Reflections on a cookbook

fiveouttakes

As I am writing this, three days have passed since my cookbook, A Kitchen in France, was officially published. Three days since I was in Paris giving a talk at the American library, three days since people all over the world could go into their local bookstore and whether they noticed it or not my book would be there, somewhere in the room, waiting to be picked up, explored, judged, bought or even criticized. It’s also been three days since my husband and daughter walked into a bookstore on rue de Rivoli in Paris, finding the book in stacks on a table in the middle of the room. I wasn’t there but I am told that Louise, our 6-year-old, looked at the stack for about 30 seconds and then asked “why doesn’t anyone want to buy mommy’s book”, then she headed to the cashier and simply asked “Do you know Mimi Thorisson?” The lady answered “The woman who cooks?”. Louise beamed with pride “I am her daughter”. Later that night, when so many people were getting a copy at the American library, waiting in line to have their book signed, she seemed relieved – people seemed to like it after all. We all know that Louise is the businessperson in the family – in fact her father jokes that we can all just comfortably retire now that she’s around.

cyclamens

lobster

chateaupl

I went to WHSmith and Galignani on rue de Rivoli all the time when I lived in Paris, probably three times a week. Getting books for me and the kids, magazines, even sweets and tea. Sometimes I would see an attractive book on display in the center of the store, something recently published and beautiful. I always wondered what it would feel like to be among the shelves, to be an author of some kind, to have my own book in the spotlight of a bookstore.
Now I’ve had three days to reflect on the fact that my book is actually for sale in a real bookstore with real customers who in turn choose to buy it even if they could do otherwise. It’s a thrill, I must admit, but it has made me think, now that I’m there “what does it all mean?”
I’ve come to the conclusion that it wouldn’t mean anything at all if I wasn’t proud of it, and I am.
It will be there for our children and their children as a souvenir of the life we had and the food we cooked. It will be there to remind me and my husband that once we were young and had dreams and hoped that our dreams might give wings to the dreams of other people.

pumpkins

interiorhunter

tomatoesandspidercrab

But most of all this book is a celebration of good food and mainly good French food. What is French food, is a question I am frequently asked. Is it just frog legs and snails or mainly croque monsieurs and cassoulet’s. What’s the difference between an American steak and a French one? What makes an omelette French and a frittata Italian, are French fries really French? How about French toast?
Go to any city in the world and you can easily find a pizzeria or a trattoria, a noodle bar or a burger joint around the corner. But mostly the bistrots are few and far between. French food is the fancy dress you have in your closet for the annual ball, it’s the tuxedo you take out once or twice a year. It’s a complicated dish best served in a place with three Michelin stars. A tomato and mozzarella salad is so easy to make, that plate of pasta so convenient or just throwing a steak on the grill. But French food is for the chefs … and of course the French.
I guess what I am saying that after three days of reflecting what makes me most happy about this book is not just that it’s there, that I did something exciting or that some people may know my name. It’s the fact that tonight, more people will be making simple, delicious French food, perhaps opening bottles of wine, thinking of France and all is has to offer.

So all there is left to say is bon appétit.

tomatoes

plums

chicken

Merci mille fois

This week is a celebration and joyous spirits. It’s also a time for thank you’s and hope to see you again’s.
Thank you ever so much to my readers to take the time to read my blog and share their thoughts and ideas. Many of you have been with me from the very beginning when a garden cake, photographed on an iPhone traveled the world through cyberspace and increased my readership from a few hundred to many more.
And thank you to everybody who’s contributed to Manger with their products, insights, generosity and general wonderfullness.
A big thank you to the dream team at Clarkson Potter who have made this whole process pure joy.
The wonderful Anna Mintz who trotted up and down Manhattan with the pregnant me in sub-zero temperatures in March yet made me feel warm. Kevin Sweeting who is as sweet as his name suggests.
The incomparable Jenny Kate who designed the book so beautifully. Anna Bond from Rifle Paper Co. for her beautiful illustrations.
And finally the best editor in the world, Rica Allannic, so sharp, so quick, so absolutely wonderful to work with.
Of course our story continues, new house, new adventures but that is, as they say, another book!
I wanted this to be a special post and what better way to make it special than to share two of my absolute recipes from the book. In the year that has passed since I handed in my first manuscript I think I must have made these two more often than any other in the whole book. As for the images in this post, they are photographs that we did specially for the book but did not get into the final version. I thought they deserved a chance to shine.

‘A Kitchen in France’, published by Clarkson Potter available for sale on
AmazonB&NIndiebound

pears

cabbage

choufarcie

Chou farçi

One of my favorite things to serve alongside meat is braised Savoy cabbage. Wonderful things happen when you cook this bitter vegetable with butter and let all the flavors come out. This little dish is really a variation of serving meat with cabbage—it’s all wrapped together in a pretty parcel. Serve it on its own, as a weekend lunch, or as an appetizer for a decadent feast. It’s the sort of dish that will make those at your table wonder, “If this is the starter, what are we having for the main course?”

Serves 6

1 head Savoy cabbage
Unsalted butter, for the pan
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 carrots, finely diced
2/3 pound/300 g ground beef
2/3 pound/300 g good-quality pork sausage meat
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 to 3 sprigs of thyme
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon Rabelais spice or ground allspice
Fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper
½ (7-ounce/200-g) can whole tomatoes, crushed, with their juices
1 large egg

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, core the cabbage leaves and separate them, discarding any coarse outer ones. Cook the leaves in boiling water for 8 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.

Grease the bottom and sides of a deep 7-inch/18-cm soufflé dish or charlotte mold with butter. Put a large pretty cabbage leaf, domed side down, in the dish. Top with another leaf and continue arranging the leaves one on top of another until the entire base and sides are covered. You won’t use all of the leaves at this point (reserve enough for 4 or 5 layers).

Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Cook the onion and carrots until softened, 4 minutes. Add the ground beef, sausage, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, spice and season with salt and pepper to taste and cook, stirring once or twice, until the meat is browned.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, with their juices, and simmer until nearly all the liquid has been absorbed, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let cool.

Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C.

When mixture has cooled, discard the thyme and bay leaf. Add the egg and mix well.
Put a layer of about ½ inch/ 1 cm of the meat in the cabbage-lined dish and top with a cabbage leaf. Repeat until you’ve used all of the meat and filled the dish, about 4 layers. Finish with a final layer of cabbage, making sure to tuck in the leaf on all sides.

Bake for 40 minutes. To unmold, invert a plate over the soufflé dish, flip the plate and dish, and remove the mold. Serve immediately, cut into slices.

Note: Rabelais spice is a mix of allspice, nutmeg and curry – a traditional spice in France since 1820.

galetteperougienne

Galette Pérougienne

This is a wonderful speciality from the medieval town of Pérouges, near Lyon, made from a lemony yeasted brioche dough that is sprinkled with a generous amount of sugar, dotted with butter, and baked in a very hot oven. the sugar caramelizes and each bite is a pure delight. I am very fond of this medieval cake. It is so authentic and simple in taste – exactly what I look for in a dessert.

Serves 4 to 6

3 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/3 cup/ 80 ml lukewarm water
12 tablespoons/ 1 1/2 sticks/180 g unsalted butter, plus more for the bowl, at room temperature
1 large egg
Grated zest of 1 lemon
Pinch of fine sea salt
1/2 cup/ 100 g granulated sugar
1 1/3 cup/ 160 g all-purpose flour, sifted, plus more for rolling

Mix the yeast in the lukewarm water in a small cup. Set aside for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to dissolve.

In a large bowl, mix together 8 tablespoons/ 120 g of the butter with the egg, lemon zest, salt, and 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Add the yeast mixture and then gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon until you have a soft and elastic dough.

Shape the dough into a ball, put it in a buttered bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot . Press doubled in size, at least 2 hours.

