In the French Kitchen with Kids

“Pint-sized cooks will love learning how to make impressive French classics, and Mardi Michels is uniquely qualified to instruct them. . . Michels knows firsthand what kids can cook when given the opportunity. From a classic omelette to croissants and ratatouille three ways (each accommodating different skill levels), In the French Kitchen with Kids is filled with recipes that cooks of all ages will adore.” —The National Post

From the writer and recipe developer behind eat. live. travel. write comes a new cookbook for parents, children and Francophiles of all ages. Forget the fuss and bring simple, delicious French dishes to your home kitchen with Mardi Michels as your guide.

Twice a week during the school year, you’ll find Mardi Michels–French teacher and the well-known blogger behind eat. live. travel. write–directing up to a dozen children in her school’s science lab as they slice, dice, mix, knead and, most importantly, taste. Whether they’re learning to make an authentic ratatouille tian or tackling quiche made with pastry from scratch, Mardi’s students can accomplish just about anything in the kitchen once they put their minds to it.

In her first book, Mardi shows that French food doesn’t have to be complicated. The result is an elegant, approachable cookbook featuring recipes tailored for young chefs and their families. From savory dishes like Omelettes, Croque-Monsieurs or Steak Frites to sweet treats like Profiteroles, Madeleines or Crème Brûlée, readers will find many French classics here. With helpful timetables to plan out baking projects, as well as tips on how to get kids involved in the cooking, this book breaks down any preconceived notion that French cuisine is too fancy or too difficult for kids to master. With Mardi’s warm, empowering and encouraging instructions, kids of all ages will be begging to help out in the kitchen every day of the week.

Photo and description by Penguin Randomhouse