Chocolate and Zucchini: Daily Adventures in a Parisian Kitchen (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Readers of Dusoulier's ebullient food blog, chocolateandzucchini.com, won't be disappointed by this wonderful mélange of new creations and old favorites. Dusoulier's charm lies in her culinary curiosity and enthusiasm, and she deftly conveys both through 75-plus recipes and narrative commentary. The 27-year-old Parisian arranges her book into three sections. The first, Simplicité (Simplicity), includes salads, sandwiches, savory tarts, soups and eggs. Part two is Invitation (Entertaining) and features recipes for hors d'oeuvres, "impromptu" dinners like Hand-Cut Steak Tartare, dinner party fare such as Comté Cheese Soufflés, buffet items and sides. The final portion concerns sweets, clearly Dusoulier's favorite. With scintillating recipes for cakes (Apricot and Pistachio Ricotta), tarts (Blueberry Amandine), desserts (Chocolate Hibiscus Crème Brûlée) and "sweet bites" (Orange Flower Shuttle Cookies), this section brims with innovation. Overall, newcomers to French cuisine will learn to make some classics, like Pistou Soup and Beef Bourguignon, while those seeking to expand their repertoires will enjoy the author's idiosyncratic creations. Dishes like Broccoli and Apple Quiche (born out of a "greenmarket run one fall morning") and, of course, Chocolate & Zucchini Cake (which may sound "a little odd," but is "surprisingly successful" and features "real teamwork at play") are just some of Dusoulier's delightful and unusual offerings. (May)
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Review

Bilingual blogger Clotilde Dusoulier's Chocolate & Zucchini brings an engaging new voice to home cuisine. -- Vogue, June 2007

Chocolateandzucchini.com is an international success. Now the young Parisian has compiled a cookbook emphasizing her brand of lighter-than-traditional French cuisine. -- The New York Daily News, June 4, 2007

Dusoulier is the Parisian friend we all wish we had. [Her] voice is boisterous, spirited, delightful and entirely forgiving. -- New York Times Magazine, April 22, 2007

Dusoulier's meditations on the value of curiosity, creativity, pleasure speak to a new generation of food lovers and cooks. -- The Seattle Times, May 23, 2007

Dusoulier's zesty approach to shopping for, cooking, and presenting French food is entirely appealing. Her recipes are inventive rather than eccentric, and her enthusiasm for the pleasures of the table is infectious. -- Gourmet Magazine, November 2007

The recipes are intriguing, the photographs enticing and the writing charming. -- The Houston Star, July 23, 2007

[The book] showcases Dusoulier's fresh, creative, market-driven approach to cooking as well as a fresh helping of her unique prose. -- The Atlanta Journal Constitution, May 25, 2007

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Broadway; First Edition edition (May 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767923839
• ISBN-13: 978-0767923835
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #84,778 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #23 in	Books > Cooking, Food & Wine > Baking > Chocolate
  #68 in	Books > Cooking, Food & Wine > Regional & International > European > French

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Downhome Paris, June 3, 2007

By	Ronald L. James "Amazon-nut" (Little Rock AR) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"It's great to nudge yourself out of your comfort zone, as that's how you'll grow as a cook, but don't take things (or yourself) too seriously: play with your food, and do whatever feels right and enjoyable. Something humble and simple, whipped up lightheartedly, will always taste better than an elaborate dish prepared by a stressed-out, cranky cook." -Clotilde Dusoulier

That's on page xxi in the section 'My Cooking Philosophy" of the book "Chocolate and Zucchini: Daily Adventures in a Parisian Kitchen. If that way of thinking and approaching food appeals to you I know you will enjoy this little gem of a book! Trust me. It's innovative, down-to-earth, fun, yet practical too, with the occasional 'leap of faith' e.g. the chocolate and zucchini cake.

