A few good books to help you expand your French cooking skills and give you a little of the French Joei de Vivre!

The Country Cooking of France by Anne Willan; published in 2007 by Chronicle Books--- Wonderfully illustrated, with beautiful pictures of France and the amazing food. Along with the fantastic recipes there are stories about the incredibly unique French ingredients and how they are produced. With wonderful classic like Boeuf bourguignon and Coq au van to a amazing Roasted Salmon with Bacon and Horseradish Cream. Hands down my favorite French cook book!

Bistro Cooking at Home by Gordon Manersley and Joanne McAllister Smart; Published in 2003 by Broadway Books—This book takes a new American twist on classic French bistro foods. Although not entirely classical French cooking, there are some wonderful recipes ( like the Chicken Piperade and the Peach Galette, that I have found works beautifully with apples as well).

Tartine by Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson; published in 2006 by Chronicle Books--- Not entirely French but contains some of the best “baking” recipes I have ever used. Hands down the easiest caramel sauce recipe I have ever used!! If you are looking to impress your friends try any of these recipes.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking (Volume 1 and 2) by Julia Childs, Louisette, Bertholle and Simone Beck; originally published in1961 (with an anniversary edition in 2001 and a box set in 2007)------ A true classic, with recipes from a by gone era. Not a cook book for the faint of heart; this cook book contains recipes that take time, thought and some heart to create. That being said the recipes where written before cook book “format” where standardized, so the recipes can be a bit hard to follow at time. But it is worth it to take your time, slow down and follow them through. Just ask Julie!

Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen by Julie Powell --- A wonderful story about a women discontented with her daily grind, to find a way to bring a little extra happiness to her life she decided to start cooking Julia Child recipes from Master the Art of French Cooking. She began a blog telling the world about her trials and tribulations. This book documents her story and was recently turned into an award winning movie. This heartwarming story will give any haphazard cook hope, that there is no mistake big enough to stop you from cooking and finding your passion.

Bubble Gum Vodka!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know, really they stopped letting camel cigarettes use the cartoon camel but they allow bubble gum flavored vodka!?!


I have to admit it is really good. Yes I may be a bit bias, as I was the little kid that always ordered the bubble gum ice cream.

You might be wondering where you might be able to get such a strange and glorious concoction. Well you can find it at your local liquor store (or Bev Mo). A company by the name of “Three Olives” makes a Bubble Gum vodka (and it is not extremely pricey). Or if you wonder the internet you can find quite a few recipes. Yes I said it there are recipes, most of which use Bazooka bubble gum (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/drink/views/Bazooka-Bubblegum-Cocktail-350146). This is even more awesome, since now I finally have a use for the gum (and I can just sit back and read all the Bazooka Joe comics I want)!

I first came across the wonderful elixir at a local watering hole (called The Office). They serve a beautifully bubble gum pink Bubble Gum Shots (sorry no picture, was having too much fun). But I think I may have been able to copy there recipe, I hope that is some conciliation.

Bubble Gum Shot
2 oz Bubble Gum Vodka
4 oz Lemon lime soda
Splash Pomegranate juice
Superfine sugar

In a shaker with ice, combine Bubble Gum Vodka, lemon lime soda, and pomegranate juice. Shake to incorporate.
Rim half of a rocks glass with superfine sugar.
Strain shaker into glass.

ENJOY!!