Description:
Simple French Cooking reveals the secrets of 10 French women chefs who earned the nickname les mères, or "mothers," in central France in the early 20th century. The simple, honest cuisine of these formidable women has inspired generations of chefs. Here readers will find artfully simple recipes for creating the true flavors of France in their own home kitchens. Coauthors chef Georges Blanc--awarded three Michelin stars, Gault et Millaut Chef of the Year, and grandson of Mère Blanc, whose signature Bresse Chicken in a Creamy Sauce titillated her customers' palates--and French food authority Coco Jobard tell the stories of les mères in fascinating biographies that offer a glimpse into the remarkable lives of these women and introduce a variety of French regional cooking styles. The bulk of the book is made up of more than 100 traditional recipes. Classics like Onion Soup Gratinée, Beef with Carrots, Coq au Vin, and Grand Marnier Soufflé are well represented. Adventurous dishes like Artichoke Hearts with Foie Gras, Calf's Sweetbreads with Asparagus, Partridge Pie with Black Salsify, and Pink Praline Ice Cream round out the book. Crimini Mushroom Salad with Mussels melds the delicate earthiness of tiny white mushrooms with apple vinegar, shallots, tomatoes, and mussels. Mère Crouzier's Wild Duck Surprise daringly combines fish and mussels with duck hearts and livers to stuff the bird. The result is delicate, delicious, and truly surprising. Classic photos of les mères add to the charm of the book, while beautiful photos of the finished dishes are enticing. Those interested in culinary history will be especially delighted by Simple French Cooking, but anyone interested in learning to cook the simple and honest cuisine of central France will find it a welcome guide. --Robin Donovan
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