This book presents what a talented and creative lover of food might very well "throw together" at home in Paris and encourages you to do the same, no matter where you live. I wanted to write a review the day I received it (yes, I've followed her Blog for quite a while) for it seemed already familiar, like an old friend dropping by who had been on a journey and was now in my home. BUT to review a cookbook without trying out the actual recipes did not seem logical to me.

It's a fun read with great advice and yes, you can shut your eyes and pretend you do live in Paris (yet when you open them it's best to have some food sitting there)! Without too much effort you can please yourself and freinds with "downhome Paris" cooking in no time. To start - the Chocolate and Zucchini cake I found was best if you did NOT tell your friends the name of said cake..... just offer it casually with a side of ice cream or gelato or just as is and watch them ask for another piece. I made it with butter but Clotilde also suggests the peppery undertone of olive oil. I appreciate the optional method being given. Trust me, it's delicious!

The Honey Spice Loaf, perfect for Fall was also great in the Summer! If you like molasses and spice cookies, you'll love this loaf. Clotilde suggests candied ginger as an option and I heartedly agree. It really added a nice texture and added flavor kick.

The Curried Turkey Sandwich is wonderful and is made without mayo. I've nothing against mayo but this was nice and lighter in flavor and fat calories!

Baby Spinach and Shrimp Chilled Soup is light but satisfying and oh so easy. It calls for kefir but buttermilk (which is what I had on hand) may be used.

Lavender Apricot Compote was sublime. Apricots are in season now and I have lavender growing in my yard. No, I don't live in some exotic locale - I'm in Little Rock AR which is too far from Paris but I can pretend otherwise and enjoy the process with the help of this book! If you don't have apricots Clotilde suggests peaches or plums.

Yes, I have enjoyed everything I've made so far (there are more) and did not find anything difficult to put together. Some things may not appeal to some readers such as "Sardine and Tomato Club Sandwich" but I found it delicious and actually something you would secretly throw together when no one was looking and you were maybe home alone, only to discover you had a new delicious offering worth adding to your repertoire!!

I almost forgot to mention that Clotilde also gives wine recommendations for all her recipes - an unexpected plus for such a small cookbook. If any of the above appealed to you, buy this book (you cannot beat the price), read it, enjoy it and cook from it - you won't be sorry and hopefully you'll find a new friend in Clotilde and her enthusiastic approach to eating.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book!, May 15, 2007

By	Annette (California) - See all my reviews

I just received this from Amazon yesterday, and have to say it is already one of my favorite cookbooks (and I have MANY)! I love to cook, love Paris, and have enjoyed the author's foodblog, so I've been looking forward to the printing of this book. It hasn't disappointed. Clotilde's conversational writing style makes me feel as if I'm sitting in the kitchen with a close friend. This is the first cookbook I've ever had the urge to read from cover to cover like a novel. I tried the first recipe in the book, Chicken Salad with Peaches & Hazelnuts, for dinner last night and loved the combination of flavors and the simplicity of preparation. Can't wait to read further and get back in the kitchen to try more of the yummy-sounding recipes!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book!, May 25, 2007

By	Soozie (Kihei, Hawaii) - See all my reviews

I don't buy many cookbooks these days, relying on old standbys for measurements or proportions, and the web for new ideas. I've been a fan of Clotilde's blog for years, where I can enjoy a walk through Paris anytime, a visit to an interesting Paris restaurant, or sit by her virtual side as she invents a new dish. I have long admired her devotion to unusual ingredients, or usual ones in unusual combinations. So buying her book was an act of loyalty. But I'm so glad I did! Before I got it home I had taken a peek at the photos and had in mind trying several of her recipes with ingredients I already had on hand -- like the chicken and nectarine salad, mushroom and cheese sandwiches, and mustard chicken stew. I figure any cookbook that provides a single "keeper" is a winner, and I already have three from this one. (The very chocolate cookies will have to wait for a trip to the store!) Clotilde has honed her skills in the kitchen and with the English written word for years, and it shows in this wonderful book. Unpretentious and accessible, all while being inventive and interesting. What can I say? Buy this book!