French Classics Cookbook Review

French Classics: Easy and Elevated Recipes To Cook at Home

In this week’s cookbook review, we turn our attention to French Classics Cookbook, the debut release from classically trained chef Matthew Ryle, an ode to the dishes, techniques, and traditions that have defined French cooking for generations.

French Classics is far more than a collection of favourite dishes. It’s a personal journey through fifteen years of professional cooking, from chef school to serious kitchens, and finally to running his own much-loved brasseries.

Throughout the book, Matthew makes it clear that French cuisine isn’t about intimidation or perfection on the plate; it’s about flavor, repetition, and the quiet confidence that comes from understanding the fundamentals.

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The Language of French Cooking

At its heart, French Classics Cookbook is about practical, everyday cooking informed by deep technical knowledge. Matthew doesn’t attempt to reinvent French cuisine; instead, he focuses on understanding it. The book is as much about learning how and why dishes work as it is about following recipes.

This is French food without pretence. The emphasis is on generosity, clarity, and repeatability—recipes that can be cooked on a Tuesday night, but also trusted when the occasion calls for something more special. The result is a book that feels grounded, personal, and quietly authoritative.

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Cooking the Fundamentals

With over 100 recipes, the book covers the pillars of classic French cuisine. Expect comforting, deeply satisfying dishes such as garlicky roast chicken with crispy potatoes, moules marinière scented with white wine and parsley, and a rich, velvety beef bourguignon.

Desserts are equally unfussy and indulgent, including a decadent three-ingredient chocolate mousse that perfectly captures the book’s philosophy: simple, precise, and delicious.

Each recipe reflects Matthew’s belief that good food doesn’t need embellishment, just respect for ingredients and method. The result is a collection that feels timeless rather than trend-driven.

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Final Thoughts

French Classics Cookbook is an accomplished debut that succeeds by staying true to its purpose. It’s a book about learning, repetition, and pleasure, one that encourages readers to cook confidently rather than chase perfection.

For anyone looking to understand classic French cooking in a practical, modern context, this is a book that earns its place in the kitchen. Not for display, but for use.