Preheat the oven, 450°F/ 230°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

On a parchment-paper-lined surface.roll the dough into a 9-inch/23-inch circle about 1/2 inch/1 cm thick. Press on the edges to make a 1/2-inch/ 1-cm wide raised border. Sprinkle the remaining 6 tablespoons/ 75 g sugar over the dough and dot with the remaining 4 tablespoons/ 60 g butter.

Transfer to the baking sheet and bake until golden and caramelized, 15 minutes. let cool for 5 minutes and serve warm.

harry

308 thoughts on “Reflections on a cookbook

  1. Oh, how I would’ve loved to be there. I did buy the book thoug and got the mail that it’s on it’s way this morning when I woke up. I can’t wait to have a look at it and cook something amazing out of ot.
    I hope you sell as many copies as you wish. 🙂 Always love to hear your stories.
    What a a lovely daughter you have… 🙂

  2. Hi Mimi,
    Love your blog , show on cuisine tv too, But don’t you think that the photographer should have gotten HUGE credit in your post ? Just a suggestion. As an amateur photographer (very amateur) I believe beautiful photography is as important in a book as some of the writing. Regards

    1. Nathalie, Not only is Mimi beautiful, talented and blessed with a gorgeous family, her husband, Oddur, is her personal, completely over-the-top fantastic photographer! They are an amazing family! 🙂 I’m sure you are going to love following along on her blog and getting to know her and her family even better!

      Mimi, I am planning a trip to the local bookstore this weekend so I can get my hands on your newest addition to your family! She looks gorgeous! ! ! I can’t wait! ! ! 😉

      1. Oh, Mimi! It is BEAUTIFUL! ! ! I have just spent the last 2 hours slowly paging through and reading through bits and pieces and it looks AH-MAZING! I can’t wait to try some of these recipes! YUM!

  3. Congratulations Mimi, I am soo happy about everything that’s happening to you !
    You took risks, you worked hard and, look at you, your book is standing on the shelves of every bookstore !

    I am so eagerly waiting for my copy to arrive. Tomorrow maybe ? Or on monday ? I’m having a pretty stressful time at the moment as I am giving a talk at the law faculty next Tuesday. Your book is the comfort I need at the moment 🙂

    Enjoy every minute of your success, you deserve it 🙂

    Alice x

    1. Merci Alice! Hopefully you will get it today? I wouldn’t want to to be anxious over the week-end! And good luck for your talk at the faculty – you are going to shine! Mimi x

  4. Merci pour ce livre magnifique. Tout y est merveilleux, les recettes (dont j’en connais déjà beaucoup parce que je suis ton blog dès sa naissance ;)) les photos (tu as de très beaux enfants) et surtout ton style d’écriture…. Bravo !!!!
    Domi

  5. Congratulations again on your cook book. I cannot wait to get one myself. I love what you said in this post. Thank YOU for sharing your stories and recipes on your blog. You are so right about French food. I thought it was always tacky and difficult to cook at home, but you made it look easy and it is easy with your recipes. Thanks again. I really enjoy your blog full of beautiful photography and recipes xxx

    1. Merci Insun – I hope you will enjoy the heartwarming recipes, all cooked with love in the book! Oddur and I are thrilled and feel so emotional about everything this week! So grateful. Mimi x

  6. Such an exciting week for you – hope you have a lovely, relaxing weekend! Happy Halloween!!

    It was wonderful to meet you- I would love to stay in touch!

    Bisous x

  7. Dear Mimi,

    I have been waiting for your book ever since it has been possible to preorder it and it was such a joy to have it delivered yesterday. Even my two boys and my husband were so delighted looking through it, hoping for new recipies to be tried. My heartfelt congratulation to you two and the very best wishes to your whole family and for your upcoming projects. Thank you for sharing all these delicious recipies and heartwarming stories.
    With love

    Sabine

  8. Congratulations on such a huge achievement! It must be so amazing to see the result of all your hard work. I can’t wait to get a copy and more importantly, I can’t wait to make that galette…perfection! x

  9. What a joy when I received your book. I was away for the day and so couldn’t wait to get home and eventually curled up in bed with your wonderful book. I have not had time to fully digest it yet but what I would like to say is – it is not just another cookery book, it is a truly special and magnificent cookery book, one to cherish for years to come. You are such an inspiration Mimi. I would also like to say that the photography is amazing – congratulations to your wonderful husband Oddur.
    I look forward to trying all your recipes but I am going to start with the Chou Farci.
    One day I would love to come to one of your cookery classes.
    Love your blog

    1. Thank you Susan! Oddur and I are like one when it comes to this cookbook – it feels so wonderful to share this work with the one you love! I hope you can feel it too. Mimi x

  10. Hi Mimi,
    Lovely post, you have such a kind heart and a way to share your dreams that is really inspirationnal!:) Since I brought back your book from American Library, I’m looking for time to cook! High on the list : gougères au roquefort and chou farci. After immerging myself in your book, I went for a totally French home-made dinner last night (normally I blend a lot with Vietnamese flavours). It felt good and I realized how lucky I am to live in Paris… Thanks for your blog and book! Awesome, xx

  11. This site has sthg that makes it unique. After long thinking I’ve found out that it is the perfect matching of the writing, pictures, recipes and of course, Mimi herself. The kids are the topping of this delightful dish – I mean, site. Keep up with the fantastic work. Greetings from Brazil.

  12. Mimi, I have come to love your blog so much. I takes me away to France ever time I get a post in my inbox. Your words and pictures are beautiful.
    Now I have the perfect gift for my daughter and daughter in law, they both love to cook. I look forward to seeing it and congratulations!!

  13. Hello Mimi. I´m really looking forward to your book. Am a little giddy with anticipation :).
    I enjoy your style of writing and the esthetics of your blog.

  14. Congratulations Mimi! I dream of France often and envy you the life that seems to be my ideal. I adored your description of French food in this Manger post. I am thankful that home cooks can now enjoy premium French cooking thanks to your book. Merci for a well written guide to French cooking.

  15. Hello,

    Your blog is very inspiring me, I run a small french bistro in Warsaw in Poland ( Bistro la Cocotte) We made some of Your recipes. I really want to order your book, but its not so easy from Poland…
    Still have Your blog, and love to read your stories and pictures! … it is really a wonderfull treat for my mind &soul.
    Best for You and Your familly !
    Patrycja

  16. I have put this on my Christmas wishlist; I love your blog and the images it offers of your lifestyle. Many times I am tempted to paint from one of your husband’s photos! They are so beautiful, as are your recipes.

  17. What a week Mimi! Congrats to you both. I can’t wait to receive my copy. This Chou farçi sounds very tasty indeed. I may even try it before the book arrives 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend with your family and friends x

    1. Thanks Mary – I often make the chou farçi – it has always been a hit with my friends and family… it is simply so tasty, and a feast to the eyes! Can’t wait for you to receive the book! Thank you. Mimi x

  18. Hello Mimi…

    I received your book on a grey autumn day when I was feeling quite a bit under the weather. Along with much green tea and honey, reading your beautiful book from cover to cover felt so soothing! I can hardly wait to try a first recipe…perhaps dreaming my kitchen is in a French château somewhere *sigh*

    Thank You for another great blog post, filled with sensitivity and gratitude. One short sentence caught my attention…”Of course our story continues, new house, new adventures but that is, as they say, another book!”:)

    Lots of love from Canada xx

  19. I received your cookbook yesterday. It is the most beautiful cookbook I have ever owned and that is saying something if you could see my groaning bookshelves. I was actually in awe about opening it. I turned the pages carefully as I read your beautiful prose and gazed at Oddur’s amazing photography. I haven’t been able to put it down. But what to make first? It will probably be your Pear Flognarde because I have pears on my kitchen counter. But I want to make the Sarah Bernhardt Cakes for Christmas too. Just know that your book will be well loved and consulted often. Thank you for this beautiful offering Mimi. I will treasure it.

