La Bonne Cuisine de Madame E. Saint-Ange: The Original Companion for French Home Cooking

This is probably the best book I’ve ever read on cooking, not just French, but in general.  I’d be hard pressed to say that it is a recipe book.  Sure there are recipes in it, but what I found to be most helpful were the clear explanations on technique.  Not only did Madame E. Saint-Ange cover how to do techniques very clearly, she also explained why you do them and what happens when you do it incorrectly and why.  What I found particularly amazing is that much of tools used in the book are still the same.  The book was originally published in 1927, but only recently translated into English.  This book does prove though, that the food processor is the greatest kitchen invention of the 20th century or, may I be so bold to say, ever!  In reading this, I also found out that Julia Childs relied on it a great number of times in learning her techniques.  If your serious about food, especially french food, I highly recommend buying this book.  Read it from start to finish, you’ll be glad you did.

La Bonne Cuisine