The reviewer finds Julia Child's 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking' overwhelming and impractical for modern cooks, noting its detailed and time-consuming recipes are not suited for casual or trendy cooks. They suggest other authors for more accessible French cuisine.
The reviewer expresses skepticism about the renewed popularity of Julia Child's 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking,' arguing that its complex and detailed recipes are daunting for modern cooks. They note that the book's recipes, while thorough, require significant time and patience, making them impractical for those used to quicker, simpler cooking methods. The reviewer also points out that the book's focus on traditional French techniques and ingredients may not align with contemporary dietary preferences and seasonal cooking practices. They suggest that readers looking for more accessible French cuisine might be better served by other authors who offer simpler, more modern recipes.
Quick quotes
The inconvenient truth is that although the country’s best-loved “French chef” produced an unparalleled recipe collection in Mastering the Art, it has always been daunting.
Even simple sautéed veal scallops with mushrooms involve 18 ingredients and implements and two pages of instruction.
Julia would be spinning 6 feet under if she knew her book had spawned this kind of cooking.