    1. Oh wow – thank you for such a wonderful comment! I am honored to grace your bookshelves! I love the little Sarah Bernhardt cakes – it’s a tradition in our family (as well as in Iceland) to make them during th efestive holidays! Enjoy! Merci! Mimi x

  20. Your words about your daughter made my eyes well up with tears. I can’t wait until my little one starts talking and i hope she will be proud of me, too. I also totally agree on what you say about French cooking. I’m Italian, and enjoy how the simpler I keep it the better everything tastes, but I wish there were more bistros around to challenge my taste buds. Hope your book is a success. On my christmas wish-list it goes!

  21. Congratulations, dear Mimmi
    I feel so proud as if it was “my book”.
    Your recipes and your photos are too wonderful to get stuck in a blog.
    Your magic book is still very expensive in Portugal (€ 65). When the bookstore down the price I’ll buy it, for sure. I would be VERY happy.
    Beautiful and dear Mimmi, I wish you all the success in the world in this cookbook. You really deserve it 🙂
    A kiss
    Cláudia

    1. Thank you dearest Claudia, and I am so sorry to hear about the price tag – perhaps it was a fresh import and the mark-up was so high? Still… Oh well, I am sure the tag will lower very soon!thank you for your kind words, as always, and yes, it is also your cookbook – everyone here contributed to it! Merci, Mimix

  22. I am in Asia for two weeks on business and I got an email that Amazon shipped my copy of your book! First thing I will do when I get home, after kissing my lonely husband, it to sit down and savor your book ! Can’t wait

  23. Bonjour Mimi
    Je suis inscrite à votre newsletter et j’aime toutes vos publications et photos de votre mari ainsi que vos émissions sur cuisine TV,
    Je vais aller cet après-midi voir votre livre à la Fnac, j’adore les livres de cuisine que je lis comme des romans …
    Une suggestion cependant pour votre site et livres pour augmenter vos ventes : traduire les recettes en Français, surtout pour les proportions,
    Qu’en pensez vous ?
    Amicalement
    Laurence

    1. Merci Laurence pour ce gentil commentaire. Je suis entièrement d’accord avec vous, je devrais vraiment m’y mettre avec la traduction en Français… ça sera ma résolution pour 2015. J’espère que vous allez aimer le livre – Toutes mes amitiès, Mimi x

  24. Bonjour Mimi,
    un petit mail ce matin me disait que votre livre était “on the way”. Il n’était prévu que pour la mi-novembre et voici qui me met en joie pour la journée. Une réflexion me parle plus particulièrement “It will be there to remind me and my husband that once we were young and had dreams and hoped that our dreams might give wings to the dreams of other people.”. Je dois vous avouer que c’est grâce à vous que mon petit projet prend forme dans ma tête, au terme de plus de 2 années de réflexions, après avoir suivi vos aventures, votre travail et votre envol vers la réussite. Votre réussite vous la devait à votre sincérité, à l’amour que vous portez à votre famille et à l’amour que votre famille vous porte. Le succès est au rendez vous car vous avez beaucoup travaillé, vous, votre mari, vos merveilleux enfants. J’aime relire votre blog en entier régulièrement, voir vos débuts, qu’en toute honnêteté vous avez laissé en ligne. Voir votre progression me donne du courage, me donne envie de travailler encore plus dur.
    Je suis navrée de ne pas être capable d’écrire tout ceci en anglais, mon anglais n’est pas mauvais mais pas bon à ce point. Merci à vous et à votre famille, vous avez donné à notre petite famille (4 enfants et 1 seul tout petit chien), l’envie et la force de croire à notre rêve.
    Kind regards from Normandy

    1. Bonjour Elizabeth! Que je suis touchée par votre commentaire. Je vous en remercie! Je me sens si proche de mes lecteurs, m’ayant donné tant de force et de soutien durant ces dernières années. Je vous souhaite beaucoup d’amour et de bonheur, et surtout, continuez à rêver et transformez vos rêves en réalité! Mimi x

  25. I pre-ordered your book and received it yesterday. When it arrived I put all of work for the day aside and read it like a novel. I can’t wait to actually cook from it. It is a wonderful, wonderful book! You should be very proud Mimi. Congratulations.

  26. Dear Mimi,
    I have enjoyed your blog, your recipes and getting to know you and your family through the beautiful pictures and your wonderful words. I feel happy each time I see one of your posts in my in box.
    Your gorgeous book just came yesterday – woah – awesome.
    Congratulations and my best wishes for future happiness and success.
    Iris Quayle
    Chicago, IL

  27. So your book arrived two days ago by Amazon Canada. I was at work, so my daughter received it for me and she called me to let me know how impressed she was with it. We watch your show together. I can now cook from it with my daughters. I was not expecting such a big book. It is i impressive. I am now reading the introduction and getting to know you better. I have already checked each recipe and am excited to start trying them. I had already made your canneles on Easter and they were real good.

    I was just wondering why there is no index page for the recipes with page numbers. Any reason?

    So again congrats. Un vrai chef-d’oeuvre. Merci de le partager avec nous.

    1. Thank you Karine! I was also surprised when I first received the book to see how big it was – just like a big baby 🙂 I am so happy to know you have it at home, and hopefully cook some heartwarming family dinners. Enjoy! Mimi x ps: so happy to hear you can see the show in Canada! pps: regarding the recipe index, I guess the editors chose to classify by ingredients.

  28. The book has just arrived and it is wonderful – a work of art! Beautifully written with beautiful photographs. Congratulations!
    Now I can’t wait to try some of the mouth-watering recipes.

  29. Congratulations Mimi!

    I can’t wait to order your book. I also look forward to one day taking cooking classes with you. That is going on my bucket list right now!

    Many continued blessings to you and your beautiful family!

  30. I have not been able to put the cookbook down! It is beautiful and I cannot wait to attempt your recipes. Thank you for sharing the wonderful stories and pictures from your life.

    1. Merci beaucoup Julia, I was so happy to share some stories in this cookbook, it makes me feel I can connect with everyone through my recipes. I hope you enjoyed them. Much love, Mimix

  31. I’m so excited. I ordered your book as soon as you announced it…seems like years ago now,and, since I’m going thru a life-changing health crisis, the book will arrive just in time to cheer me and see me thru my recovery process. So looking forward to it and to more of your posts from the new house.

  32. Hi Mimi!
    Ah…Your story about dreams and turn dreams into reality is really inspiring to me. I believe you follow closely to your passions in life and that’s why you are living your dream life now 🙂
    I really wish that one day me and my family can visit Medoc and perhaps visit your family too 🙂
    I can’t wait for your cookbook to arrive here. It is estimated to reach here on next Friday 🙂
    Wish you and your family a blissful life ahead!

    1. Bonjour! Thank you for such kindness. This week has been amazing, knowing the book is out there, family meals being cooked on the stove… I hope you will enjoy your copy too! And yes, we will be waiting for you here in the Médoc! Mimix

  33. Thank you Mimi for sharing most of all your heart. That is what the world needs most now and always. Everything else that you do is an extension of that, the food, your surroundings, your family. I absolutely adore following your blog because it opens my heart. Congratulations!

  34. What an inspiration your story is – you have such a generous and humble spirit. It is such a joy for me, as a reader, to read your posts and ponder on what life could be like over the sea from my home here in Canada. Thank you for sharing glimpses into your wonderful family’s life and letting us sit at your table in our imaginations. I look forward eagerly to reading your cookbook and labour of love.

  35. Such huge congratulations to you on all your momentous accomplishments!! You are truly an inspiration in so many ways. This post was so lovely — thank you for sharing what the cookbook means to you. “It will be there for our children and their children as a souvenir of the life we had and the food we cooked. It will be there to remind me and my husband that once we were young and had dreams and hoped that our dreams might give wings to the dreams of other people.” This moved me so much. Congratulations and all the best to you! 🙂

  36. Dear Mimi,
    I held your book in my hands for the first time today and was overcome by a wave of emotions. It is not just the book and the recipes, it is the love that your book radiates. Everything you do and create comes from the heart and not only are you going to get me in the kitchen again, cooking recipes of my native France, but you are inspiring me to no end. I so admire your courage for going out there and making your dream come true. You and your husband give me wings ! Thank you !

