The Quickest Way to Turn Your Home into a Parisian Bistro This Summer

It only seems fitting that our Cookbook Club is cooking from David Lebovitz’s My Paris Kitchen on Bastille Day!

David’s charming essays and approachable techniques have won over even the biggest skeptics in our group. So far, despites the dog days of summer, we’ve found comfort in his takes on French bistro favorites.

His steak frites are served slathered with a kicky mustard butter, and the unctuous croque monsieur is “reminiscent of my favorite French restaurant,” says Jana Lipscomb. Plus, as John William Barton noted in the group, “What’s not to like about something that is smothered in melted butter and chargrilled until golden brown?”

For those searching for lighter fare, others in our group have experimented with the starkly simple, but stunningly flavorful, Grated Carrot Salad (Carottes Rapées), which stole the show at a potluck dinner Dana Petersen attended. “Of all the food at this party, this was the one that got rave reviews.”

My Paris Kitchen, Signed Copy
My Paris Kitchen, Signed Copy

Even David’s “Counterfeit” Duck Confit transported us to the 7th arrondissement. “The skin was so crispy, I could hear the cracks as the knife ran through it,” wrote Dara Mao. “I wouldn’t change a thing.” And we wouldn’t either.

Ready to cook along? We’re giving away two copies of My Paris Kitchen! To enter, simply leave a comment on this post by Sunday night—winners will be selected Monday morning. (Giveaway open to US and Canadian addresses only.)


(via Food52)

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