I’m always on the lookout for new books to review that might interest my Francophile readers and today for French Fridays, I’m excited to share one with you that combines a few of my absolute favourite things – cooking and baking, Paris and markets. My Paris Market Cookbook: A Culinary Tour of French Flavors and Seasonal Recipes by Emily Dilling (Skyhorse Publishing, $24.99) is celebrating a year since its publication date and it’s a book I read with interest as it’s always fascinating to see what other people say about Paris markets – which ones they like and why – and I even learned about some new-to-me markets that I’ll put on my “to visit” list for my next trip!
Dilling (author of the blog Paris Paysanne) has worked hard to raise the profile of the independent farmers at the Paris markets (whose stalls are not necessarily farmers’ stands – many are just resellers) – check out this really useful map – and in My Paris Market Cookbook, she profiles others who have contributed to Paris’ burgeoning “eat local” movement – including chefs, winemakers and craft brewers, coffee roasters and baristas, bakers, shopkeepers and other small business owners. Undoubtedly, though, the stars of the book are the markets of Paris – this book brings together a collection of useful information about how to navigate the markets (tips that will help you blend in like a local!) and a comprehensive guide to what’s in season through the year. Each chapter features a selection of markets and includes useful sidebars and information boxes profiling people and places (shops and restaurants) of interest for those who love food and drink and are visiting Paris. It’s a fabulous non-traditional guide book to the city for those who love to explore!
But this is not just about buying the fresh produce, meats, fish, cheese and other foods sold at the markets – the book also features recipes so you can cook up a storm after you’ve visited your local market. Dilling says these are “representative of classic French cuisine” but don’t worry – that doesn’t mean complicated. These are dishes that are really approachable and made with everyday items – Dilling says that the basis of all great food is good ingredients and that starts at the market stalls and changes with the seasons. As I’m in the process of writing my own French cookbook (for kids), I was very interested to see the recipes selected for this book. And thrilled to see they are exactly the sort of recipes I’d hoped they would be – a range of simple to prepare, homey yet with a definite French flair and representative of the true melting pot that is Paris cuisine right now. From Appetizers, Sides, Salads and Soups through Mains and Sauces and Desserts, you’ll find ideas for every season.
A really fun read and a unique companion to your more traditional guide book to Paris if you’re travelling there. If you’ve no plans to see Paris anytime soon, this is a great way to live vicariously through the Paris market seasons – kind of like armchair travel but in your kitchen instead of your armchair đ
Since we’re in full tomato season, Emily suggested I share her classic Tomato Mustard Tart recipe with you all. We had this with a green salad for a light supper on a hot summer night and it was perfect. So simple (just a handful of ingredients) but so flavourful. Make it when tomatoes are at their peak – it’s a great way to show off gorgeous heirlooms too!
This tart is great for a light lunch accompanied with a green salad. You can dress it up by adding basil or mozzarella, but I like to keep it simple- using just a touch of parmesan and letting the flavor of vine ripe tomatoes stand out. The tang of dijon mustard creates a nice balance with the sweetness of the tomatoes and the light seasoning of herbes de provence.Tangy Tomato Mustard Tart / Tarte Tomate Ă la Moutarde
Ingredients
Instructions
US/ Canadian readers – win one of two copies of the My Paris Market Cookbook! Details here: http://bit.ly/ParisMarketCookbook
Purchase the My Paris Market Cookbook for yourself on Amazon (this link should bring you to the Amazon store in your country) or for free worldwide shipping, buy from The Book Depository.
Please note: This post contains product links from Amazon and The Book Depository which are affiliate links, meaning if you click over and purchase something, I will receive a very small percentage of the purchase price (at no extra cost to you). Thank you in advance!
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Disclosure: I received an electronic copy of My Paris Market Cookbook for review purposes. I was not asked to write about the book, nor am I receiving compensation for doing so. All opinions are 100% my own.
With the photos it looks like a feast for the eyes as well. I’m thinking Christmas presents.
It’s absolutely a feast for the eyes!
As I don’t think I will be able to travel to France soon, I will have to settle with feasting with my eyes đ That tomato tart is perfect for this time of year! My tomato plants are overflowing!
This is a wonderful way to “armchair travel” to Paris đ
This looks like an essential book to read before heading to Paris. I am hungry just looking at that tomato tart. I will add this cookbook to my list.
Yes it’s a really good “non guide book” đ And hey – go enter the contest!
Miam Miam!
It’s really very good!
This tomato tart looks beautiful. I have been using tomatoes from our local market to make roasted tomato sauce.
That sounds wonderful! And you’ll have that lovely flavour well into the winter too!
Sounds like an essential Paris tourist book. I wish I’d had it for my last visit when I had spent ages hunting down and saving markets on Google maps!
It’s definitely one I’d recommend reading before a trip to Paris đ