This cookbook, Barefoot in Paris, is my favorite one to gaze at lovingly because of the beautiful pictures, and I have post-it notes on the four recipes I want to make the most.
This book, The Sweet Life in Paris, doesn't have pictures. But it is written by David Lebovitz, whose food blog is amazing, and I couldn't put this book down. There are 20 or 25 recipes in it that I can't wait to make. This book now resides on my "special" bookshelf in my bedroom, where only my very favorite books live.
I bring all of this up because of what happened last night. I must mention that I have been collecting my French cookbooks since I was in college, 15 or 16 years ago. I pulled all of them out of my kitchen cupboard, where they take up prime space, and said to my husband, "You know, I really should start cooking out of these." And he laughed the hardest I have ever heard him laugh. (I'm pretty sure he was laughing because what I said was so cute. Either that, or he was laughing at me. I haven't decided yet.) Because see - while I have collected these books throughout the years, and I open them regularly and longingly read through them, and they own prime space in my kitchen, I have never actually made one recipe out of any of them.
Clearly, I need help. Anyone want to help me make a French meal?
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I absolutely love Ina Garten, French food & cooking. I think I'm going to get that book for myself.
I think your husband was laughing with excitement. He was thinking, "yippee!" Not, "yeah, right!" ☺
Do it! What's the worst thing that could happen, it doesn't turn out?
We are kindred spirits with the French cooking thing. Italian food is my favorite but nothing beats the French desserts. I don't have David Lebowitz's cookbook but I have made his Chocolate Macarons and they've always turned out well for me. Last night I made Creme' Brulee' for the first time and it was actually A LOT easier than I thought it would be.
You can do it! Just start with a simple recipe (not macarons) and follow the steps. Try a Creme' Brulee. You can carmelize the sugar under the broiler in your oven, no torch needed.
I'm not a big fan of cooking, French or otherwise. I love hearing about other people cooking though. Oh and sampling the goods.
That is a cute thing to say. Good luck cooking it! Did you like Julie and Julia? That was a cute show about French cooking:).
Can I help you eat it?
Haha. Simply perfect. I love looking at recipe books too.
I am thinking if the lady on Julie and Julia can do it you can too!! I have seen that movie a couple times and I think "I should do something like that" but I think a project like that would best be done when my children are at least teenagers. Plus I don't find much joy in cooking. Just pick out a recipe and go for it!
Ooh, ooh, pick me!!
My parents are closing on a condo in Washington that is going to be a sort of free-for-all family getaway spot, so I'm planning to come down there sometime soon... and I would seriously spend an afternoon cooking French food with you.
Yes?
In all honesty, though, you could totally do it on your own. I have a really easy (but slightly time-consuming) recipe for nicoise chicken that is deeeeee-freaking-licious and might help ease you into French cooking.
I don't know what it is but French cooking intimidates me. Italian? of course! Chinese? yes please! Mexican? got that down. But French? Maybe someday. . .
I have trouble heating up a meal my mother made in the microwave! LOL
You've got to start somewhere! Having the desire is the first step, right?
I totally do this very thing. Maybe not with all french cookbooks, but lots and lots of unused cookbooks. Well, not entirely unused...because I do stare at the photos a lot :)
You make me smile! What has kept you from making something from them?
I'll do it with you!! What are you going to make??
Crepes aren't too hard. The first few never come out quite right but then they are beautiful. You should do it!
Je pense que vous faites un grand dîner pour votre famille. Je fais cuire Français tout le temps pour ma mari et mes enfants. Si jamais je viens du sud de l'Utah en vacances, je vais attendre quelque chose de délicieux.
There you go... I am sure I have made many mistakes. =) I know I speak way better than I write.
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