  37. It’s a lovely book and I’ve been enjoying it tremendously. Hope to cook from it soon, as well. Best wishes from Brooklyn, NY!

  38. Bonjour Mimi!!! Congratulations! I was absolutely THRILLED when my copy arrived in the mail. It is so beautiful – the words, images, and recipies! Thank you for encouraging all of us to dream big dreams of our own & to pursue them! I cannot wait to visit Médoc & meet you in person!!! xo,dana

    1. Oh dear, shall I try again?
      The space between La Super Superette and Martha Stewart’s Entertaining has been filled. Your book is wonderful and I am happy to have been a witness to your journey from blogger to author, cook from your blog and book and continue to see what great things come next. My posts often wish you congratulations and they are heartfelt every time. Brava/Bravo Mimi and Oddur!

  39. Félicitations, Mimi! We are so enamoured with and excited to cook from your beautiful book. Thank you for sharing your kitchen stories with us.

  40. Congratulations on your BEAUTIFUL book Mimi!!!! I already purchased it,and now I am going to cook my way through it. Congatulations and thankyou for sharing.

  41. Hi Mimi,
    I love to read your thoughts about the events. I am very pleased at how much you are enjoying everything and the way you transmit to us. Congratulations and a big hug for all the family.

    1. Merci Yasmina. It has been a very emotional month – this book means a lot to us, and to be able to share it with so many wonderful people out there… I am overjoyed! Mimi x

  42. There is MY BOY holding yellow daisies!WHY didn’t they PUT that into the BOOK??SILLY people who PICK!ALL I can say is THANK GOD for LOUISE!I have yet to receive my copy…next week AMAZON is telling me!Listen for my squeal of delight!I will be over the moon!That cabbage pie thing LOOKS DIVINE!OH Mimi……..will WE ever meet?!!Please come to CALIFORNIA for a book signing and PLEASE DO WRITE a book on fixing the house!!!!CONGRATULATIONS!XOXOXO

  43. congratulations on the release of your book! i’ve a relatively new reader of your blog but had to come out of hiding and say hello! it’s been such a pleasure reading it all.

  44. Oh, this post is just as sweet as I’d expect it to be with the release of your new book! I am LOVING every page and every photo! It is a truly stunning volume. Louise should be very proud of her parents 🙂 I’m hoping this is actually the first of more books to come! Congrats again Mimi!

  45. Hi Mimi
    how come your book is not available directly through Amazon UK? The only have ‘2nd hand’ copies sold by third parties on their site.
    Kind regards
    Elaine

  46. Coucou mimi, c’est toujours un bonheur de lire tes posts et celui ci appelle de chaleureuses félicitations pour la réalisation de ton rêve, c’est magique d’avoir de tels compliments du monde entier et tu peux être vraiment fière du chemin que vous avez parcouru en si peu de temps. Bien sûr je savoure à l’avance tes recettes alléchantes en attendant impatiemment la parution en français. Bonne chance pour la suite et au plaisir de rencontrer la petite tribu. Gros bisous
    Anne-Marie

  47. I received my book in the mail yesterday. What an utter delight. Your writing and recipes, Oddur’s pictures of lovely food, country, and your beautiful children were a panacea to me after a week of 3 kids with flu, and succumbing to the illness myself. Looking forward to feeling well enough to get in the kitchen and try some lovely winter recipes. Congratulations! Your pride is well deserved and well placed. Thank you for sharing your and Oddur’s talents with the world.

    1. Thank you Angela. I hope you are feeling better by now! I truly recommend the garbure recipe – that’ll give you all the energy you need! Merci for all the kind words! Mimix

  48. I received your book this week and I have devoured it. Now I need to actually start cooking! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful recipes and family with the world. Your book is so inspiring and might help the amateur cook in me become a little better!

  49. Mimi, thank you for this candid and lovely post. I have followed your blog ever since you were a contributor on our site years ago. My book is still on it’s way in the mail, and I cannot wait for it to arrive. You’ve inspired me to try my hand in the kitchen, to live out my own fairy tale, and to slow down and savor the beautiful moments in life. I am so glad that you and Oddur decided to share your dreamy vision with the world. Congratulations from Texas!

  50. I know I already said so in another post, but I absolutely love my birthday present, and I’m picking out recipes to make for my birthday dinner 🙂

  51. I just received your beautiful cookbook, and it is a work of art! The photography and recipes will make this a true classic. Thank you so much, Mimi!

  52. Mimi, I am half way through reading your very entertaining book and have just finished reading this blog. Would that I could express myself so wonderfully; how you experience each event whether it be a new book, a new baby, the dogs, the children, the cooking is a joy to read. Congratulations on all of it. I send fond regards.

  53. Coucou Mimi, just a little note to say I have finally tried baking the pumpkin muffins that you made on Cuisine Plus! And they are moist & delicious! Thank you!
    Actually I am really bad at cooking and I never dared try any of the recipes on your blog or book for that matter!
    So today I made the step and I feel quite accomplished haha 😉 baby steps!!!!!
    Your book is on my list of cadeaux to get for my maman and belle-mère 🙂
    Bonne soirée!

    1. Helooo! It was so lovely meeting you and your husband… you are as beautiful and sweet as I imagined, thank you for all the support and friendship. Happy to hear you liked the muffins 🙂 Mimi x

  54. Hi Mimi,
    Oh, how I would have liked to be there to talk to you about your book, your recipes, your gorgeous blog. Stopping by your blog makes me hungry of life, of special moments shared with my family. I get a lot of those, but I’m never sick of it. Thank you for being there for us. I can’t wait to get your book!
    Love from Slovenia.

    1. Dear MiMi,
      I must tell you I have been in France for three days even though I’m in Utah!!
      Thank you for this beautiful work of art. A feast in every sense of the word. My husband even found me weeping over the photography as I long to return to France.
      You have achieved greatness in this book and indeed a family heirloom to hold dear to the heart!
      Congratulations and well done.
      Tonya LeMone……yes our family name is French

  55. Dearest Mimi,
    Reading your post brought tears to my eyes, I am very happy and proud of you. I have been following your blog since the beginning, you are an amazing cook, writer, so talented, creative, inspiring, beautiful, loving and kind to your readers.
    My copy arrived to my london apt and since I am not there, I asked my son to show it to me on FaceTime. Oh Mimi it is Beautiful and perfect, a great success. Oddur’s photography is amazing.
    Best wishes and much love xx

    1. Bonjour Rowaida! Finally it arrived, but in London… I hope you will get there soon. And I am planning a trip there in the spring, so we’ll get to meet! I feel so touched and honored to have you amongst my very first readers… So grateful. Love, Mimix

  56. Dear Mimi, today i was sitted in my favorite book shop leafing throw th pages of your charming book. I was completely enchanted from the intial description, the pictures and the recepies. I think that you are very lucky to have a huge and lovely family. And still now that i have your book in front of me i would like to thank you to be a model of things that could still happen. Inlove of the dreamy medoc life, full of kids, dogs and delicious cuisine. 🙂

    1. Merci Luisa! I am so touched. It is so wonderful to inspire others to follow their dreams – I have always been taught by my parents that nothing is impossible. I hope you will enjoy the book, merci! Mimi x

  57. I have been vacationing in your book since it arrived Tuesday afternoon. So beautiful! Tonight we will dine on roast chicken, tomato salad, and a pear clafoutis (alas, no cherries around here). Thank you for sharing so generously.

  58. Dear Mimi,
    Could there be a dreamier photo than your sweet daughter in the cyclamen woods? But of course, all the photos continue to amaze and delight in conjunction with your supreme recipes! As a long time reader of your blog I am thrilled to at last be able to get my hands on your long awaited cookbook. Congratulations and I hope you will continue to have time to keep posting to your gorgeous and generous blog. My cooking repertoire has vastly expanded thanks to you.
    In gratitude,
    Francesca

    1. I feel so grateful for your kind words, thank you. This book is made with love, warmth, everyone participated, from the kids little hands shelling beans to the dogs smiling at the camera! I hope you will enjoy the book, Mimi x

  59. Although I have a Kindle app on both my iPad and MacBook, a Kindle edition of your book would never do. Just ordered the real thing. Love your recipes, love your blog, love your husband’s photography, and so excited for your new home and seemlessly expanding family. As we would say here in the US, YOU GO GIRL!

