French Kitchen Lessons - Recipes & Stories from Normandy’s Rabbit Hill Farm

Published on October 1, 2024, by Hardie Grant, this 304-page hardcover book is a treasure trove for anyone interested in French cuisine, farm life, or the journey of starting anew in a foreign land. Whether you're an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, "French Kitchen Lessons" offers something for everyone, inviting readers to savor the flavors and stories of Normandy.

Beyond the recipes, Bude shares intimate stories of adapting to a new culture, renovating their farmhouse, and building a community centered around food and hospitality. Her journey is both inspiring and relatable, making the book more than just a collection of recipes but a celebration of embracing change and finding joy in simple pleasures.

The book is a delightful culinary journey that seamlessly blends traditional French cooking with the author's personal narrative of transformation and discovery. In 2010, Cat and her family left their lives in the Pacific Northwest to restore a neglected farmhouse in Normandy, affectionately named Rabbit Hill Farm. This book captures their experiences, offering readers a rich tapestry of recipes, stories, and stunning photography that transports one to the heart of the French countryside.

Structured around the seasons, the cookbook begins with foundational French staples such as sauces and stocks, then progresses to a variety of dishes inspired by the market-to-table tradition. Recipes range from classics like Steamed Mussels with Pernod and Bœuf Bourguignon to modern twists like Lemon Poppy Seed Crêpes. Each recipe is thoughtfully presented, reflecting the rhythms of farm life and the seasonal bounty of Normandy.

The book has garnered praise from notable figures in the culinary world. Susan Herrmann Loomis describes it as "a rhapsody of delicious country living, cooking, and dining in a charming corner of Normandy, France," highlighting its reflection of the region's lush landscape and the author's dream of an authentic French country life. Kate Hill commends the personal stories and classic recipes that span four seasons of farm-inspired cooking, noting that the beautiful photographs enhance the experience. Erin Napier remarks that Bude's writing is so transporting that it makes one "want to book a flight to France, plant a garden, and cook a feast."