolled sponge cake and buttercream, is a sweet, symbolic end to the feast.