Kings, thrones and power mixed with lavish interiors, luscious curls and the lifestyles of the rich and famous; we're talking about the period drama series Versailles. Set in the Palace of Versailles, it encompasses all of the above with King Louis XIV at the helm.
What you might not know is that King Louis XIV loved to eat. A lot. And nothing about the King's meal would be considered standard. His dining table was richly decorated with gold, his plates made of silver and the extravagant centrepieces and collection of tableware were regal, to say the least. Not to mention the 300+ people who were involved in the preparation of his meals. What was even more fascinating was that if you received an invitation to the Palace of Versailles, you were there to in fact watch the King and his close relatives eat in front of an audience.
So in grand fashion, why not give our audience something worth watching. With the return of a second season of Versailles to SBS (starts July 27 - but you can watch the first episode now on SBS On Demand), we're preparing a royal belt-busting French banquet that will leave you (and your audience) royally satisfied. From hors d'oeurvres through to soups, mains, sides and dessert, just like Louis XIV, you too can take your pick of one or all as you please.
Appetising gems
1. Oysters in Champagne sabayon
Hot appetisers perfect with a glass of bubbles - fancy pants right here.
Oysters in Champagne sabayon Source: Benito Martin
2. Lyonnais cheese dip
Perfect with hot baked potatoes, this cheesy dip was created in Lyon, the silk capital of France in the 19th century. 
3. Pan-fried scallops with cauliflower
The perfect way to celebrate quality scallops is to make them front and centre of your dish and this quick and easy entreé does just that. 
Source: Benito Martin
Soup bounty
3. Roasted pumpkin soup with caramelised confit
Power up and roast your pumpkin first for a richer bowl. 
Roasted pumpkin soup with caramelised onion Source: David Loftus
4. Onion soup with Pyrenees cheese
This traditional, hearty soup has a superb cheese kicker, using both goat's and sheep's milk. The sherry (Spanish, of course) in this recipe adds a beautiful flavour.
5. Merlu soup with asparagus and peas
Made with local merlu fish, asparagus, peas and parsley, this recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare, cook and serve – and crusty bread is a perfect accompaniment.
The main affair
5. Shallot and thyme tarte tatin
Caramel works wonders for some savoury dishes, this being one of them. Serve wedges of this rich tarte tatin with dressed salad leaves and a dollop of crème fraîche for a deliciously simple starter or light meal.
Shallot and thyme tarte tatin Source: Alan Benson
6. Hare and wine stew
If you love your stews rich, your pasta al dente and your glasses of red flowing, this is one dish to add to your comfort food repertoire. 
file:1166_hare-and-wine-stew.jpg
7. Duck breast with sweet and sour blackcurrant sauce
Think succulent duck breast served up with crispy fried potato dumplings, creamy celeriac mash and a sensational blackcurrant sauce, then make it happen.
8. Creamy mushroom and thyme choux buns
Choux pastry makes a wonderful base for rich savoury fillings such as this creamy mushroom and thyme mix that has been spiked with lemon for a little zing.
Source: Alan Benson
Decadent sides
10. Saute potatoes with persillade and lardons
Potatoes pan-fry extremely well and at the heart of this side is garlic, shallots and parsley, to which you can add other herbs if you like – chervil and tarragon also work a dream.
Source: Headline / Jean Cazals
11. Braised baby gem, peas, speck and crème fraîche
Based on a classic French dish, this salad has the addition of speck that adds an extra tasty smoky element.
Source: Beinto Martin
12. Witlof gratin
This witlof gratin is perfect as a light meal or a superb side and pairs perfectly with our poulet rôti au estragon (roast tarragon chicken).
Fancy fruits
13. Red fruit gratin with pear liqueur
With Pear Williams liqueur, this is an irresistible mix of ruby-hued fruit on a bed of sweet, grilled custard-cream.
14. Peaches and apricots poached in Jurançon wine
Dressed in a chestnut cream, these poached fruits look and taste the part.
15. Apple fritters
Apple fritters really need to be on everyone's dessert radar. They are a great way to use up loose apples and are simply moreish when served hot.
Source: Benito Martin
16. Vanilla and saffron poached pears
A simple, elegant and gently spiced accompaniment that can be prepared days in advance and lift your cheese plate to the next level.
17. Versailles Experience
This cocktail is served at Eau de Vie in an absinthe fountain that dispenses the drink on tap. While we understand you might not have your own absinthe fountain at home (crazy I know), simply mix gin, absinthe, lemon juice, pear purée, mint and apple for a refreshing tipple.
Feeling inspired? With over 500 recipes, check out our French collection here. Season 2 of Versailles starts on SBS from 27 July, but you can see the first episode now on SBS On Demand.
