French Food

In France, where eating is a national pastime, the long, leisurely Sunday lunch is a feast for the senses. It is this quality that acclaimed chef and author Stéphane Reynaud captures so perfectly in his paean to traditional French cooking. Rustic and approachable, humorous and convivial, French Feasts features 299 recipes for beloved dishes like patés, gratins, savory tarts, and braised meats that are the essence of French weekend fare. From classic stews like navarin and boeuf bourguignon, to foie gras prepared six different ways, to crème brulée and gâteau Basque, the recipes come from all over France and even some former colonies (couscous is a national favorite). The book also includes beautiful, earthy photographs, whimsical illustrations, profiles of local producers, and fact-filled sidebars#151;a guide to cognac and Armagnac, how to make the perfect croissant, and much more#151;that evoke the considerable pleasures of the French table.

With Simple French Desserts, making French pastry is as easy as apple pie--but deceptively more impressive. Pastry chef and author Jill O'Connor starts with the easiest recipes and gradually builds skills as she moves on to more challenging treats. Throughout, she demystifies the art of French baking, guiding cooks with step-by-step techniques, and clear and complete explanations. Here are over 50 recipes for delectable treats like Crme Caramel, Lemon-Almond Madeleines, and Chocolate Eclairs. With a whimsically elegant design and mouthwatering full-color photographs, Simple French Desserts is the perfect introduction to the art of the patisserie--sans signing up at the Cordon Bleu.

Ever-popular in France, delicate and delicious crpes are once again basking in the international culinary spotlight. These wafer-thin pancakes with delectable fillings are turning up on elegant menus and in corner crperies everywhere, and for good reason -- they're fast, easy, and versatile, and can be rolled, folded, or stacked for scores of delicious dishes, from main courses to fabulous desserts. This gorgeous cookbook filled with inspiring photographs features more than 40 recipes for sweet and savory crpes sure to delight friends and family.

More than 100 recipes for simple and modern French home cooking, as well as gorgeous photos and evocative text about living the dream in Paris. Rachel Khoo,a 31-year-old Brit with a BB2 show The Little Paris Kitchen, is seduced by patisserie, follows her heart, and lives a romantic and whimsical Parisian life, becoming the chef of the tiniest underground restaurant in the city, La Petite Cuisine a la Paris.