- Have you ever holidayed in France and marvelled at the food ? - Do you have memories of being served delicious and attractive aperitifs in your "chambre d'hôtes" (B&B) or hotel ? - Did you press your nose to the window of the patisseries in admiration ? - Wandering around the traditional French markets did you wonder what the French housewives do with the mountains of beautiful fresh produce on display ? - Would you like to try some recipes from a French cookery school ? If you answer YES to one or more of these questions, then this book is for you. Our intention is to acknowledge the traditions of France, past and present, and include some recipes handed down the generations, together with contemporary dishes. These are the recipes we cook for our families and friends, trying always to incorporate the fruits, vegetables and herbs we have at hand. The golden rule of our cooking is to use fresh, seasonal and the most local produce we can find. As we both grow some of our own fruits and vegetables we use these whenever possible. Our aim is to offer all English speaking francophiles and lovers of good food the chance to make and experience attractive and nutrionally balanced French dishes using easily obtainable ingredients and a minimum of special equipment.