French Cooking at You: Getting a Handle on the Basics
The recent hit movie, Julie and Julia, featured the charming story of a woman who challenges herself to cook every recipe in chef Julia Child’s iconic Mastering the Art of French Cooking in one year. Once again, the cookbook is selling briskly, as budding cooks decide to take on French cooking.
At first blush, French cooking can seem somewhat intimidating. For instance, some of the ingredients found in copies of Child’s cookbook are unfamiliar to many. The book was published 50 years ago, when different ingredients were readily available. Still, one must not fear; French cooking staple ingredients are familiar: potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, eggs, seafoods, beef, pork, and veal. There are, of course, many other delectable ingredients found in French regional cuisines. Most ingredients are easily found in finer grocery stores everywhere.
Of course, cheese and French wineF are the meal components most familiar to those just getting started with French cooking. French wines are usually specially made to accompany meals, taking advantage of the flavors to help draw out the complexity of the wine. Delicious French cheeses are often served with wine, a classic combination that “foodies” love. Many of the popular wines you find at the store originated in France, including merlot, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, and syrah.
In addition to wine and cheese, French breads are incredibly popular. Stores commonly carry French baguettes and pain poilanes – a large circular loaf – even outside of the biggest cities. Delicious crusty breads are a complement to any meal – not just French cuisine.
For those ready to explore French cuisine, it doesn’t get much better than Julia Child’s classic book. Her passion was to bring the art of French cooking to an American audience, and not just those who routinely eat exotic cuisines. Start simple, and try a dish with ingredients you already enjoy.
