A visit to Paris by way of Chocolate and Zucchini: Daily Adventures in a Parisian Kitchen

Posted by Dana McMahan on February 13, 2008

I don’t remember how I first came across Parisian Clotilde Dusoulier's food blog Chocolate and Zucchini, but I’m sure it was while planning for a trip to Paris. I followed along on the blog and discussion boards, and found to my delight that we’d be in Paris during Clotilde’s get-together to celebrate her blog’s 3rd birthday. More than a little intimidated to mix with such fashionable Parisians, it took some convincing from friends before I decided we’d go.

As it turned out, we arrived quite late at the bistro Le Takbo after dinner, and most of the celebrants were on their way out. My husband and I got a drink though and nerved up enough to chat with Clotilde (who seemed like a near-celebrity to me) and her charming boyfriend Maxence. We loved their story of being pulled over by police in Texas while visiting the United States, when under the offense, the officer noted, “French.”

Clotilde, Maxence and friends decided to go for some late sushi and despite a heavy dinner at Restaurant du Palais Royale we were so enthralled by hanging out with the cool French kids that we tagged along (somewhat less than enthusiastically invited I’m afraid). It was a fun night though, and I’ve followed Clotilde’s blog and book plans since.

I finally got a chance to read her book Chocolate and Zucchini: Daily Adventures in a Parisian Kitchen this weekend. Reading her lighthearted conversation chatter interspersed with recipes felt like being accepted by the coolest girl at school and finding out you’re not so different from her after all. Most surprising was learning that she didn’t fall in love with food until she moved from Paris to … America!

I’ve sticky-noted several recipes that I can’t wait to try.

I’ll have to wait for summer for the Soup glacee aux pousses d'epinard and crevettes (baby spinach and shrimp chilled soup) but I can already imagine sitting outside on a warm summer evening with a tall glass of the soup.

Mousse de Thon a la Pomme Verte (Tuna and Green Apple Mousse) just judging by the title sounds a little strange. Ok, maybe a lot strange. But Clotilde’s description leaves me craving this intriguing flavor combination.

Madeleines au Roquefort, Poire & Noix (Walnut, Pear and Roquefort Madeleines) combine some of my favorite flavors in a buttery crust.

Courgettes rondes farcies au boulgour (Bulgur-Stuffed Round Zucchini) sound like a great way to use the abundance of zucchini I anticipate receiving this summer as part of my farm share.

Another use for zucchini that has me counting the days till summer is crumble aux courgettes, figues et mozzarella (Zucchini Crumble with Figs and Mozzarella). I should never read cookbooks hungry – this recipe just makes sad it’s not summer.

Though the flavor of Paris is woven throughout the book, most of the recipes in this book seem approachable for a home cook like myself with access only to local grocery stores and in the summer, farmers markets. It’s fun to dream of cooking like Clotilde though, meandering in and out of Parisian shops and markets, and preparing these dishes I think will bring me a taste of my favorite city. And I only wish her next book, Clotilde's Edible Adventures in Paris, would release before my trip to Paris next month.

Ça vaut le voyage,
Dana

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