Mosman Readers

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Cooking for Claudine:how I cooked my way into the heart of a formidable French family by John Baxter

After my trip to Paris and France earlier this year I have become obsessed with everything French and also Parisian! So I was very happy to discover a review of this book, a memoir which combines food, French culture and family life and a little bit of travel. I was not disappointed when I read it.This is a witty, well written and enjoyable read.

It is the story of how Australian expat , John Baxter, fell in love with a French women and moved to Paris to marry her. As part of his acceptance into his new French family he has to cook a Christmas banquet for 18 people in their ancestral country home!

The book follows his yearlong challenge to prepare for the banquet and takes us along on his travels to the farthest corners of France in search of the country's best recipes and ingredients. It also provides an insight into French family life.

Also recommended by the same author "We'll always have Paris:sex and love in the city of light"