5 Must-Have French Cookbooks
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: May 2, 2011

With the release of the film Julie and Julia in 2009, Julia Child once again enters the American sphere and we fall in love with her all over again.  Only this time it's a mix of generations, young and old alike are racing to find her cookbooks and French food is fashionable again.  One can argue that French food has always been popular and always will be because "it's classic."  And while this may be true, generation "X" as we are called is not familiar with vichyssoise or cassoulet and French food is brand new and exciting as Chinese food was 20 years ago.  These are some books that I have found to be instructive and authentic.  Let your own quest of "mastering the art of French cooking" begin.
Mastering the Art of French Cooking Vol.1 and Vol. 2
This was obvious choice, meticulous recipes and still relevant in the modern day kitchen.
Jacques Pepin's Complete Techniques
Shows the reader classic French cooking techniques (which are considered basic techniques now) in a step-by-step fashion with lots of photos.

Bistro Cooking by Patricia Wells
A go to book for simple but delicious French food.  Wells recipe's are easy to follow and produce top results.
French Provincial Cooking by Elizabeth David
Explores the food from the south of France.
Around My French Table by Dorie Greenspan
A new favorite from a well known cookbook writer.  Greenspan's instructions are clear and well tested.
Photo by: Steve Hansen