One pot French

One Pot French –
More than 100 easy, authentic recipes by Jean-Pierre Challet with Jennifer Decorte
Published by Allen and Unwin RRP$39.99


Together with communications expert and Cordon Bleu graduate, Jennifer Decorte, Chef Jean-Pierre Challet brings scrumptious traditional French dishes to life as easy one pot recipes.

Jean-Pierre Challet was born and raised in Lyon, France’s Gastronomic Capital. He studied in Nice and is now executive chef in a top Toronto restaurant, as well as tutoring at the George Brown Chef School.

In this attractive cook book, he treats us to recipes from all over France.

Each recipe includes anecdotes and tips, while spacious layout makes following a recipe a pleasure.

The basics are not forgotten, from Bouquet garni, chicken stock, fish stock, duck confit and sweet and savoury pasty to crepes, mayonnaise, olive tapenade, béchamel sauce, vinaigrette and basil pesto.

There’s a section on entrees or appetizers, based on ingredients like fish, ham and mushrooms. Steak Tartare which we sighted on many menus in France this year (but chose not to try) is included. Best quality meat is tossed in oil, flavoured with shallots, mustard, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, cognac and seasoning and served raw.

Hearty Soups, lighter Salad and Sandwiches, Eggs and Cheese dishes are covered in the lead up to main courses, which features many classics.

The selection covers Cassoulet, Coq au Vin, Pot au Feu and Beef Bourguignon and an interesting Shepherds pie made from the Bourguignon leftovers.

The desserts section has several old favourites like Floating Islands, Grand Marnier soufflé, Crème Crème Caramel, Raspberry Clafoutis, Lemon Tart and Tarte Tartin, the Lyon speciality.

A few ingredients are not available in New Zealand, but most can be replaced with local ones. For example Agriga for Yukon Gold potatoes, small thin skinned potatoes for Fingerling potatoes, a soft lettuce like Butterhead for Mache or Boston Bibb lettuce, and Fennel or dill for Chervil

A great new cooking book addition. It’s 183 pages (plus index) are packed with luscious images in full colour to tempt the tastebuds.

© 2008 L Donald all rights reserved