Weve Always Had Paris and Provence or 365 Healthy Favorites

We've Always Had Paris... and Provence: A Scrapbook of Our Life in France

Author: Patricia Wells

Patricia Wells, long recognized as the leading American authority on French food, and her husband, Walter, live the life in France that many of us have often fantasized about. After more than a quarter century, they are as close to being accepted as "French" as any non-natives can be. In this delightful memoir they share in two voices their experiences—the good, the bad, and the funny—offering a charming and evocative account of their beloved home and some of the wonderful people they have met along the way. Full of the flavor and color of the couple's adopted country, this tandem memoir reflects on the life that France has made possible for them and explores how living abroad has shaped their relationship.

Written in lyrical, sensuous prose and filled with anecdotes, insights, and endearing snapshots of Walter and Patricia over the years, We've Always Had Paris . . . and Provence beautifully conveys the nuances of the French and their culture as only a practiced observer can. Literally a moveable feast to be savored and shared, including more than thirty recipes that will delight readers and cooks alike, the couple's valentine to France and to each other is delicious in every way.

Publishers Weekly

With charm and insightful anecdotes about the Parisian and Provençal food-driven life, cookbook author Wells and her husband, Walter, artfully recreate their quarter-century-long courtship with flavorful France. Their two distinct voices-complemented by black-and-white photos and more than 30 simple recipes for couscous salad, salmon tartare, and scrambled eggs with truffles-detail the couple's forays into "going native." As they endeavor to adapt to the fashions and lifestyle of the French capital, Patricia takes on the task of researching a city's worth of tastes, textures and smells, visiting tea salons, pastry shops, boulangeriesand chocolate makers for her Food Lover's Guide to Paris, while Walter settles into a new position as editor at the International Herald Tribune. Their Parisian interlude soon turns into a permanent French sojourn when they are seduced by the parasol pines and terraced vineyard belonging to an 18th-century farmhouse called Chanteduc. With their purchase of this northern Provençal abode, the remains of urban life fall to the wayside. This thoroughly enjoyable narrative describes the lavish, flavorful rewards of a life spent abroad. (May)

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Rosemarie Lewis - Library Journal

The Wellses have lived an enviable life in France for over 30 years. Patricia is one of the most widely recognized American writers on French food, a former food critic for the International Herald Tribune, and the author of ten books, including the classic Bistro Cooking. Her husband spent 25 years at the International Herald Tribune, working his way up to executive editor. Their latest effort is a joint affair, offering alternating reminiscences about their decision to move to France and chronicling the adventures life has thrown at them since. Although food features heavily through the book, and most sections are capped with a recipe-there are over 30 scattered throughout, including Almond Macaroon and Fresh Berry Cake and Fish Cheeks with Polenta and Parmesan Crust-the book is about their lives, with food-not food, with a little life thrown in. Photographs from their private collection enhance the personal nature of the memoir. An optional purchase for most libraries. (Index not seen.) [See Prepub Alert, LJ3/1/08.]

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365 Healthy Favorites: Easy Recipes for the Busy Kitchen

Author: Mary B Johnson

Eating delicious meals that are also healthy just got a whole lot easier!

These nutritious and great-tasting recipes will liven up your repertoire. Enjoy many favorites without guilt by cooking our flavorful, good-for-you versions. For instance, you would swear there's butter in the mashed potatoes, until you discover that each serving is only 216 calories! You'll also find new dishes that will become staples in your kitchen, such as Grilled Margarita Flank Steak.

Take your pick from mouth-watering choices like:

• Appetizers: Baked Ravioli Canapйs, Mushroom Quesadillas, Beef Satays with Ginger Dipping Sauce
• Soups & Salads: Shrimp Gumbo, Mixed Greens with Orange-Honey Dressing
• Sandwiches & Pizza: Tuna Melts, Eggplant Heroes, Chipotle Chicken-Corn Pizza
• Side Dishes: Zucchini Fries, Quick Orange-Glazed Carrots, Skillet Cornbread
• Pasta & Grains: Easy Baked Macaroni, Sausage Lasagna, Curried Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Nuts
• Meats, Poultry & Fish: Molasses-Glazed Pork Roast, Chicken Potpies, Corn and Salmon Cakes
• Vegetarian, Eggs & Cheese: Zucchini and Mushroom Burgers, Western Omelet
• Dessert & Drinks: Frozen Chocolate Pie, Strawberry Mousse, Mulled Spiced Punch

Complete with nutrition breakdowns for each serving, these recipes will make every meal a healthy treat!