A few years back, just about this time in the deep of winter, I received as a birthday gift Stéphane Reynaud’s French Feasts. It was love at first sight. I will admit that I love all things French. And, I have a particular weakness for great design, heavy paper, beautiful photographs of food, charming illustrations, simple recipes using minimal ingredients, and the importance of knowing where and from whom your food comes. This collection of 299 traditional recipes continues to surprise and delight. I have only scratched the surface here because I just can’t stop going back to my favorites which include moules marinières, tarte aux oignons and crème brûlée, among many delicious others — not a bad thing, of course.

French Feasts by Stéphane Reynaud (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2009)