Book review of Dorie Greenspan’s Around My French Table cookbook.
I have a new love in my life, and her name isDorie Greenspan.
There’s even somewhat of acult of Dorie loverswho weekly cook through her recipes and blog about it.
Elise Bauer
But I, not being much of a baker, have mostly been admiring her work from afar.
One cannot live on strawberry tarts alone.
Let me tell you, this book isstunning.
Elise Bauer
I want to cook every recipe in it.
Each recipe is described with Dorie’s characteristic flair for detail and useful tips.
She also includes “bonne ideas”, ideas for variations.
Elise Bauer
The first recipe to catch my eye was the chestnut and pear soup.
I like to share my food.
It didn’t go home with mom and dad.
Elise Bauer
They had to come here to eat it, and then I hoarded the leftovers.
The cauliflower gratin with bacon, cream, and Gruyure was wonderful, and inspired mybroccoli and cheddar casserole.
And then there were thesardine rillettes.
Elise Bauer
You are likely already getting it from me this year.
By the way, this fall I had the great pleasure of meeting Dorie in person.
Charming, witty, and embracing life this woman is.
My dad met her too, and flirted with her shamelessly.
It was so cute, “you look so familiar” my dad said.
“Dad, Dorie’s picture is on your baking book.
You know, the one that says BAKING.”
Now we have another book in which to enjoy seeing Dorie’s smiling face.
