Review: Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table

 

Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table

Carole Bumpus

Inspired to learn more about French cooking and traditions, Carole's friend Josiane agrees to be her tour guide as they try to uncover French home cooking secrets and recipes. They are both inspired by the tales told by Josiane's mother, Marcelle, of growing up in Brittany. With a sense of adventure and the hope of uncovering more of Marcelle's family history, they travel through Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Normandy, Brittany, Loire, and Auvergne. Along the way, they stay in farmhouses, hotels, and family-owned Chateaux where Carole, welding her trusty notepad and recorder, is keen to investigate the lifestyle and history of those they encounter as well as indulge in the region's cuisine.

There are some wonderful descriptions throughout about food, markets, and local celebrations. Plus, readers will be happy to know that some of the recipes mentioned and collected along the journey are included at the end of the book. This warm and inviting memoir will appeal to food lovers and history buffs alike. The two women examine how it was to live during a time of war, especially the Second World War, and how families managed to keep traditions alive even during tough times. As this book points out, family traditions help keep French home cooking entwined in everyday life.

This review was written by me and originally published by City Book Review.

Review: Dinner Chez Moi

Dinner Chez Moi

Elizabeth Bard

This book was an absolute joy to read. Elizabeth Bard shows how anyone can incorporate a little bit of French flair into their eating and dining habits. I liked the fact that this wasn't just a cookbook - it was full of tips and ideas as well as recipes. I loved reading about the experiences the author had while living in France, most of which were told with humor and affection.

The recipes included in Dinner Chez Moi are straightforward and easy to follow. I personally loved the hint about cooking leeks with a little mustard and cream. This is now one of my favorite side dishes. I also loved the “After-School Madeleines”, which make a great sweet snack and cook in less than 15 minutes, perfect for morning or afternoon and not just for children. Speaking of children, parents will no doubt appreciate the section devoted to eating habits of French children. The differences in tastes and traditions make this a must for anyone interested in food. All in all, it's the perfect book for those who want to know more about the French lifestyle.

This review was originally written by me for City Book Review.

Review: Gather & Graze

Gather and Graze

Stephanie Izard

Readers may be aware that Stephanie Izard has won several coveted awards such as Top Chef and Iron Chef. She also owns three acclaimed restaurants, and now she has written a beautifully designed cookbook, which I found both enjoyable and practical. I love the idea of casual dining, and many of the recipes in this book are great for that purpose. But what I first noticed is the exciting and inventive dishes. While I wouldn't think of having Grilled Pork Belly with Sauce Green, Peaches, and Blackberries, it does sound new and different. In fact, after going through the selection of dishes in the book, I was inspired to think of ways that I could add more fruit to savory dishes.

I think the fact that this cookbook encouraged me to think outside the box and create something tasty but not too fussy is what I liked best. One of my favorite recipes was Biscuits with Sausage and Gravy, which is the best comfort food I can think of. There's a Greek Yogurt Chicken that is easy and enjoyable and Blueberry-Strawberry Hand Pies that are the perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. There are lots of interesting recipes with unexpected combinations that I haven't tried yet, for example, Marinated Sweet Cherries with Whipped Feta and Sweet Corn Frozen Nougat with Tart Plum and Basil. If you are looking for originality and unexpected flavors, this is a cookbook you don't want to miss.

This review was written by me for City Book Reviews.