  60. Congratulations on what looks like a wonderful book. I have put it on my Christmas wish list. I love the photos in your post especially the one of your daughter walking along the path of cyclamens. Just gorgeous.

  61. Congratulation, Mimi,

    I’ve just ordered your book through Amazon and I can’t wait to receive it in my hand.. Congratulation to your handsome, charming and loving husband for his beautiful portrait work he did. When ever I see and read your blog, it really makes me feel like to fly and visit you and your darling family. I’ve been to Paris once and hopefully, next visit to France will be Medoc. 😉 Congratulation, again!
    Alex

  62. Oh wonderful I made this cake two days ago and it was so delicious, simple and so good. I want to bake a couple of them very soon, one for me, the other for some friends I have planned to visit. I read the recipe in the American Library page.
    I hope to get a copy of your book soon. Congratulations Mimi. Cheers :-*

  63. Mimi, after I got your book 3 days ago I spent the night reading it cover to cover. Next day I wrote my first ever customer book review on Barnes & Noble’s site, and I’ve spent my spare time looking through its pages ever since. Last night my favorite pages were 70 & 71. This morning they were 124 & 125. It might be 60 & 61 right now! Oddur’s photos and your words are so well matched – your publishing team seems to have been in perfect synch with your lifestyle. The thing that gets me most about your recipes and the stories you share is that you’re centered on the process of cooking, the lifestyle around the dinner or snack. I’m so enjoying this special book!

    1. Merci Linny! As I read your comment I went through the exact pages you mentioned! I am so happy about your choices 🙂 I can’t express the immense joy it brings me to hear you enjoy the book! Thank you and I hope I’ll get to meet you someday! Mimi x

  64. aw Mimi your book sounds wonderful and the pictures always stunning I hope some day can buy here, Im sure I want this book:))
    all the best!!!

  65. Louise, your mother’s book is beautiful. It rests in our home in Colorado.. There is only one problem—-we are having a difficult time deciding what to try first. Do you have any suggestions?

    1. Louise had the biggest grin on her face when I read her the comment! Thank you! What to try first? The pumpkin soup, or butternut gratin? So seasonal. Pear flognarde? I’ll let you choose! Mimix

  66. It is simply just a stunning cookbook Mimi! Bravo! ..over the years I have looked for my mothers favorite cookbooks that had certain familial family favorite recipes….it is always a thrill to find one after 10-20 yrs looking..so far I’ve scored 5! I imagine the real success is knowing the family favorites from YOUR book will continue on thru time, stories will be retold and memories of cherished gatherings over good food will be told over and over… my new dream is to come visit Medoc and to eat at your restraunt… I hope you do a community or chef table as an added experience…it would be such a huge hit!

    1. Thank you so much Janel! I am always on the lookout for family cooking recipes too. One of my favorite is Lidia’s family table by Lidia Bastianich. I am so honored you are including mine. I do hope you will visit Medoc someday, I will definitely do a chef’s table! A bientôt j’espère, Mimix

  67. Hi, congratulations on the beautiful book! No doubt a few sleepless nights in the writing and creative photography.

  68. Grazie di cuore,auguri per il libro che spero verrà tradotto anche in italiano,visitare il vostro sito è una ventata di aria pura! bellissime le fotografie e auguri di una vita serena e ricca di gioia. Liliana

  69. Dear Mimi,

    Congratulations, and thank you, for your beautiful book ! I got it in the mail on wednesday, and since then have been reading it cover to cover, just like a fascinating novel. It holds all of its promises ; the writing and the photography are amazing (but those of us who follow your blog didn’t expect less of you !), and it is surely going to find its place as the new bible in the kitchen.
    Again, congratulations on this great achievement to you and your family !

    1. Thank you Alexie for such encouraging words – I am very touched to hear you are enjoying the book, especially when you said ‘just like a fascinating novel’! Merci! I am honored to have a place on your bookshelves 🙂 Mimi x

  70. Querida Mimi, me siento celosa , la espera hasta enero va ha ser larga. Tu libro es tan poético, tan lleno de amor,tan exquisito…realmente és único,quiero tenerlo entre mis manos y poder disfrutar de él . Gracias Mimi y Oddur por compartir tanta belleza, me entusiasma todo lo que haceis, me emocionais,gracias,gracias…. Rosa.

    1. Gracias Rosa! No puedo esperar hasta que los libros traducidos salen el próximo año. Voy a compartir un montón de ‘recipes’ del libro en el blog, así que espero que usted disfrute hasta entonces! Con gusto, Mimix

  71. Cher Mimi, your book is a feast for the spirit and heart. I pre-ordered and was so excited when it arrived this week. Was just looking at the recipe for Chou far I for this weekend as, here in New England, the weather calls for it. Yesterday the calvados Apple tarte was made. Tomorrow, meringues with caramel sauce. I have fallen under your spell – and loving the trance ! Congratulations !!

    1. Oh dear – thank you Susan! It’s such a wonderful feeling to have the book out there, sharing all our family recipes… from our table to yours. So happy you are enjoying the recipes! Merci! Mimix

  72. Congratulations on the book, Mimi! My copy arrived in the mail, and I can’t put it down! It is truly a lovely book — you’ve captured life in the Médoc and the seasons so beautifully. I can sense through its pages the labor of love it must have been for you and your family. What a special heirloom you’ll have for the generations of Thorissons to follow. Now … what to cook first?! Cheers!

    1. Bonjour Trisha! Thank you for such sweet words. It does feel like planting our first seed in Médoc, our family recipe book. Oddur loves telling our kids stories about how they will cook from it, and their kids will cook from it… It goes on and on, hopefully! Yesterday we planted our first tree in our new house! So symbolic. Mimi x

  73. Chère Mimi (je vous écris en français car mon iPad n’est pas bilingue…).
    De retour d’Arcachon dans notre belle campagne, je trouve votre merveilleux livre que mon mari m’a apporté depuis Paris. Un vrai plaisir de feuilleter ces pages! Je suis comme vous en ce qui concerne les livres, de vrais trésors dont j’aime m’entourer. Celui ci est vraiment particulier car j’ai l’impression d’en connaître l’auteur! Félicitations à vous et a votre mari, c’est un régal! Alain Passard est aussi un de nos chefs préférés et rien ne vaut les plats de saison!
    A bientôt la joie de vous rencontrer à Paris ou en Gironde!
    Bonne rentrée aux enfants. Amicalement xx cecile

    1. Merci merci et encore merci chère Cécile! Ce livre nous apporte beaucoup de bonheur – un vrai ouvrage ‘fait maison’! Tous les enfants ont participé à sa création, nous sommes si fiers! A bientôt, Mimi x

  74. Mimi,
    Congratulations on your book. I am going to the bookstore today to pick one up. I’m so happy for you and your family.

  75. Your beautiful book arrived this week and I gave read it cover to cover! It is certainly inspiring! Since we are getting our first taste of fall today, I have your harvest soup bubbling away on the stove and your chocolate tart with salted butter caramel prepared for dessert. I’m so excited for dinner tonight and to try many more of your recipes.

    1. Thank you dear Emily! I hope you are happy with the recipes 🙂 The harvest soup is a local soup, so popular for big tables, and the chocolate tart, well that’s pure bliss! All the best, Mimix

  76. Congratulations to you and Oddur on the release of your first book( perhaps there will be more ! ) I was looking around for a pre order in India so that I could get one of the gorgeous prints but it wasn’t available for preorder. I really enjoy reading your blog and my eyes light up when I see a new post. You have a way with words and Oddur works magic with his camera. Wishing you much success and happiness !

