5 Best French Cookbooks for Mother's Day
Gift ideas for moms who love to bake
French cooking is all about passion, precision, and taking pleasure in the creation and sharing of meals. Encourage your mom to don her chef's hat and dive into these pages.As they say in France, "Qui ne risque rien n’a rien" (Who risks nothing, gains nothing)—and in the kitchen, a little risk with a trusted cookbook can lead to deliciously rewarding outcomes.
Whether your mother aims for the Proustian bliss of the perfect madeleine or prefers a cozy rustic tarte aux pommes, these cookbooks are sure to delight, instruct, and inspire.
We hope this list helps you find the perfect culinary treasure for your mom. Joyeuses cuisines and happy gifting!
Top 5 French Cookbooks for Bakers
“Mastering the Art of French Cooking” by Julia Child, Louisette Bertholle, and Simone Beck
This is the quintessential French cookbook that brought French cuisine into American homes. Julia Child’s meticulous attention to detail and approachable teaching style make this tome a must-have. From Boeuf Bourguignon to Crêpes Suzette, your mom will be saying “Bon appétit!” as she whips up these classic dishes with confidence and flair.Find it in The Shop @ Mised Out
Find it in The Shop @ Mised Out
"The French Bakery Cookbook" by Kimberly Zerkel
A charming and informative guide that brings the joy and sophistication of French baking to readers around the globe. With its expertly crafted recipes, detailed instructions, and beautiful presentation, this book is a must-have for anyone eager to explore the art of French bakery. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, Zerkel’s cookbook is a source of inspiration and guidance, inviting you to discover the delights of French baking one recipe at a time.
Find it in The Shop @ Mised Out
"French Pastry 101: Learn the Art of Classic Baking with 60 Beginner-Friendly Recipes" by Betty Hung
An outstanding resource for anyone aspiring to learn the art of French pastry. It’s a book that combines the joy of baking with the finesse of French pastry techniques, making it possible for beginners to create exquisite pastries in their own kitchen. Whether you’re a novice baker or someone looking to expand your baking skills, this book will guide you through the delightful and rewarding world of French pastry.
Find it in The Shop @ Mised Out
"French Pastry Made Simple: Foolproof Recipes for Eclairs, Tarts, Macarons and More" by Molly Wilkinson
This is a must-have addition to any baker's cookbook collection. Whether you're a Francophile at heart or simply looking to elevate your baking skills, this book is a treasure trove of sweet and savory delights. Molly's passion, expertise, and talent shine brightly in every page, and it is sure to bring joy to countless kitchens around the world.
Find it in The Shop @ Mised Out
"French Patisserie: Master Recipes and Techniques from the Ferrandi School of Culinary Arts" by Ferrandi Paris
A must-have for anyone with a sweet tooth and a desire to master the art of French baking. It's a delightful journey through the world of pastries, filled with passion, expertise, and a whole lot of fun. This book has earned its place in my kitchen as a cherished treasure, and I guarantee it will become your go-to guide for all things French and fabulous. So, put on your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to embark on a sweet adventure of a lifetime – one éclair, tart, and soufflé at a time.
Find it in The Shop @ Mised Out
4 Tips for Gifting the Right Cookbook
Know the Recipient's Favorite Type of Cooking
It may sound silly, but people often skip over the most basic question when selecting a cookbook as a gift - what does the recipient like to cook?
Maybe she or he is a baker. But what sort? Bread or pastry? Or maybe he or she prefers cooking. Are they often found pulling some slow braising dish out of the oven? Or do they prefer the quick pace of the stove top? Or the heat of the grill?
Knowing how your intended recipient likes to cook can help you identify the perfect gift.
Beginner or pro
Very few of us are born able to cook. Most of us learn over (many, many!) years.
When selecting the perfect cookbook gift, it's important to think about the skill level of the recipient. For cooks just starting out in the kitchen, a thick textbook might be intimidating. On the other hand, a seasoned cook may be underwhelmed with a book for novices.
Understand dietary preferences
Some of us have dietary restrictions. From avoiding lactose to gluten intolerance, traditional recipes can often present challenges for the home cook. Others of us are on low fat, low sodium, vegetarian, or vegan diets.
Before selecting a cookbook as a gift, take a moment to think about how the recipient's diet might affect the types of recipes that she or he prefers to cook.
Go for fun
Gifts ought to be fun, exciting, and unexpected. Gifting a cookbook is no exception. Look for cookbooks that are a bit different, out of the mainstream, quirky, or deeply passionate.
Remember, cooking is about more than just nurishment.
Fun Facts About French Cooking
French cooking is deeply influenced by other countries. Throughout their history, the French have adopted recipes and ingredients from Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Belgium. In the 20th century (and due in no small part of France's colonial past), French food was inflused with flavors from around the global - from Vietnam to Morocco.
The iconic croissant isn't actually French. It's Austrian. The flaky, crescent-shaped pastry first appeared in Austria in the 13th century. Nearly five hundred years later, an Austrian baker opened a bakery in Paris and began selling "viennoiseries." No surprise, the French fell in love with teh treat and in just forty years it became the mainstay of the French breakfast table.
There are two distinct types of crêpes in France - sweet and savory. Sweet crêpes are generally prepared with wheat flour. They can be served with sugar, whipped cream, or a hazelnut chocolate spread. In contrast, savory crêpes are filled with ham, cheese, mudhrooms, or (depending on the region) artichokes. Because savory crêpes are made with buckwheat flour, they are gluten-free.
Conclusion
A French cookbook is a thoughtful gift for Mother's Day, or any time of the year. As with every gift, take the time to consider what the recipient likes to cook. This helps make sure that you choose the perfect gift! And if you aren't inspired by the cookbooks we've featured here, head over to The Shop to check out our full selection of French cookbooks. No matter what, always cook with courage and love! A bientôt!