Cooking French food can seem intimidating, but I love the flavors! What are the top 5 essential French cookbooks for a home cook like me?
When you think of French cuisine you think of a food culture that embodies sophistication and refinement. You think of luxury, complexity, and artistry. French cuisine is considered an essential building block of culinary traditions across the globe. It has a reputation of being both delicious… and difficult.
As a curious home cook, I was intrigued by the elusive French cuisine. I deeply wished to be a part of such a grand food culture, but was quite intimidated by the thought of difficult cooking methods and visions of caving soufflés. However, as I began to do further research, I discovered many cookbooks that demystified French cooking and gave me confidence in the kitchen. Now that I’ve prepared a number of French dishes over time, I have absolutely fallen in love with the food and consider it to be one of the main pillars of my own home cooking. Here are what I would consider to be the top 5 essential French cookbooks for any curious cook looking to expand his or her repertoire and dabble in the world of French food. Bonne chance et bon appétit!
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Un. (1) The Reference
The first book to mention must be Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child. This is the number one French cooking reference book for any home cook. Julia Child was famous for bringing French cooking to American kitchens in the 1950s. Her recipes are thorough and traditional, yet feel accessible and achievable. Check out this book if you really want to deep dive into French cooking!
Deux. (2) The Time Saver
Next up, The French Slow Cooker by Michele Scicolone. This is a fabulous book if you are tight on time and yet want the traditional flavors of French food. Although some recipes require a bit more prep than just tossing ingredients into the pot, every one of these recipes has come out absolutely delicious! And best of all, they were easy to pull together! You can set up your slow cooker or crockpot to cook throughout the day and when you come home from a long day at work you will be greeted by the delectable aromas of the French countryside. What could be more enticing?
Trois. (3) The Family Cookbook
Looking to make cooking a family affair? Time in the kitchen together is a wonderful way to not only encourage creativity and teach kids life skills, but to inspire them to explore French food culture along with you! From Claudine Pépin, the daughter of the famous French chef Jacques Pépin, is Let’s Cook French, A Family Cookbook. This book is filled with simple classic French recipes that are easy for the whole family to follow and are accompanied by Jacques Pépin’s charming illustrations!
*Bonus* This book is bilingual with all recipes written in English and French!!!
Quatre. (4) The Gem
My Paris Kitchen, written by David Lebovitz, an American blogger living in Paris, is brimming with recipes that will make you want to hop the next flight to Paris and knock on David’s door. There are little stories and cultural anecdotes sprinkled throughout the book, enhanced with gorgeous photography, but this does not take away from the awesome number of recipes! (There are about 100!) These are all dishes that David makes in his own kitchen, so now you can follow along and make them in yours! And if you crave even more Parisian inspo, check out David’s blog and his other books!
Cinq. (5) The Ultimate Guide
I was in Paris years ago and ate a croissant at a café like a good tourist should. How I wish I had had Tasting Paris as my guide before taking on the culinary capital! There is so much more to the French food experience! I wish I had read this book cover to cover back then so that I could have swapped my café croissant for profiteroles at Brasserie Julien. <<sigh>> Next time I’ll know better. At least with this unique cookbook by Paris native Clotilde Dusoulier, I can attempt to make them at home. Read this book cover to cover to learn all about how, what, and where the locals eat and how you can recreate these memorable dishes at home. Bring this book to Paris or let this book bring Paris home to you. Either way, this book is a must.