  77. Dear mimi,

    If ever you need french translation, I am working as a english french translator free lance and already translated one of your posts just for fun. Tell me if you need my help 🙂

  78. Félicitations Mimi! Je crois que votre petite fille a de quoi être fière! C’es génial avoir son propre livre à la vente, ça doit être comme une rêve. C’est un très beau travail d’équipe! Félicitations à toute la famille pour nous transmette de la gaité, des jolies photos et des très gourmandes recettes 🙂 xo

    1. Mimi, je viens de faire ta recette de la galette! Elle est divine! Comme d’habitude, tes recettes sont bien dosées et on a jamais des mauvaises surprises 😉 Merci beaucoup !

  79. Bonjour Mimi,
    I cant wait to get your book next week when I am in Paris. I had to try your chou farci today…it was tres bon! Merci for ALL of your recipes they always turn out wonderful!

  80. Hello Mimi…Purchased you book here
    in Toronto 2 days ago. It’s so beautiful
    and am the happiest girl. Just love your
    Blog and the charming photography. My
    daughter who lives in NYC will be receiving your book from Santa Claus.
    Congratulations and Happy Times!
    Michelle

  81. Dear Sweet Mimi,
    What an incredible 3 days for you but what an incredible journey we’ve been on with you the last couple of years. I’ve adored and devoured all your posts and very soon will have the recipes together in one glorious book xx Anita

  82. Bonsoir Mimi,
    Your blog is beautifull and show france as a very lovely country, thanks you !
    i m looking for your book in frensh, i wish i could buy it for Christmas and in frensh traduction,
    see you soon
    Barbara

    1. Bonjour Barbara! Oh how I wish too! Latest news, sounds like the book will be translated in spring, not January… will make sure through the publisher. Thank you for your kind words! Mimi x

  83. Congratulations MiMi, Yes, I have followed you for a very long time and so excited to see the book is out now, the new house is coming along, and watching the wallpaper come off at the same time ! The photos are magnificent. I am sure your book will be well recieved in Santa Rosa Beach, Aly’s Beach, and all along the 30A corridor. I shall have mine! Florida awaits. Book signings are big here and it is gorgeous too! XO

    1. Thank you Susanna! I’ll have to add Florida to my list, right! Working on it 🙂 Merci for being so kind – we are thrilled to lay our foundations in many ways – the book, our lives here in Médoc, the new house… yesterday we planted our first magnolia tree! Mimix

  84. Your daughter deserves the right to be so proud to be your daughter! Congratulations on the book and I look forward to hearing more about your many new adventures! XO

  85. Hi Mimi, we pre-ordered your new cookbook and were thrilled to see that it arrived the morning of October 31, Maureen called me at work to let me know that it had arrived!! We are spending the weekend reviewing the recipes.- the winter will pass quickly as we start to cook your recipes. As an amateur photographer I am absorbing the photography and thinking about technique, materials, styling… to be able to take such images!!! Congratulations, the book is stunning.

    1. Thank you Paul! I am thrilled to know you have the cookbook in your kitchen! What a lovely and kind thing to say – yes, winter will swing buy if you keep on cooking 🙂 And I will give you more recipes through the blog! We are so happy with the book – it’s made with love, everyone participated! Regards to Maureen! Mimi x

  86. Bonjour, je viens de découvrir votre blog, je l’adore, il est magnifique, les photos sont vraiment très belles, bravo, je l’ai mis comme référence sur mon blog car il vaut vraiment la peine d’être découvert par d’autres personnes, bonne journée, by

    Viviane

  87. Je vais me permettre de te le redire une énième fois… Encore félicitations à vous tous. Vous êtes un modèle de famille et de couple…

    Petite question :

    Pour ceux qui ne comprennent pas l’anglais à 100%, aurais-tu penser à traduire ton blog en français ?
    En plus cela me parait plutôt cohérent étant donné que tu proposes de la cuisine française :).

    Doux dimanche à vous tous,
    Margaux

  88. Dear Mimi
    Congratulations on your great achievement.

    I have so enjoyed reading your blogs over the past months and have now placed an order for your book to be sent to me in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.I cant wait for it to arrive.
    Love Heather

  89. I Pre-Ordered your book and received it a couple days ago. I love it. It is beautiful, humble, elegant, creative and a perfect addition to my cookbook library. Your photos are lovely and I’m inspired by your life. Thank you.
    Susan

  90. Dear Mimi,

    Thank you for the lovely book and blog. We were cooking from it all weekend and also bought a bottle of Chateau Sigognac in your honour today, since it is also from St. Yzans. We raised a glass to you tonight, along with our dinner.

    Cheers,
    Robyn

  91. This message is for my fellow fans of this fabulous book. The comments here are lovely–but if you bought the book on Amazon I URGE you to go write a customer review there. Several author friends tell me that glowing Amazon reviews sell a LOT of books and all of us want this book to be a sales triumph.

  92. I’m so pleased for you, Mimi. Bravo! You are right about French cuisine, it is inseparable from the wonderful produce, the land and the people, always evocative of a time and place, family and friends. That is why your stories resonate with so many readers. We have just returned from the beautiful, wild and rugged Brittany Coast, having enjoyed delicious mussels, scallops, cider, as well as foie gras from the SW with a delicious Sauternes from your neck of the woods. I just had to bring back a pat of beurre Bordier aux algues in my bags, too! You French are really spoilt for choice when it comes to good food! Thank you so much for sharing all the delights with us! X

    1. Thank you Zelda. We are really spoilt for choice in beautiful France. Each terroir offers such a variety of natural luxuries… The wonders of nature! I hope you will enjoy the book! Much love, Mimi x

  93. Dear Mimi and Oddur your book is such a love energy, we can feel it’s made by the heart everywhere, your kind words for everybody, your respect for food season, Oddur’s “still life” photo absolutely stunning, your so charming lovely aunt’s and so on. It’s a true healing book !Please stay as you are ! So grateful and celebrating the nature around you ! As you say Mimi: Et voilà !!! Merci de me faire rêver et de me révéler les trésors de mon pays !

    1. Merci! Love how you described it as a true healing book – it makes me so happy to have passed on the love and warmth of this book… it was made with love, by everyone in this family! Mimi x

  94. Bonjour Mimi
    Je viens de recevoir ton merveilleux livre et je suis complétement plongée dans la lecture.
    Félicitations, les recettes et l’atmosphère sont magiques!
    Bonne journée
    Chiara

  95. Mimi, I read through the entire cookbook yesterday and there are so many recipes I can’t wait to try! It is one of the most beautiful and appetite-inspiring books I’ve ever laid hands on. As I flipped through it, I was amazed by how simple you make the recipes seem…so many of these dishes I’ve been afraid to make in the past but you and your book have inspired me! Keep up the good work!

    Emilie

    http://www.emiliedayan.com

    1. Thank you Emily! You are so right, these recipes are easy to make. One can always improvise on the ingredients, but the basics are there – so you can cook a wonderful French meal anytime, nice & easy :)! Rnjoy! Mimi x

  96. Bonjour Mimi. Wow, wow et wow! I just stumbled upon your blog, so beautiful and your new cookbook as well. I fell in love with France on my first trip to Paris when I was 16 with my French class from the USA. I now live in Germany with my husband and three children. I can’t wait for you to whisk me away again with your next post…Amy

  97. Congratulations on the book, Mimi! We had the chance to visit the Médoc last year and fell in love with it and its amazing bounty of food and wine. I just ordered my copy & can’t wait to receive it. xo

  98. The book arrived on Saturday! I love it, a beautiful work of art. More than just to read or cook, it’s an inspiration. It even feels like something special. Good luck and thank you.

  99. Mimi,
    I am the owner of a small gift shop, The Cupboard, in Decatur, Al. I am happy to say that I carry your cookbook, which is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. I just wanted to say congratulations and thank you for writing such an amazing book. I’ll do my best to help spread the French food gospel!
    Ginger

  100. Good evening! I returned from church yesterday and your cookbook was waiting for me on my front porch! I spent many hours reading it all afternoon…it is simply beautiful!! I am a southern girl from Texas and was wanting your suggestion on the first recipe you think I should cook? Thanks Mimi….many wonderful blessings to you and your family!

