{"id":442,"date":"2021-04-01T13:12:33","date_gmt":"2021-04-01T12:12:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coastalkitchendevon.com\/?p=442"},"modified":"2021-04-01T13:15:01","modified_gmt":"2021-04-01T12:15:01","slug":"the-french-kitchen-and-market","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coastalkitchendevon.com\/?p=442","title":{"rendered":"The French Kitchen and Market"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This month we picked The French Kitchen and its companion volume The French Market to review. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These books are a collaboration between Joanne Harris \u2013 who wrote the wonderful food inspired fictional book Chocolat and Fran Warde a former chef and food editor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These books aren\u2019t newly published, but The French Kitchen is a well-loved book that has sat on both our shelfs for many years. We thought it would be great to revisit these recipes and take a look at The French Market, new to us both. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both books are more than cookery books. They are full of not only great recipes but fantastic natural photos of both food and France, I felt my kitchen was whisked off to the daily markets full of local produce. They really lived up to their names. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a mix of simple salads, rich county stews and delicious vegetable dishes along with lots more. Plenty to choose for every occasion. I liked I could choose an easy but tasty lunch or a three course meal for the weekend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I particularly enjoyed that there was lots of suggestions for vegetable accompaniments, something that\u2019s sometimes missing in cookery books. Good to see the whole meal considered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each recipe really focuses on a quality ingredients and show how to make it shine, in only a way the French can. Traditional French cuisine at its best. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ingredients are all easy to obtain and are well balanced with cheaper and more expensive cuts of meat and fish. With lots of use of fresh herbs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The recipes are interweaved with a selection of wonderful photos, these are beautifully natural and not too styled, a refreshing change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tried the g\u00e2teau Lawrence, a rich chocolate cake, I really like to read about the origins of the recipe, it was a recipe the authors brother discovered. There are many recipes in the books that have been handed down through generations, it gives the book a really warm feeling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The poached pears in red wine recipe is my real go to recipe for this dish, its perfect every time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also loved the courgettes in lemon butter, simple and delicious and I wouldn\u2019t make garlic bread any other way having tried this recipe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These books really lived up to our expectations, a truly wonderful celebration of French country food. I must read for any French food lover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n