French food friday: Mais oui oui!

I'm getting ready to prepare a French-influenced three course meal for friends on Friday! It is pretty straight-forward for any chef with an unlimited funds and imagination... But I am just a home cook on a budget. A rustic approach may be my best bet!

My first course will be a soup followed by an entree and finally dessert. My first inspiration is a French onion soup recipe from Saveur. French onion soup may be overdone, but this classic soup has a slight twist. Apples. I'll also add another ingredient: rosemary, which pairs beautifully with apples and onions!

I am already salivating and haven't started cooking. Next up is the main course. What should I showcase in this dish? Chicken! Apparently, the French are "passionate about chicken" according to Easy French Food. My first thought is coq-au-vin, but that's been done and done. I want to something with the less popular parts of the bird. Suddenly, I find this recipe with chicken thighs from Food and Wine. It's the perfect simple dish!

Now for dessert! I love dessert.