    1. Hello! So so so happy to hear you received the book! Thank you! If you are entertaining, do try the pears à la Médocaine? I also love the onion tart for a lovely light lunch, or the lamb & croquant ratatouille? Enjoy! Mimi x

  101. Congratulations,

    We have ordered the book, but it is my Christmas present, so I will have to be patient.

    Thank you for your blog and the beautiful photography.
    Barbara

  102. Congratulations Mimi, I love your thoughts about being published, and I love that your daughter is your business manager!
    I’ll be in Paris on Friday, not a million miles from WHS, so guess what is on my to-do list ?!
    best wishes for much success
    Sharon
    xx

  103. Dear Mimi,
    After 50 years of collecting cookbooks, I know when I’ve found a treasure. Your cookbook is so heartwarmingly beautiful that I want to savor it one page at a time.
    I was so inspired by your book that I roused myself from a warm bed on a chilly Sunday morning to head for the farmers market. I filled my French shopping basket with bounty from fantastic local,farmers here in Northern California. When I got home i thought to myself, ” I should have a dinner party tonight!” Typically I would talk myself out of hosting a spontaneous party but then I thought about you and how you manage to prepare a gorgeous feast with kids and dogs running around the kitchen. I said if Mimi can do that, then I can throw a last minute party! It was so successful that I have decided to have spontaneous Sunday suppers from now on. Thank you for sharing your love for French food, family and joyful gatherings.

    1. What a delight to hear Dianne – especially after 50 years of collecting cookbooks… I am so honored to hear such wonderful reviews, thank you. May you enjoy many last minute parties! With gratitude and best regards, Mimi x

  104. Receiving your book was just the “vacation” I needed. I have declared that Thanksgiving and Christmas fare shall be a la Manger! I have been picking out recipes and devising menus nightly since receiving your book. I rarely feel inspired to purchase books born from so many blogs but yours was one I would not hesitate ordering. The excellence in the recipes you create and the phenomenal photography and anecdotes that captures your story as a family is such a joy and reminder that life can indeed be so very beautiful. Thank you for that! Continued success to you and yours…

    1. Thank you! And may I say, what a perfect way to describe the book… I am feeling rather chuffed with myself, dare I say! 🙂 I love hearing various book description, especially yours ‘vacation’! Thank you – now all you have to do is ti plan your next real vacation in Médoc! Mimix

  105. My copy arrived today–a reward to myself for taking a really unpleasant certification examination this Thusday. I cannot to spend Thursday evening flipping through the pages and choosing what to make first!

  106. Oh what a great present for me to see this big heavy beautiful book of treasures that arrived. The quality of the even the paper is perfect . So I am reading all the words ( and I usually never do that with cookbooks) as I already know it will be interesting and weave a great story.
    Thank you.. this will sustain me through the holidays with the fun of slow reading and making recipes along the way. Well done!!!

    1. Thank you dear Sarah. It was so important for readers to feel intrigued by the story… this book is all about food memories, food anecdotes, our journey here in the Médoc. It’s all an adventure! Merci, Mimi x

  107. Dear Mimi,
    this is the first time I leave a comment here, although I love your posts, your recipes, your passion…and of course, France!
    I have already ordered your book and I can’t wait to receive it.
    Congratulations and thank you!
    Greetings from Greece.

  108. I came across your blog 3 days ago when searching for authentic french recipes. I immediately went out and bought your book yesterday. I am inspired by your recipes and your husbands beautiful photographs, thank you for your beautiful work, 3 recipes down so far!!!

    Jess

  109. Mimi

    Your amazing book arrived on Saturday and I fall fast in love with it!!! What a wonderful tribute to your entire family.

    Blessings and much success

  110. Mimi, what an absolutely beautiful post! I’ve been following you since the beginning, so your post brought tears to my eyes! I should be receiving your book in the next few days – j’ai hâte, to say the least! Wishing you and your beautiful family much health, love and success – always. Thanks so much for sharing a big part of your life with us. Hope to meet you one day in Médoc! XX

    1. Thank you Lynn, your heartfelt message is so touching. I feel so close to my readers… it’s all about kindness and friendship, right? I hope to meet you too, I know we will have a lot of catching up to do 🙂 Mimi x

  111. Dear Mimi,

    I received my book two days ago and am halfway through reading the entire thing. I started with Autumn, of course, and just finished Winter – my two favorite seasons.

    To say this book is beautiful is an understatement. And every recipe made me want to go into the kitchen and cook! Your husband’s photography is simply gorgeous. But then again, look what he had to work with, you, your children and all that glorious food! Best of luck.

  112. Your cookbook arrived at my door a few days ago – exciting! I love that it’s like a a hardback art photography book as well with all the large beautiful pictures. I’m cooking the potatoes lyonnaise tonight to feature on my blog. After just arriving home from a holiday in Medoc, I understand the cuisine of the area much more which makes the arrival of ‘A Kitchen in France’ a very timely arrival in my household.

    1. Thank you Allison! I am so touched you enjoy the book, and especially happy to hear you enjoy it! It’s all made with love, everyone in the family contributed, even the dogs 🙂 Wishing you beautiful meals forever! Mimi x

  113. Congratulations Mimi! I happened upon Manger a few weeks ago and have thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of it – so well done. Of course, I ordered your book and stayed up way too late drinking it up last night! I have many recipes in mind to make immediately! Thank you for your thoughtful creation! xx

  114. Congratulations to all of you!!
    You have a wonderful family, without any doubt! For not saying that you and your husband are a great team! He is enormously talented, as well as you are, my dear Mimi.

    All the very best from Italy,
    Luana

  115. Received your cookbook, quickly thumbed through it, got inspired, went to forage mushrooms and proceeded to set up a little vignette of the baskets full, the plate of raviolis/shrooms/chevre, a beautiful bouquet and your cookbook as the backdrop of my photo which was then sent to all my foodie friends. Now I am sitting and reading; first things first!!! Merci cheri. Bisous, Susie

  116. I found you on Instagram last night and spent way too much time perusing your feed! I absolutely love your blog and can’t wait to buy your cookbook. Your family is gorgeous and your life is very inspiring. I would love to live in the country someday – what an amazing life for children. Congratulations and I look forward to following you!

    1. Thank you Cate – moving to the country was a daring yet logical thing to do. I am very much a city girl at heart, but somehow, the beauty of a ‘country life’ has charmed me forever! I feel very much at home here… I hope you’ll visit the Médoc someday! Merci! Mimi x

  117. Greetings Mimi! Since receiving the brown package at my doorsteps early this week, I have created a little escape and what a treat it has been to page through the beautiful pages of your life in rual France, it makes my evening tea taste fresher and my morning expresso smoother. The exciting part is coming up with menus to try, now that I have the receipes all conveniently and tantalizingly bound together. Merci, Merci to you and yours for allowing us to step into your world and be deliciously inspired. All the best. Gee Gee

    1. Thank you Gee Gee! I am so touched to hear your kind words. What a lovely throught to know you own the cookbook, and will be hopefully cooking delicious meals from it! Sending you much love to you & your family! Mimix

  118. Congratulations on your beautiful book Mimi! I received my copy this week and I can’t wait to try the recipes. It is a wonderful book with outstanding photographs. I’ve been enjoying your blog and look forward to your stories and recipes. Thanks so much!

  119. You are seriously such an inspiration! And by you just being there, I’ve been subconsciously making more and more French dishes or French inspired. It’s so weird haaha! But I agree–french cuisine has a slight “stigma” to it that it’s too fancy for most people to make, or even eat. But I’m starting to see that it’s really not the case. For example, clafoutis! 🙂

    1. Oh wow, what a lovely thought Ellie. You are so right, French food is accessible and easy to make. It’s all about using simple and good ingredients, a bit of wine, a bit of butter, garlic or shallots… all this elements make a big difference! Enjoy the recipes.And thank you! Mimi x

  120. Hi Mimi- just joining in to congratulate you and your family on the wonderful achievement of this gorgeous book.
    I just received mine yesterday and I am so excited to begin cooking! Your story and life is an inspiration– thank you for sharing!
    I hope to visit your restaurant in Medoc sometime in the future! Much luck and love!

