Chocolate & Zucchini: Daily Adventures in a Parisian Kitchen [Paperback]

"It's great to nudge yourself out of your comfort zone, as that's how you'll grow as a cook, but don't take things (or yourself) too seriously: play with your food, and do whatever feels right and enjoyable. Something humble and simple, whipped up lightheartedly, will always taste better than an elaborate dish prepared by a stressed-out, cranky cook." -Clotilde Dusoulier

That's on page xxi in the section 'My Cooking Philosophy" of the book "Chocolate and Zucchini: Daily Adventures in a Parisian Kitchen. If that way of thinking and approaching food appeals to you I know you will enjoy this little gem of a book! Trust me. It's innovative, down-to-earth, fun, yet practical too, with the occasional 'leap of faith' e.g. the chocolate and zucchini cake.

This book presents what a talented and creative lover of food might very well "throw together" at home in Paris and encourages you to do the same, no matter where you live. I wanted to write a review the day I received it (yes, I've followed her Blog for quite a while) for it seemed already familiar, like an old friend dropping by who had been on a journey and was now in my home. BUT to review a cookbook without trying out the actual recipes did not seem logical to me.

It's a fun read with great advice and yes, you can shut your eyes and pretend you do live in Paris (yet when you open them it's best to have some food sitting there)! Without too much effort you can please yourself and freinds with "downhome Paris" cooking in no time. To start - the Chocolate and Zucchini cake I found was best if you did NOT tell your friends the name of said cake..... just offer it casually with a side of ice cream or gelato or just as is and watch them ask for another piece. I made it with butter but Clotilde also suggests the peppery undertone of olive oil. I appreciate the optional method being given. Trust me, it's delicious!

The Honey Spice Loaf, perfect for Fall was also great in the Summer! If you like molasses and spice cookies, you'll love this loaf. Clotilde suggests candied ginger as an option and I heartedly agree. It really added a nice texture and added flavor kick.

The Curried Turkey Sandwich is wonderful and is made without mayo. I've nothing against mayo but this was nice and lighter in flavor and fat calories!

Baby Spinach and Shrimp Chilled Soup is light but satisfying and oh so easy. It calls for kefir but buttermilk (which is what I had on hand) may be used.

Lavender Apricot Compote was sublime. Apricots are in season now and I have lavender growing in my yard. No, I don't live in some exotic locale - I'm in Little Rock AR which is too far from Paris but I can pretend otherwise and enjoy the process with the help of this book! If you don't have apricots Clotilde suggests peaches or plums.

Yes, I have enjoyed everything I've made so far (there are more) and did not find anything difficult to put together. Some things may not appeal to some readers such as "Sardine and Tomato Club Sandwich" but I found it delicious and actually something you would secretly throw together when no one was looking and you were maybe home alone, only to discover you had a new delicious offering worth adding to your repertoire!!

I almost forgot to mention that Clotilde also gives wine recommendations for all her recipes - an unexpected plus for such a small cookbook. If any of the above appealed to you, buy this book (you cannot beat the price), read it, enjoy it and cook from it - you won't be sorry and hopefully you'll find a new friend in Clotilde and her enthusiastic approach to eating.

I don't buy many cookbooks these days, relying on old standbys for measurements or proportions, and the web for new ideas. I've been a fan of Clotilde's blog for years, where I can enjoy a walk through Paris anytime, a visit to an interesting Paris restaurant, or sit by her virtual side as she invents a new dish. I have long admired her devotion to unusual ingredients, or usual ones in unusual combinations. So buying her book was an act of loyalty. But I'm so glad I did! Before I got it home I had taken a peek at the photos and had in mind trying several of her recipes with ingredients I already had on hand -- like the chicken and nectarine salad, mushroom and cheese sandwiches, and mustard chicken stew. I figure any cookbook that provides a single "keeper" is a winner, and I already have three from this one. (The very chocolate cookies will have to wait for a trip to the store!) Clotilde has honed her skills in the kitchen and with the English written word for years, and it shows in this wonderful book. Unpretentious and accessible, all while being inventive and interesting. What can I say? Buy this book!

I just received this from Amazon yesterday, and have to say it is already one of my favorite cookbooks (and I have MANY)! I love to cook, love Paris, and have enjoyed the author's foodblog, so I've been looking forward to the printing of this book. It hasn't disappointed. Clotilde's conversational writing style makes me feel as if I'm sitting in the kitchen with a close friend. This is the first cookbook I've ever had the urge to read from cover to cover like a novel. I tried the first recipe in the book, Chicken Salad with Peaches & Hazelnuts, for dinner last night and loved the combination of flavors and the simplicity of preparation. Can't wait to read further and get back in the kitchen to try more of the yummy-sounding recipes!