Customer Reviews

Bistro: The Best of Casual French Cooking (Casual Cuisines of the World)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just bought this cookbook last week, and was astounded at the simplicity and beauty of each recipe. The directions are clear and concise, and unlike a lot of French cooking, you don't use every pot and bowl in the house. I liked especially the way the book was formatted - appetizers, soups, main dishes, desserts - you can form a complete menu for a special meal and never need to leave the book! The glossary in the back spells out some of the obscure or unknown techniques employed in the recipes, such as the easy way to roast and skin peppers. The tone of the writing helps to inspire confidence. There's no assumption that you should know all about the intricacies of cooking; just have fun! One caveat: This is not a cookbook for those on a low-fat diet. But, in moderation, each recipe can be enjoyed.

After making most of the recipes in this book, we've decided it's one of the best we own. Everything we have made from this book has been exceptionally tasty and original, and many are relatively easy. We use it a lot during the week when our time for cooking is very limited. Don't let it's slim size and pretty pictures deter you -the illustrations are helpful and enticing, and the porportion of recipes worth making repeatedly is very high.

Anyone who wants to enjoy fast, easy and authentic French cooking in the comfort of their own home should definitely buy this book. The recipes are simple and well explained, and readers will enjoy success after success. Planning an entire informal French meal is easy, as courses are divided into sections in the book.

Most of all, the recipes are delicious and truly French.

I LOVE this cookbook. As opposed to some cookbooks which I use for maybe only one or two recipes, I use many of the recipes in this book; they have almost always been successful. If I had to choose just four books from my fairly extensive cookbook collection, this would be one of them!

Everything I have cooked from this book of recipes turned out great! It's all pretty easy to follow, and yet, at the end, everyone thinks you're a master chef for turning out such fabulous dishes. A few of the recipes are a bit more involved, however. But this could almost be called French Cuisine for Dummies.

My favorite recipe so far is the lamb with garlic and thyme. The steamed monkfish dish is also delicious, with some unusual flavors (lemon, coriander seeds, and roasted red peppers). Also recommended: the macaroni au gratin (basically mac and cheese with gruyere and wild mushrooms).