The French Cook

Englished by I.D.G., 1653

by Francois Pierre La Varenne

Book cover: The French Cook

Extent: 280 pages

Publisher: Equinox Publishing

Subjects: Food & Drink

Series: Southover Press Historic Cookery And Housekeeping

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(January 2001)

ISBN: 9781870962179

Price: $39.95

Out of stock

Published in 1651, this revolutionary recipe book represents a move away from peasant traditions, and lays the foundations of classic French cuisine. La Varenne’s was the first recipe book to receive international acclaim, and influenced European cookery for many centuries to come. Little is known of La Varenne’s life, or if he was responsible for the considerable innovations that appear in his books, but he was certainly the first to write them down. They include recipes for omelettes, ragouts, bisques and caramel, new ways of spicing and flavouring dishes, many new technical terms and such as a la mode, au bleu, and au naturel, and countless other ideas that had not been known before and have now become part of our repertoire. Introduction by Philip and Mary Hyman, whose knowledge of Varenne is unrivalled.

  • By (author) Francois Pierre La Varenne