French Cooking for Beginners

From Paris direct to your table--the complete French cookbook for beginners

The French may not have invented cooking, but they certainly have perfected the art of eating well. In this definitive French cookbook that's perfect for beginners, you'll discover how to make the timeless, tasty cuisine served up at French dinner tables and in beloved bistros and brasseries.

Author François de Mélogue breaks down classic French cookbook dishes like Duck Confit with Crispy Potatoes, Bouillabaisse, and Coq au Vin into easy-to-follow steps perfect for the newcomer. Along the way, you'll learn how to put together a cheese board any Parisian would be proud of, fry the perfect pommes frites, and pair food and wine like a pro. Let's get cooking the French way! Bon appetit!

This essential French cookbook for beginners includes:

• Classic flavors--Discover more than 75 recipes you'll love, from Steak Tartare to Tarte Tatin.
• A taste of Paris--Learn to shop like a Parisian and how to prepare 4 classic cocktails from the City of Light.
• Essential extras--Beyond French cookbook recipes, you'll find 12 tips for souffle success, expert advice on how to make a pan sauce, and a guide to French wines.

Classic Parisian cooking comes home in this French cookbook for beginners.

"Breaks down classic French cookbook dishes like duck confit with crispy potatoes, bouillabaisse, and coq au vin ... Along the way, you'll learn how to put together a cheese board, ... fry the perfect pommes frites, and pair food and wine"--Publisher marketing.

François de Mélogue grew up in a traditional French household in Chicago, Illinois. He has more than 30 years of culinary experience that combines an in-depth knowledge of culinary history with his own signature French cooking style. He lives in Vancouver, Washington, with his wife, Lisa, and nine-year-old son, Beaumont, who is the family saucier.

"In his latest cookbook, Chef François invites you on a culinary journey well beyond the streets of Paris. Along the way, he demystifies myths about French cooking and eating habits. His humor sparkles throughout the pages as you discover the secrets behind a French pantry and wine pairing." --Carolyne Kauser-Abbott, founder, Perfectly Provence

"Francois is the perfect guide to mastering French cooking with a down-to-earth approach and lifelong passion for food that was nurtured at his mother's knee. Francois brings a modern touch to classic recipes with clear, understandable instructions and descriptions that demystify ingredients. With this book, you too can create delectable French food with a minimum of fuss and bother." --Inga Aksamit, author of The Hungry Spork outdoor cooking books

"Anything that has to do with learning, mastering, and executing classic French cooking is in this book. All the different parts of the kitchen are explained. Pantry, tools, spices, easy-to-understand recipes, and vibrant photos show the reader what success looks like. It's an important cookbook for both the novice and the experienced home chef. This is a cookbook that will be used every week." --Linda Kissam, International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association Freelance Press Trip Coordinator

"François de Mélogue's joie de vivre beams off these pages to share with you accessible recipes that recreate French homemade staples that span from Paris to Provence. French Cooking for Beginners is perfect for those curious about the French way of life and wanting to travel on a gourmet trip to France via François' anecdotes and your kitchen." --Ashley Tinker, photographer and author of the CuriousProvence blog

"Nourished by his French and American origins, François issues emblematic recipes with humor and tenderness. He demystifies great French cuisine recipes with his truculent and inimitable style, and makes them accessible to all--distilling his know-how with simple words and practical tips. He teaches us how to cook with the heart." --Marie-Helene BERIOT, Remember Provence