French Roots: Two Cooks, Two Countries, and the Beautiful Food along the Way
A narratively rich cookbook of French and Californian recipes from longtime Chez Panisse executive chef Jean-Pierre Moulle and his wife, Denise Moulle.
Jean-Pierre and Denise Moullé met on a street corner in Berkeley, California, in 1980; six months later they were married. French Roots is the story of their lives told through the food they cook—beginning with the dishes of old-world France, the couple’s birthplace, and focusing on the simple, pared-down preparations of French food common in the postwar period. The story then travels to the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1970s, where Jean-Pierre was appointed executive chef at Chez Panisse when California cuisine was just emerging as a distinctive and important style, and where Denise began importing French wine. Finally, the journey follows the couple to their homes in Sonoma, California, and Bordeaux to revisit the classic dishes of the Moullés’ native country and hone the forgotten skills of foraging, hunting, and preserving.
Exquisitely written, with recipes that are innovative and timeless, insights on cooking and thinking like a chef, and an insider’s guide to the wines of Bordeaux, French Roots is much more than a cookbook—it’s a guide to living the good life.
NY REVIEW: With its elegant, subtly beautiful pewter and black patterned cover, "French Roots: Two Cooks, Two Countries, and the Beautiful Food along the Way", offers a soulfully sophisticated treat for readers. The storytelling is as appealing and taste-tempting as the food. . The chance meeting on a Berkeley, California street would lead to a lasting partnership and marriage between Jean-Pierre Moulle' and Denise Lurton. Their journey of a lifetime would give birth to a blending of cultures and cuisines of Old-World France and Contemporary-Chic California--and the wine--ah, the wine! Jean-Pierre's almost thirty years as executive chef at the renowned Chez Panisse combines with Denise's heritage and business acumen as a member of the Lurton family Bordeaux wine empire for an amazing volume of recipes and reminiscences. The beautiful, deeper-toned color photographs throughout the book add even more richness to the reading experience. For your culinary consideration, here are some of the recipes to be found in "French Roots": "Cream of Chestnut Soup"; "Poached Halibut with Hollandaise Sauce"; "Baked Pink Lady Apples with Jellied Red Currants"; "Creamy Rice Pudding with Cognac"; "Stuffed Pork Loin with Prunes and Roasted Apples"; "Baked Sea Bass in the Oven with Salt Crust"; "Fig Tart"; "Apricot Crisp"; "Onion Tart"; "Fresh Corn Soup with Roasted Green and Red Bell Peppers"; and "Chocolate Soufflé'". There are many delightful extras along with stories and recipes. A lifetime of working with food, plus an inherent, intuitive knowledge provides illuminating advice on seasoning, cooking methods, shopping, and fresh, fresh food. Of course, the reader is also treated to a wonderful chapter all about wine. You will greatly enjoy this fabulous, food-filled journey to California by way of France.
Book Copy Gratis 10 Speed Press via Blogging for Books
Reviews
"This book and its exquisite pictures bring back so many memories of the
beautiful way Jean-Pierre and Denise cook and live. We had a dinner at
their home in Peyraut that I will never forget: Eels freshly caught from
the river, wrapped in bacon and grilled over the open fire, that was
perfect in its simplicity. My time with them in France was a revelatory
experience, and an extraordinary education. The Moullés’ rich cultural
heritage and unique sensibility are both thoughtfully captured in this
book through their evocative stories, recipes, and images. Jean-Pierre
has a rustic yet elegant style in the kitchen—a rare combination—and I
have always admired the graceful way he approaches food. Whether he is
effortlessly filleting a fish or boning a leg of lamb; assembling a
beautiful, seasonal four-course menu, or preparing a special lunch for
friends with a wild duck he hunted himself; cooking is second nature to
him. This book is a delight to read, and perfectly captures the values
that matter most: gathering with family and friends around the table and
living attuned to the rhythms of the land with a deep respect for
season and place.” —Alice Waters, proprietor of Chez Panisse and author of The Art of Simple Food
“That Jean-Pierre and Denise Moullé curated such a stunning collection of recipes is an inevitability. That they managed to animate each recipe with feeling and memory is a supreme act of generosity. French Roots lovingly narrates the places, times, and tastes that shaped their marriage—it’s a vivid reminder of the transcendence of good cooking.” —Dan Barber, chef and co-owner of Blue Hill and Blue Hill at Stone Barns
“Count yourself lucky to own this book, a collaboration by one of the most magical couples I know. My husband and I spent a week with them, and it was an inspiration to watch them in action, so relaxed and intuitive about food, wine, hospitality, and life.”—Bette Midler
“That Jean-Pierre and Denise Moullé curated such a stunning collection of recipes is an inevitability. That they managed to animate each recipe with feeling and memory is a supreme act of generosity. French Roots lovingly narrates the places, times, and tastes that shaped their marriage—it’s a vivid reminder of the transcendence of good cooking.” —Dan Barber, chef and co-owner of Blue Hill and Blue Hill at Stone Barns
“Count yourself lucky to own this book, a collaboration by one of the most magical couples I know. My husband and I spent a week with them, and it was an inspiration to watch them in action, so relaxed and intuitive about food, wine, hospitality, and life.”—Bette Midler
Jean-Pierre and Denise Moullé
Since they met 35 years ago, Jean Pierre and Denise have tried to be a bridge between two countries and two different ways of life.
Denise and Jean Pierre have been offering ideas through their 30 years of tours in France: Cooking and Wine tour in Bordeaux, immersion in French life in Normandy, Basque country, Pyrénées, Black truffles tour in Cahors… and many dinners and gatherings to speak about these differences that can enrich us instead of separating us.
Now, Jean Pierre and Denise have written a book about their lives in two countries, the food in both places, the life style, the cultural differences. It is written with a lot of biographical stories and more like passing a message of conviviality and pleasure about sharing food and ideas around the table.
https://www.twobordelais.com/about/
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