A Warm Bonjour from My Kitchen to Yours
There’s something truly magical about mornings in France—the clink of porcelain cups, the scent of buttery pastries, and the gentle hum of life beginning again. As a mom of two, mornings can be hectic, but carving out a few moments to create something homemade—something joyful—brings a sense of calm and connection. This article is all about sharing that with you.
I’m taking you through three beloved French breakfast staples: Croissants, Crêpes, and French Toast (Pain Perdu). Each has its own charm, flavor, and memory attached, and together they’ll transport your family to a sunny café on a cobblestone street in Paris.
Buttery Bliss – Homemade Croissants
Why Croissants Are the Heart of French Breakfast
Croissants are the ultimate comfort food. They’re light, flaky, and filled with love (and a whole lot of butter!). While making them from scratch is a labor of love, the process can be therapeutic—and trust me, it’s worth every fold.
Ingredients (for 4 servings):
- 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 30g (2 tbsp) sugar
- 5g (1 tsp) salt
- 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast
- 120ml (½ cup) warm milk
- 125g (½ cup + 2 tbsp) unsalted butter, cold (for laminating)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Method:
- Make the dough: Combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and warm milk. Knead until smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Prepare the butter block: Place butter between parchment, pound and roll into a flat square. Chill until firm.
- Laminate the dough: Roll dough into a rectangle, place the butter in the center, and fold. Roll and fold 3 times, chilling between folds.
- Shape the croissants: Cut dough into triangles, roll into crescents. Let them rise until puffy.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
Whisk, Flip, Smile – Classic French Crêpes
Sunday Mornings Never Tasted So Good
If croissants are the elegant cousin, then crêpes are the fun and flexible sibling. They’re quick, endlessly versatile, and can go sweet or savory in a snap. In my kitchen, we treat crêpe-making as a family event—my youngest loves pouring the batter, and my eldest insists on adding Nutella and strawberries “just right.”
Ingredients (for 4 servings, makes about 8 crêpes):
- 125g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 300ml (1 ¼ cups) milk
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for sweet crêpes)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Butter or oil for the pan
Method:
- Make the batter: Whisk flour and eggs together, slowly add milk to avoid lumps. Mix in butter, sugar, and vanilla.
- Rest the batter: Let it rest for at least 30 minutes (great time for coffee or morning snuggles).
- Cook the crêpes: Heat a non-stick skillet, lightly grease it, then pour a ladle of batter. Swirl and cook until the edges lift. Flip and cook another 30 seconds.
- Serve with love: Fill with jam, fresh fruit, Nutella, or even ham and cheese for a savory twist.
French Toast (Pain Perdu) – A Hug on a Plate
The Sweetest Way to Use Day-Old Bread
This dish, called Pain Perdu (meaning “lost bread”), was born from thrift but tastes like a luxury. My grandmother used to make this with slices of slightly stale brioche, soaked in creamy egg custard, and fried until golden. The smell alone is enough to bring sleepy kids straight to the table.
Ingredients (for 4 servings):
- 4 thick slices of brioche or French bread
- 2 large eggs
- 150ml (⅔ cup) milk
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
- Butter for frying
- Powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup for topping
Method:
- Prepare the custard: Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Soak the bread: Dip each slice for about 30 seconds per side.
- Fry it up: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each slice until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
- Serve warm: Dust with powdered sugar and top with berries or a drizzle of syrup.
Setting the Scene – French-Inspired Breakfast Moments
Make It a Ritual, Not Just a Meal
Creating a French breakfast spread isn’t just about the food—it’s about slowing down, savoring the moment, and feeling like you’re tucked away in a Parisian café. Here are a few ideas to turn your kitchen into a little piece of France:
French Breakfast Vibes Checklist:
- Music: Play a soft French jazz playlist—think Édith Piaf or instrumental accordion.
- Table Setting: Use simple white plates, linen napkins, and fresh flowers or a sprig of lavender in a jar.
- Drinks: Offer warm café au lait, hot chocolate for the kids, or freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Mini Market Basket: Add a small bowl of fruit, a jar of honey, and butter pats on a wooden board.
This kind of breakfast, even if done once a week, becomes something your kids will remember for years. And it’s such a lovely way to start your day—with intention and sweetness.
Mom Hacks – Make-Ahead Tips & Variations
Because We Deserve a Break Too
We love cooking, yes—but between school runs, laundry mountains, and life, we need shortcuts. Here are some tried-and-true tips from one mom to another:
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Crêpe batter can be made the night before. It actually tastes better rested overnight.
- Croissants? Freeze unbaked ones after shaping, then just thaw overnight and bake fresh in the morning.
- French toast? Soak the bread and store it in a sealed container in the fridge overnight—ready to fry in minutes!
Variations to Keep it Fresh:
- Add fruit compote or lemon curd to crêpes.
- Stuff croissants with ham and cheese before baking for a savory twist.
- Use almond milk and coconut sugar in your French toast for a dairy-free version.
Little Hands in the Kitchen – Cooking with Kids the French Way
A Flour-Dusted Adventure for the Whole Family
Involving kids in the kitchen is one of the best ways to teach them about food, culture, and responsibility—plus, it’s just plain fun. French breakfast recipes are perfect for this: they’re hands-on, forgiving, and full of sensory joy.
Kid-Friendly Tasks:
- Crêpes: Let them whisk the batter or flip with supervision (my kids call it “the pancake Olympics”).
- Croissants: Kids can help roll the dough into crescents.
- French Toast: Dipping the bread in custard is a favorite!
Make a little “chef corner” with aprons and step stools. You’ll create not only food but unforgettable memories. And who knows? You might be training tomorrow’s pastry chef!
A Bite of French Culture – Why Breakfast Matters in France
It’s Not Just What You Eat—It’s How You Eat
French breakfast (le petit déjeuner) is often light compared to other meals, but it’s rich in intention. It’s a pause before the day begins, a way to nourish not just the body but the spirit. This simple morning meal is often enjoyed with quiet conversation, a good book, or the newspaper.
Fun Cultural Tidbits:
- French kids often dip their buttered baguette into hot chocolate!
- The French rarely eat eggs or meat at breakfast—it’s all about bread, butter, and jam.
- A “tartine” is just a slice of bread with something spread on it—simple and beloved.
Sharing these stories with your children makes cooking more than just a task—it becomes a bridge to another world. And that’s the heart of why I love food so much—it connects us, teaches us, and wraps us in comfort.
Breakfast, the French Way
From buttery croissants to golden French toast, French breakfast traditions aren’t just meals—they’re experiences. They teach us to slow down, to enjoy food with all five senses, and most importantly, to share love around the table.
I hope this guide helps you bring a little Parisian charm into your home and makes your mornings just a bit more magical—even amidst the joyful chaos of motherhood.