Simply French by Patricia Wells: A Classic Cookbook Every Kitchen Needs
- This Cafe Life
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Patricia Wells’ Simply French is more than a cookbook—it’s a culinary journey. From refined French techniques to approachable home cooking, this signed copy holds a special place in my collection. Whether you’re drawn to timeless recipes or the artistry of French dining, this book is an inspiration for chefs and home cooks alike. Perfect for anyone who loves flavor, history, and a touch of elegance in their kitchen.
This Café Life Cooks Simply French: Culinary Classics
Love these creamy, dreamy, pots de crème. They are so easy to make and easy to make your own - I often sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts with a bourbon whipped cream or fresh raspberries on top of a raspberry coulis. Gluten-free and delicious.
Building a Thoughtful Culinary Library
Cooking is a lifelong craft, and every great cook builds a library that reflects both skill and curiosity. The following titles are more than recipe collections — they’re lessons in flavor, patience, and creativity. Whether you’re drawn to the discipline of French technique, the warmth of rustic kitchens, or the art of slow, seasonal cooking, these books invite you to cook with intention and joy. Explore these reviews and begin curating a collection that inspires you every time you open a page.
The Blue Chair Jam Cookbook, Rachel Saunders
A luminous exploration of fruit, sugar, and time, The Blue Chair Jam Cookbook turns preserving into poetry. Rachel Saunders brings the seasons to life through color and aroma, teaching that true craftsmanship lies in patience — and in the beauty of what’s gathered at its peak.
The French Laundry Cookbook, Thomas Keller
Thomas Keller’s iconic work celebrates precision and philosophy in equal measure — a book that challenges and inspires any serious cook to strive for excellence.
The Way to Cook, Julia Child
More than a collection of recipes, this book is Julia Child’s culinary master class — a comprehensive guide to understanding the why behind technique. With warmth and wit, she invites readers to cook with confidence, transforming foundational skills into personal style.
Café Boulud Cookbook, Daniel Boulud
A celebration of refined bistro fare and the spirit of hospitality, Daniel Boulud’s Café Cookbook brings the sophistication of French technique into everyday cooking. Each recipe — from his soulful braises to perfectly balanced sauces — reflects the precision and generosity that define a true chef’s table.
Simply French, Patricia Wells
A masterclass in elegant simplicity, Simply French distills Joël Robuchon's brilliance through Patricia Well's approachable voice - a bridge between home kitchen and haute cuisine.
Nobu: The Cookbook, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa
East meets West in this essential collection - refined, balanced and filled with lessons on restraint and harmony at the table.
Splendid Soups, James Peterson
A James Beard Award winner's classic that transforms soups into art - teaching patience, flavor structure, and the joy of slow cooking.
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