French Classics: Easy and Elevated Dishes to Cook at Home a Cookbook by Matthew Ryle

Chef Matthew Ryles has released a cookbook for anyone interested in preparing classic French recipes at home. As soon as you open the front cover, you’ll realize that this is a book worth having in your kitchen. Renowned Chef Raymond Blanc OBE wrote a heartfelt foreword for French Classics: Easy and Elevated Dishes to Cook at Home. Perhaps his words are the best indicator of the quality found within the cookbook’s pages.

“Matt…You are truly carrying the torch of French cookery for the next generation, and I am extremely proud that you came to Le Manoir as a young apprentice and spent time training in our kitchens. I am delighted to be here with you and send to you – the chef – my compliments, as well as my heartiest congratulations.” ~ Chef Raymond Blanc OBE

Introducing French Classics

Chef Matthew Ryle, a renowned culinary expert, is the author of French Classics: Easy and Elevated Dishes to Cook at Home. Born in France, Chef Matthew was influenced by his grandfather, who was also a chef and taught him about ingredients and the art of simple cooking. Chef Matthew realized early on that he wanted to pursue a career in cooking. However, it wasn’t until he attended culinary school, specializing in French recipes and techniques, that everything fell into place for him as an aspiring chef.

©Patricia Niven

“This is a cookbook not only about my favourite recipes, food memories and experiences, but also about how French cookery has shaped who I am.” ~ Chef Matthew Ryle, sharing his personal journey and connection to the recipes, invites you to join him on a culinary adventure.

French Classics: Easy and Elevated Dishes to Cook at Home offers recipes for dishes that you might enjoy at a bistro in Paris, while skiing in the Alps, or dining by the Mediterranean in Provence. This cookbook aims to make iconic French dishes accessible and easy to prepare. Additionally, it emphasizes selecting the right ingredients and mastering techniques to elevate each dish. As Chef Matthew states in the book’s introduction, “I want my recipes to help you become a better cook.”

What’s Inside French Classics?

According to The Britannica, gastronomy is the art of selecting, preparing, serving, and enjoying fine food. Chef Matthew Ryle believes the root of French cuisine is straightforward, and the goal is sharing the results with others.

Ratatouille photo ©Patricia Niven

This is food made for big tables, for sharing. And ultimately, it’s this sense of connection that makes us treasure French cookery: it’s food that makes you happy. ~ Chef Matthew Ryle

French Classics: Easy and Elevated Dishes to Cook at Home is a 288-page cookbook. The first section, titled “La Grande Fête” (meaning “The Big Feast”), features four multi-course seasonal menus designed for occasions when you gather with friends or family. These menus celebrate togetherness with delicious food.

Organized in logical sections, French Classics begins with starters and ends with sweets. There are eight chapters, including starters, eggs, fish and shellfish, meat and poultry, potatoes, vegetables and salads, sweets and basics. This variety ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetarian, or have a sweet tooth.

This cookbook combines a travel journal with a collection of recipes as Chef Matthew shares classic dishes like le grand aïoli from Provence and French onion soup from a Paris bistro. Each recipe includes the chef’s notes, which might contain a secret ingredient to enhance the flavour or a helpful culinary tip worth knowing.

Hake with Provençal Sauce Photo ©Patricia Niven

Showcasing French Cuisine

The recipe layout in French Classics: Easy and Elevated Dishes to Cook at Home is visually appealing. The ingredients and cooking times are listed on the left, while the instructions are on the right side. Each recipe is labelled as either ‘easy’ or ‘elevated’ to indicate the skill level needed. An ‘easy’ recipe is suitable for beginners or those short on time, whereas an ‘elevated’ recipe may require more advanced techniques or a longer preparation time.

The cookbook features delightful culinary sketches and beautiful photographs of food, cooking processes, and everyday life in France. Even if cooking isn’t your passion, you may find yourself inspired to book a trip to France after exploring the pages of “French Classics.”

Who Should Buy This Cookbook

Whether you’re a passionate cook, seeking culinary inspiration, or looking for a reason to explore the diverse regions of France through their cuisine, French Classics: Easy and Elevated Dishes to Cook at Home is a cookbook that you’ll not only want to add to your collection but will also find yourself using time and again.

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Discover one of the most famous red wine-producing areas of France, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with this wine tour! You will start the day with the discovery of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its history.

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).