A Review of “Paris Express” by Laura Calder
- dina630
- Apr 30, 2016
- 2 min read
3 box rating for moderate difficulty
In honor of Laura the musical accompaniment for this post is Leonard Cohen, an iconic Canadian singer, performing "Dance Me to the End of Love."
In my blog post "What Makes a Meal Brunch and What Makes a Brunch French," I said I would review one of Laura Calder's books because her videos on the Cooking Channel are so engaging. I choose to review "Paris Express: Simple Food From the City of Style" because I don't like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen and most of the time French food seems too complicated for me to begin. True to her videos it was a joy to read Laura's book. It was relaxing, had lots of beautiful photos (of course) and interesting asides like:
Picnic on a platter (assiette de crudites for drop in guests),
Salt and pepper (how annoying to separate salt and pepper so put them both on a little tray), or
Cutting boards (what she likes about them and how she to clean)
The book, and its ideas, like much of French cooking, relies heavily on great fresh ingredients (not always easy on a busy schedule). My fridge is the place good vegetables go to die. But true to her word most recipes are quick or simple, or both. I was surprised by the number of flags that I have to include in upcoming menus. Here are a few of my favorites to give you some idea:
Endives in orange butter (I tried this and, on occasion, will make it again)
Roasted cauliflower with lentils and capers
Spring chicken in a pan (I have seen this from other chefs but this version looks like I might be able to pull it off)
Green eggs and ham (I love Dr. Seuss!)
Overall the recipes are healthy, veggie heavy, and look like they fit into most of my crazy dietary restrictions. Now I must admit there were a few recipes that either aren't to my tastes, or look too involved for my busy schedule:
Fennel gratin (I am just not a fennel fan.)
Pantry Duck Parmentier (This recipe is just way too complicated for me!)
Fish Sausages (Even if this sounded good to me, I am NOT going to make my own sausage!)
Lazy Black Forest Yule Log (Really I have no time for baking and can't handle the calories - but if you're cooking - that's another story.)
Overall it was a lovely read with some inspiring dishes that I can actually make in my kitchen with my work schedule. If you love French food you should check it out. Dina has already asked to borrow my copy! ;)
I give this cook book a 3 bash box rating for ease of use and implementation. I do feel that the recipes are moderately difficult overall.
Thanks Laura! Drop me a line and let me know your favorite French cookbook. Cheers!
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