Customer Reviews

One Pot French: More Than 100 Easy, Authentic Recipes

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
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In Jean-Pierre's own words: "French cooking is about complexities ... Can this all happen in a single pot? I think it can. I admit I may bend the parameters in certain places" (Challet & Decorte, 2008: 6).

The preceding quote, taken from the introduction to this book, pretty much sums up my thoughts about it. However, I would choose to replace the word 'bend', with 'ignore' and give greater emphasis to the word 'think'. This is a recipe book that does give an excellent introduction to classic French cuisine from basic recipes, to appetisers, soups, salads and sandwiches (obviously cooked in one pot?!?), egg and cheese based dishes, potato dishes, main courses; and last but not least deserts.

However, what this book is `not' is a focussed guide to rustic `one pot' (i.e. casserole/stew style cooking) French cooking, as one may be led to believe on first impression. It is simply an introductory guide to some of France's most classic recipes, which happens to include 'some' one pot dishes.

If the title of the book had been pitched to match it's content, I would have been inclined to give it a higher score. For as an introductory guide to classic French cuisine, this book serves it purpose well.

One-pot cooking is a time-saver for the harried kitchen cook. But one-pot meals can be as delicious and as culinarily elegant as any up-scale French restaurant dining thanks to "One Pot French", a profusely illustrated compendium of recipes by Jean-Pierre Challet with the assistance of Jennifer Decorte. The more than one hundred speciality recipes range from Galette de Crabe Et Sar Rouille (Crab Cakes with Rouille Sauce); to Salade D'Hiver Aux Legumes Rotis (Roasted Winter Vegetable Salad); to Cassoulet (Navy Bean Stew with Duck Confit and Sausages); to Tarte Tartin (Upside-Down Caramelized Apple Tart). With its thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly', step-by-step recipes, "One Pot French" will make a welcome and sophisticated addition to any personal, family, or community library cookbook collection.

Had this great book but gave it to a friend as a gift. 2nd copy just as wonderful as the 1st.