French Cooking in Ten Minutes

by Edouard de Pomiane
French Cooking in Ten Minutes cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Cookbooks / Food Writing
Technical
  • ID: 122
  • Added: 2025-09-02
  • Updated: 2025-09-02
  • ISBN: 9780865474802
  • Publisher: Macmillan
  • Published: 1994-10-31
  • Reviews: 3

A beautiful reprint of Edouard de Pomiane's classic collection of recipes for simply prepared meals is more useful now than ever before. Illustrated with period pen and ink drawings, French Cooking in Ten Minutes offers an array of recipes for quick soups, extemporaneous sauces, egg and noodle dishes, preparing fish and meats, as well as vegetables, salads, and deserts.

Reviews
Indigo · 2022-01-01
delightful 4.00

The book is delightful and entertaining, making the reader smile throughout while offering great food. It is recommended as a charming gift and a pleasurable read.

This review highlights the enjoyable and lighthearted nature of the cookbook, noting that it had the reviewer giggling as they read through every page. The tone suggests that the book is not only a practical cooking guide but also a source of amusement and joy. The food is described as 'great,' indicating that the recipes deliver satisfying results alongside the entertaining prose. The reviewer also emphasizes the book's appeal as a gift, implying that its charm and personality make it suitable for sharing with others who appreciate cooking or vintage culinary literature. Overall, the impression is of a sweet, engaging, and fun cookbook that brings pleasure both in reading and in the kitchen.

Quick quotes

    This sweet little cookbook had me giggling the whole way through.

    I loved every page and every word, the food is also great too!

    Will be giving this book as a gift.

Brain Food Studio · le petit oeuf · 2021-01-01
charming 4.50

The book presents cooking with elegant brevity and inspires confidence by simplifying recipes without overwhelming detail. It feels charming, empowering, and celebrates simple dishes with a light, unpretentious style.

The reviewer is captivated by Edouard de Pomiane's style, which contrasts sharply with modern cookbooks that often over-explain. They appreciate how the author writes with a graceful simplicity that makes cooking approachable and enjoyable, encouraging readers not to be intimidated by complex instructions. The recipes are straightforward and quick, allowing readers to enjoy flipping through without fatigue, and the occasional touch of decadence adds charm without excess. The book treats even the simplest meals with a sense of occasion, suggesting that elegance in cooking doesn't require complexity or ego. The reviewer feels a personal connection to Pomiane's gentle approach, noting that he seems to write directly for the reader with humility and generosity. This creates a warm, inviting experience that goes beyond just recipes to make cooking feel like a shared pleasure. They value the author's focus on the essence of cooking and eating rather than precise measurements, viewing it as an empowering guide that celebrates the joy of food.

Quick quotes

    He writes with an elegant brevity which inspires confidence.

    This book really is the antithesis of modern day cookery communication and oversharing.

    At the heart a dear old gent, whose ego is kept out of plain sight, so as to truly give himself over to you, the reader.

Little Yellow House · 2020-01-01
practical 3.50

The book offers a useful glimpse into French cooking of its era with good advice on quick classics like omelettes and sauces. It is valued for its historical perspective and practical approach to speedy meals.

The reviewer appreciates the book as a window into the style of French cooking prevalent during the time of notable figures like Colette and Coco Chanel. They find the selection of recipes effective for learning quick, classic dishes such as omelettes and sauces, which remain relevant for those seeking efficient cooking techniques. While the review is not effusive, it suggests that the book holds value for readers interested in culinary history and practical, time-saving recipes. The straightforward nature of the recipes and their connection to French culinary tradition give the book an enduring usefulness, especially for cooks wanting to prepare quality meals quickly.

Quick quotes

    He's good on quick classics like omelettes and sauces.

    The selection of recipes make a good window on French cooking in the time of Colette and Coco.

    Useful glimpse into French cooking of its era.

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