Cooking at Home on Rue Tatin

by Susan Herrmann Loomis

In Cooking At Home On Rue Tatin award-winning cookbook author and professional chef Susan Herrmann Loomis takes cooks and readers on a friendly and delicious tour of French home cooking, from the refined to the rustic. In this collection of Susan's favorites, readers and cooks will learn the tricks and tips of entertaining like the French, get clear instruction on the basics of French cooking, and be introduced to the new and exciting array of multicultural cuisines that are rapidly entering the realm of classic French. You will meet Susan's inspirations, from neighbors in her small town to starred chefs, as they share their own home recipes, which have become standard fare on Susan's own table. Susan invites the busy home cook to relax, unwind, and enjoy the tastes, textures, and aromas of simple yet often sophisticated French fare. The book is filled with contemporary recipes, such as Tuna with Ginger Yogurt Sauce and Cilantro Coulis, Spiced Fish Fillet in Parchment Paper, Skate with Potato Puree; classics, such as Soupe au Pistou, Coq au Vin, Pot-au-Feu, and Quiche Lorraine; and cross-cultural dishes, such as Chorba (Algerian Ramadan soup), Chicken Soup with Tamarind, and Lamb and Dried Plum Tagine with Toasted Almonds. What sets apart all of these recipes, from the contemporary to the classic, is Susan's clear presentation, which makes them so easily accessible. Susan's food, along with her warm hospitality, puts people at ease and makes them feel as if they are honored guests or members of Susan's own family.

Genres: France, Cooking, Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Food

336 pages, Hardcover

First published May 24, 2005

Reviews

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great recipe book with interesting tid bits of information and anecdotes with each recipe. The variety of recipes is extensive. At the back is a great recipe for lemon infused olive oil which is easy and fantastic.

Most of the recipes are straight forward yet fabulous so you can make them without waiting for some big special event to try them out.

Her roasted potatoes recipe was a huge hit at my house and I now make it as a regular item on my menus without needing to refer to the book.

I am really excited to make the lemon infused olive oil.

The draw back is the lack of photos of the various dishes. I love looking at the completed dish in a recipe book and without the photos you have to peruse the recipe to see if it might appeal to you.

[J.H. Moncrieff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. It was okay.

On Rue Tatin is one of my all-time favorite memoirs, so I was delighted to see that the author had also written cookbooks, and was excited to try one. Now, granted, meals are very different in France, and the luxury of having a multi-course meal, with each course accompanied by a different alcohol, seemed a bit out of reach. As were many of the ingredients...while Loomis may be positively rolling in fresh apricots of different varieties, or red currants, that sadly isn't a problem we face over here in Canada. I wish it were.

There were still a couple of recipes I'm interested in trying, and I did read this book cover to cover--slowly--but the tone was not like I expected from On Rue Tatin. It comes across as a bit snobby or elitist in this book, but maybe that's just me. Or maybe it's envy that I'm not well stocked with homemade cumin salt, vanilla sugar, and orange wine? It's anyone's guess.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I attended Susan's cooking class at her home, so this is a great "souvenir" of my experience. The recipes are rather easy and meant to be used for casual dining. No 3-layered, fancy cakes here, this is food you can use. With it being Christmas season, I'm using the time to try out a lot of the recipes with my family. I'll let you know how the family reviews the gifts after they receive (& eat) them. However I do enjoy this cookbook for its authentic country french recipes.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another moving-and-starting-over book, this one set in a French town in Normandy. Loomis, her husband, and her young son buy a convent and convert it into a home.

French things I learned from this book: One must, at times, be quite stern with the French in order to make a point; amazing recipes; fresh food is everywhere; more French words.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to French cooking!

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about her moving to France and renovating an old place

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has very homey French recipes, and everything is very simple. The recipes simply didn't appeal to my taste, but I bet that others will find this cookbook very intriguing.