This is a very well done cookbook, and it’s clear that a lot of thought went into creating it. First of all, the cookbook itself is very beautiful and would be a good addition to any coffee table or bookshelf. In some aspects, it seems that it was designed to be displayed over being practical, but it is still functional.

I do really appreciate the design that went into this cookbook - each recipe is easy to read and is accompanied by a full-page color photo. For me, it’s really difficult to want to try a new recipe without a photo to help entice me. Along with the photos, each recipe includes number of servings, both the French and English name, description, ingredients, directions, and cooking time.

The recipes I have tried I have enjoyed, and I have several more on my list that I can’t wait to get to. However, some of the recipes Rachel chose to include (Fig & Chicken Liver Salad and Mussels with White Wine) I don’t intend to make, either because they did not sound like I would enjoy them or because I’ve tried them before and did not like them. But, other recipes (like gougères) looked absolutely divine and I did enjoy reading through each recipe. The cookbook is divided into six sections, but Rachel also includes reference pages on French basics, chef’s notes, and her favorite foodie places in Paris.

Finally, I did enjoy the extra photos and snippets Rachel included of both French cuisine and her life in Paris, but I would have rather have had more photos of the dishes instead of photos of Rachel.