  121. You were my best kept secret, I was giving your website to just my foodie friends! Congratulations on your recent successes! Houses cookbooks babies puppies oh my! Any suggestions for a vacation rental in May 2015. Two couples in our sixties from Canada who visit Paris and some part of France each year. We would need a kitchen and a village or market and will have a car. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

  122. Bonjour Mimi !
    Ravie d’avoir reçu ce livre magnifique ! Je l’avais pré-commandé mais je n’ai pas encore reçu l’affiche… Est-ce que c’est normal ? J’ai hâte de la découvrir…
    Et mille mercis pour ce blog fabuleux.

  123. I just love your book! I received mine days ago and it is a joy to read and look at the lovely pics. I can’t wait to try something soon from it.
    Congratulations and much love.
    Patti

  124. Chère Mimi, toutes mes félicitations pour votre splendide livre. On ressent qu’il a été conçu avec beaucoup d’amour et de passion.
    Permettez-moi une question concernant les cougères que j’ai hâte de préparer. Vous écrivez qu’il est possible de le congeler deux mois à l’avance. Comment je fait alors pour les servir? Je dois les passer au four encore une fois après decongélation ou ce n’est pas nécessaire?
    MERCI d’avance de votre réponse et tous mes meilleurs voeux
    Catherine (qui suis votre blog dès vos débuts 🙂

    1. Bonjoru Catherine! Merci mille fois pour votre gentillesse – je suis si heureuse de savoir que avez reçu mon livre! Pour les gougères, une fois congelées, vous pouvez les faire passer au four 180°C/350°F pour 8 minutes. Enjoy! Mimi x

  125. Bonjour Mimi ! J’avais pré-commandé le livre et je suis enchantée de l’avoir reçu ! Les photos et les textes sont merveilleux, exactement comme sur le site. Une question : je n’ai pas encore reçu l’affiche qui était annoncée avec la pré-commande… Est-ce que c’est normal ? Merci pour votre réponse et encore bravo pour le livre.

  126. Bonjour Mimi ! J’avais pré-commandé le livre et je suis absolument ravie de l’avoir reçu ! Photos et textes sont merveilleux, exactement comme sur le blog. Une question : je n’ai pas encore reçu l’affiche qui était annoncée avec la pré-commande… Est- ce que c’est normal ? D’avance merci pour votre réponse et encore bravo !

  127. i’m so happy that you are one of the authors on the shelves now, it’s a huge accomplishments – congrats! it’s so well deserved. i do love your blog and reading snippets of your life, your meals, your wine, here and there when you post, but i absolutely love having it in print. the cookbook is a gift from my husband for christmas, so i promised not to open it yet until i get to unwrap it. but it sits on my dining room table and i think reading some delicious french recipes on christmas day will make the day that much more special. xo yelle

  128. Your book is magnificent! It makes me long for the Medoc. Last summer we were only able to stay at our bungalow for two weeks but we did get to spend 2 days with Stephan in St Emillion. We had a short stay because we also have a new baby (grand). Next summer we plan to stay 2 months, hopefully with our daughter and granddaughters. We hope we will get to visit your new place.
    Carl and Elaine

  129. No, a thousand thanks to you Mimi..and to Oddur.
    To use a phrase of yours – I am touched by each post that you create, every one is suffused with warmth and love and absolute generosity.
    I didn’t come to the blog as early as the garden cake but I have been reading it for quite a while now and I’m thankful that I have. I’m just coming to the end of a very long and slow (and painful) end to my marriage and this blog, the energy, the beauty, the simplicity and the sheer happiness that is so clear to see, has helped me, month by month, feel more positive about things.
    In particular:
    Your phrase “While we’re still young” has SO struck a chord with me and it goes hand in hand with what you’ve said in this post (and in the book’s intro) that you hope you have given wings to the dreams of a few other people. You absolutely have! And the first thing, for me, is falling in love with food again, really, genuinely, truly and that is very very much down to reading this blog. You’ve also made me see that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being an epicurean (my husband isn’t a fan of the finer things in life, certainly not where food is concerned), it doesn’t mean that you can’t also be charming and generous and kind – so, on with living life the way that I want to live it. And, very many good wishes to you and your family.
    The book is absolutely GLORIOUS and definitely one that I will treasure. Thank you so much for writing something that is so special.
    Susie
    xx

  130. Mimi my new friend…
    And I now consider you a friend. Thank you so much for sharing your story in your book. For me, this is the perfect style of cookbook. Beautiful stunning images of each recipe, Inspiring stories of you, your family and the life you have.
    I was sent a review copy and was thrilled when I dug deeply inside.

    In order to review, I selected 6 recipes to make to host a dinner party. ALL SIX came off spectacular. While my photos do not compare, the dishes actually ended up looking the same and the taste was exactly as you described.

    Thank you for all of the astounding work that you and your husband did. If you care to take a look at my review (for whatever that could be worth) of your Onion Tart (the first course), come tale a look at …
    http://erecipecards.blogspot.com/2014/11/onion-tart-via-kitchen-in-france-recipe.html

    You have set a new standard for what I look for in a cookbook. personal inspiring story and photos and of course inspiring and doable recipes. Thank you again

    Dave Scott

    1. Bonsoir Dave! Ouuhh! What a relief – 6 whole recipe testing and it seems I past the test? Thank you Dave, my new friend – I am honored to have contributed to one of your dinner parties! Merci! Mimi x

  131. Dear Mimi,

    Another wonderful post, such beautiful and touching writing. Again i have tears of joy in my eyes and a dream that one day i will fly to France and ride to Medoc and stay in your almost unreal house that is also a hotel (am i correct?). I will take coking classes with you while my boys run with your kids in the backyard.
    Thanks you for inspiring us and thank you for a dream.

  132. congratulations! i’ve only read your blog once or twice, but I was just looking at the book on amazon and decided to visit again. Maybe someday, i will actually cook something! loved your description of your proud daughter’s visit to the book store and your thoughts on having a published recording of your family’s adventures with food for your children, and their children. good luck to you!

  133. I didn’t know about you or your book until I saw the cover of Conde Nast Traveler. I noticed that your recipes contain a lot of the ingredients we use daily so I ordered the book. Great food!

  134. Forgot to mention that I made the vegetable tian with a twist. I cut the vegetables slightly thick on one edge and knife thin on the other. Then I put them in ramekins in a circular pattern with the thin edge in the center like an orange. Tasted great and looked awesome.

  135. Hello from sunny Florida USA. I just order the book from amazon. Cannot wait to get it and make each recepie. Love love your blog.

  136. Mimi, I wish we had been in New York for your book signings. We live in Los Angeles and are going there in December for 10 days. Your book is a delight, fantastic recipes and so beautiful as you and your family are. Bravo and I hope to meet you some day.

  137. Bonjour Mimi!
    Je suis également “tombée” par hasard sur “A kitchen in France” chez Galignani et j’attends avec impatience la traduction française. C’est vraiment dommage que la traduction soit reculée, cela aurait été un parfait cadeau de Noël 🙂

  138. Excellent. I came across your book today in Vancouver Canada. You are masterful. Thank you for this creation of love!

  139. I found your book on the library shelves when I was living in New Zealand about a year ago. I loved it!
    Great recipes from my beautiful France, amazing pictures and it’s also such a pleasure to read your little stories.
    I’ve tried many recipes from the book when I borrowed it at the library and they turned out great!

    This week I thought of making “chou farci” and I was happy to find this recipe here, that I used as a base, adapting with my dad’s recipe I loved when I was a child.

    It’s in the oven right now, can’t wait to try!

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