[.ca] Chocolate and Zucchini: Daily Adventures in a Parisian ... (ISBN 0767923839)

Fresh Air from a Parisian Kitchen:
I love a good cookbook, and I love meeting a new friend. With this inventive book you get both. The recipes range from simple sandwiches (how about a curried turkey sandwich)to traditional French icons (boeuf bourguignon). There are items to satisfy your sweet tooth (lemon butter cookies)or savoury cravings (hazelnut-thyme matchsticks or maybe a cumin cheese puff). And while you are reading you get to know Mlle. Clotilde and her world, sort of like having a great cook as a neighbour who tells you stories and gives you recipes and cooking hints over the back fence, or more appropriately from one Parisian balcony to another. Dusoulier also doubles as the photographer and does the craft proud whether it is outdoor scenic photography or the mouth watering food photography which she chooses to explore in it's simplicity rather than overburdening the senses. All in all a great effort, both utilitarian and entertaining.

Food, stories, photos and friends:
Two of my favourite things in the world are food and books, so Clotilde's delightful combination of recipes and stories to accompany them is my idea of the perfect cookbook. Her photography adds an extra layer of appeal, with fresh, sharp photos of the recipes, and glimpses into 'her' Paris. The photos of produce at market stalls and outdoor shots of Paris will have people wishing they were there. The recipes are well-laid out and well-referenced, methods are easy to follow, variations and substitutions are noted and wine pairing suggestions are also given. I'm sure this is one cookbook what will be used over and over again. There are recipes for all occasions, from quick, simple snacks to sophisticated dinner party dishes, and lots of delicious everyday recipes as well. The essence of Clotilde's recipes is that they are enjoyable to make and to eat, especially when shared with family and friends. The first recipe I'm cooking out of my new favourite cookbook? The Chocolate and Zucchini Cake, of course!