28 Days in Provence: Food and Family in the Heart of France

by Shannon Bennett

In a glorious farmhouse just outside the village of Ménerbes, Shannon immerses himself in the life of Provence. With no recipes from home, his first task is to find old books and learn the history of local dishes. His aim is to re-engage with a culinary tradition that has been such a part of his life, and to nourish and enjoy time with his young family. He invites us to join them all and step inside this beautiful part of France, to grab a glass of Côtes du Ventoux and live life à la français.
Exploring village markets, cooking with local and seasonal produce, learning classic food techniques and soaking up the culture are all part of the daily life of a chef and his family on holiday. What began as a diary has become a beautiful record of regional food and Shannon's home cooking, and includes more than 60 original from slow-cooked duck with honey and thyme to lamb cassoulet with preserved lemons, from artichoke stuffed with ratatouille to figs wrapped in olive oil brioche, all created on the spot to incorporate the fresh ingredients Shannon sources every day.To round out this luscious feast, the book includes many other tips and treasures, including overviews of the region's wines, as well as a personal guide to the best restaurants and hotels.
Shannon and his family's journey will inspire and delight Francophiles and food lovers alike.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2013

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won’t be cooking any of the recipes, but I did enjoy reading the daily diary.

[JasM · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the one hand, I found this a bit difficult to read without wincing at the over-romanticising of "organic" and biodynamic food; it was stressed over and over again how "sad" it was that we're so disconnected from our food and how it's produced, but growing and raising your own or buying directly from a farmer isn't very practical for a lot of people, and I think that view ignores the struggles of those living on low-incomes or below the poverty line.
I did think the book was well written though, and the recipes were all very enticing. I also enjoyed reading about Shannon and his family's adventures in Provence.