Book Reviews: C’est Bon by Trish Deseine

This recipe book has a simple purpose: to provide “delicious, simple and easy-to-prepare meals”. And a quick glance through its pages bears that out: each double-page spread features a sumptuous photograph, a small list of ingredients and a handful of simple steps. This approach should appeal to those who like good food but without too much hassle – nothing here takes more than an hour to prepare or 90 minutes to cook, and much of it is simpler and quicker.

With 86 recipes – split between appetisers, main courses and desserts – there’s something for everyone, from tasty open-face sandwiches and salads to casseroles, bisques and roasts. Deseine also likes to experiment with unusual ingredients (cauliflower velouté and chocolate anyone?), but manages to keep complexity to a minimum. C’est Bon is a great source of mealtime inspiration for time-starved food-lovers.

Highly recommended.

“C’est Bon: Recipes Inspired by La Grand Epicerie de Paris” by Trish Deseine. Published by Flammarion. List price: £22.50 

From France Today magazine