Mastering The Art of French Cooking, Volume One (1) (Fortieth - 40th - Anniversary Edition)

If you want to learn to cook well, this is the book to start with.

My cousin Paul got me this book when I first went to college. I never used it, because at the time I thought Italian cooking was superior to any other cooking. Then I saw "Julie and Julia" and tried some stews and they came out great. So I use this when I cook dinner sometimes.

Great cookbook, actually easy to make these seemingly difficult recipes if you follow the recipes. My family is loving my utilization of this cookbook.

Not the 40th Anniversary one, but the one I have from about 1971 is my all time favorite along with Joy of Cooking, and it taught me a great deal. Just read carefully and follow directions and things come out, as Julia says "perfectly delicious."

Incredible cook book. I haven't actually made anything from it yet, but my heart thumps every time I open its cover.

I love this book and try to cook something from it every week. I only cook rice this way now, and my favorite discovery is the potato balls made with a melon baller and sauteed in butter. I also use the herb packet to infuse flavor. The best though is the beef borugonogne, which I can't pronounce or spell, but I sure as hell can eat it.

Must read

EXCELLENT .

the classic - provides some very sound basics and an excellent croissant recipe!!