Cookbook

I couldnt disagree more with the ‘top rated’ critical review assessing the book as ‘lacking in recipes’, a ‘coffee table book”…very misleading. Book is the same size (8 1/2’x11 1/2x1”) as many of Julia Childs and Jacques Pepin's cook books, williams sonoma, etc., . It is a cook book. Straight forward instructions, zero ‘exotic’ ingredients. Makes me wonder if the reviewer actually looked at a copy, as he's so far off base. The book is page after page of 78 wonderful recipes. No fluff , no puffery for Le Creuset products. Is it Mastering the Art of French cooking in scope….no. Is it infinitely more digestible and approachable….absolutely. So, to start, this is a french cook book in style. While I am deeply biased in favor of the cuisine, a hallmark is slow cooking, (often), complex but subtle flavors and seasonings. Imho, there are few cuisines that better showcase wine. Its not TheJoy Of Cooking in the sense of a broader American universal appeal and pallette,imho. Being a decades long fan of le creuset, and having frequently used a very old paperback recipe book from LC , i had faith that the book would be worthwhile. And, it was/is. It is 225 pages of gorgeous, varied french recipes, such as making a boule’ in a dutch oven , salads, fish, lamb, soups, meats, desserts, and other splendid recipes, many familiar, such as coq au vin, but delightfully, often with a twist, such as the aforementioned made with sparkling wine and turnips instead of red wine and mushrooms. It is a recipe book. It is not a promotional piece for LC. It does have a few paragraphs on the history in the introductory pages, as well as a few pages of recommended kitchen items, including kitchen twine, herbs, oils, knives, and basic cookware (none of which are LC models, just basic types, skillet, dutch oven, saucepans). It offers tip for some recipes to either improve or instruct in a preferred preparation technique. None of the recipes require any special ovenware, eg one could use a deep cast iron skillet covered with aluminum foil if one doesn't have a dutch oven (a large deep pot with a tight fitting lid).otoh, some dishes simply require a covered vessel, typically to retain moisture. Many do not. I am delighted. The book is ‘orange volcanique’, my fav LC color. I think i shall find a plastic sleeve, as I anticipate it getting regular use among my many cookbooks.

I got this book expecting to find lots of recipes to make in my new Dutch oven. Be warned, it is not that kind of branded cookbook. It’s a very traditional french cookbook, with recipes for appetizers, sides, salads, mains, deserts, baked goods… It doesn’t call out particular Le Creuset dishes to use, you can make most of these recipes with what many already have in their kitchen. That would have been a disappointment if it wasn’t for the recipes themselves. It’s very traditional french food, rustic and unpretentious. (As an aside I find the writing about French food culture a little sensationalized (I’m French) but I guess it makes for an entertaining read.) I was shocked to find recipes that were favorites in my childhood and long forgotten, like the Coquilles St Jacques baked in cheesy mushroom sauce. My mom passed without writing down any of her recipes and I found several in this book. I like the spirit of telling readers that recipes are merely a basis for homecooks to make their own version. That aspect of french cooking the book gets right. My older relatives never looked at cookbooks, they figured a meal with what was in season, using broad principles and techniques they learned in the kitchen from their own relatives. I’m excited to make so many things from this book, just browsing it brought back so many menories. To me that’s what cooking for my family is all about.

First of all, I have to stop reading reviews—, so if you know Le Creuset and want this book, stop reading and just buy the book! Another reviewer wrote that this is the most beautiful cookbook he had ever seen. This is NOT the most beautiful cookbook this cookbook addict has ever seen, but it IS worthy of a 5 star review. The classic French recipes are wonderful—I am so excited to try the Duck Confit and the Chicken Rillettes. The fish & seafood recipes look wonderful with beautiful fish stews. I’m passionate about cooking & can do most, but still find the tips on technique useful—I could go on & on! A wonderful book & highly recommended!

This is a nice cookbook to showcase Le Creuset cookware. Since I bought the cookbook, I've been inspired to cook more.

It’s a beautiful cookbook with great recipes. Very impressed. The recipes are NOT over complicated. You can do them- don’t worry!

If you’re into one‑pot meals and want to actually use your Dutch oven instead of letting it collect dust, a Dutch oven cookbook can be a really useful kitchen companion. These books generally focus on recipes that take advantage of the pot’s versatility — stews, braises, roasts, breads, soups, and hearty meals that taste rich without complicated techniques. Content & Recipes: Most Dutch oven cookbooks offer a mix of classic and creative recipes. You’ll find traditional standbys like beef bourguignon, gumbo, or braised lamb, plus more modern twists like lasagnas, curries, and even Dutch oven bread. A typical book might include anywhere from a couple dozen recipes to hundreds, depending on the title you choose. Approachability: These cookbooks are usually approachable for home cooks — instructions are step‑by‑step without assuming professional skills, and most meals use everyday ingredients. Many also include tips on how to care for your Dutch oven and how to adapt recipes for stovetop, oven, or even outdoor campfire cooking.

I love this cookbook. I bought it due to recently being given a large number of Le Creuset pots and pans. This book is beautifully photographed and recipes are thoughtfully laid out. I have made a couple recipes and they are relatively straightforward and have been successful. The one thing I would change (and this is a minor ding) is that a few recipes have photos of the ingredients rather than a finished product or an in process shot...although this occurs infrequently enough to not be an issue. This book is more than worth the price to me. Good weight, beautiful to look at on the shelf, and arrived on time. Overall very happy with it!

I got this for my sister for her birthday. She loves cooking and is a big fan of Le Creuset and has been collecting all their cookware. She was really happy with this cookbook. The recipes sound delicious and the book is full of really high quality photos.