Big Heart Little Stove: Bringing Home Meals & Moments from The Lost Kitchen

by Erin French

Big Heart Little Stove is your new go-to inspiration for cooking thoughtful and meaningful, yet refreshingly simple meals. With more than 75 recipes and her favorite hospitality “signatures,” Erin French―author of The Lost Kitchen cookbook and the New York Times-bestselling memoir Finding Freedom―invites readers to bring a piece of her beloved restaurant, The Lost Kitchen, home with them.

With dishes pulled from French’s family recipe box and the menu at The Lost Kitchen, ranging from irresistible nibbles like Pecorino Puffs and Gram’s Clam Dip; to luscious soups like Golden Tomato & Peach and Potato & Lentil with Bacon and Herbs; to heaping platters of family-style salads and sides like Peach & Blackberry Salad and Green Beans with Sage, Garlic, and Breadcrumbs; to show-stopping main courses like Pickle-Brined Roast Chicken and Wednesday Night Fish Fry; to French’s favorite all-purpose kitchen staples like Kitchen Sink Pesto and Floral Vinegar, this cookbook has all the tools you need for assembling a seamlessly special meal. To round things out, there are beverages to sip as dinner comes off the stove (Fresh Fruit Shrubs, Slush Puppies) and desserts to make your guests feel truly looked after (Salted Caramel Custards, Roasted Peach Pie with Almond and Fennel). And because weekend mornings deserve celebrating too, there are feel-good treats like Sunday Skillet Cakes and Little Nutmeg Diner Donuts. Regardless of whether it’s a dressed-up affair or a quick weeknight meal, French’s recommendations are the same: Start with the best ingredients you can find, keep it simple, and serve with love.

But Big Heart Little Stove is more than just a cookbook. With tips and tricks French has used in her own dining room―at home and in the restaurant―this book is your invitation to use what’s around you to create meaningful moments, from setting a table with found treasures, to adorning dishes with edible flowers, to thoughtful gestures such as offering a cold cloth on a hot day. Full of warmth and spirit, Big Heart Little Stove will show you how to create more joy and connection around your table.

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cooking, Food, Audiobook, Self Help, Foodie

304 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 2023

About the author

Erin French is the owner and chef of The Lost Kitchen, a 40-seat restaurant in Freedom, Maine, that was recently named one TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places and one of "12 Restaurants Worth Traveling Across the World to Experience" by Bloomberg. A born-and-raised native of Maine, she learned early the simple pleasures of thoughtful food and the importance of gathering for a meal. Her love of sharing Maine and its delicious heritage with curious dinner guests and new friends alike has garnered attention in outlets such as The New York Times (her piece was one of the ten most read articles in the food section the year it was published), Martha Stewart Living, Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, and Food & Wine. She has been invited to share her story on NPR’s All Things Considered, The Chew, CBS This Morning, and The Today Show. Erin was featured in a short film made by Tastemade in partnership with L. L. Bean, which won a James Beard Award, and The Lost Kitchen Cookbook has been named one of the best cookbooks by The Washington Post, Vogue.com, and Remodelista and was nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost Kitchen aesthetic is everything I want—local, slow, thoughtful food, New England outdoorsiness, etc. But in practice, I don’t think I’d be able to eat at the restaurant, and can’t cook most of this book for myself. I can appreciate that making vegetarian subs for meat and fish is outside of a chef’s vision, but I’m a little sad that this isn’t for me.

Update: after listening to the audiobook for Booklist, I think this format is a big value-add. Yes, you lose the gorgeous photos, but you get a bunch of bonus material, mostly in the form of interviews with friends and family (including Ina Garten!). A little like listening to a cooking show, but also a podcast.

[Miss✧Pickypants ᓚᘏᗢ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snagging a reservation at Lost Kitchen is truly luck of the draw*; hopeful diners must send a postcard and then only those randomly selected will have the chance to dine there. Since there are so many who are not selected, the author's intent with this book is to share the experience of what dining at Lost Kitchen is like/about so you can recreate it yourself at home.

Cooks of all levels will appreciate the well written instructions and that there are pictures of most dishes. The recipes are relaxed and zen-like, all rooted in using the best ingredients available. I loved: that the vinegar of choice is rice wine; that Thai basil makes an appearance in a few recipes; the use of edible flowers is proliferate; and that meals are approached holistically, setting the mood with the decor and table setting with the goal of delighting the diner. One day I hope to dine at Lost Kitchen, in the meantime I can appreciate it's aesthetic via this cookbook.

*The condensed backstory is: growing up, her parents had a diner; as a self-cook, started a supper club out of her apartment; opened Lost Kitchen with husband; lost restaurant in divorce; started over doing pop-up dinners out of an airstream trailer; re-opened Lost Kitchen; and once word got out through a few high profile write-ups along with a well produced Tastemade video, reservations became unicorn like.

[Julie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to make a cookbook into an audiobook? This way. Simply gorgeous, cozy, and inspiring.

[Kate Czyzewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming to you post-Thanksgiving with a book I'm incredibly happy to share!
Thank you to @celadonbooks for the #gifted copy of Erin French's Big Heart Little Stove: Bringing Home Meals & Moments From the Kitchen👩‍🍳
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What I love most about this book is that you can truly feel the love Erin put into each recipe, each story and each suggestion for making the most out of hosting a gathering. She reminds us to set the table with meaningful finds, keep things simple, and continue to come to the table to create memories.
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The holidays have not been something I have embraced in the past-and I won't ruin this post with those shenanigans. Yesterday, with the inspiration from this book and my favorite chef/teacher @slowbellphoto , I created some dishes alongside Joe cooking the turkey and dinner. I made Erin's Farmhouse Garden Whip- the combination of dill and cream cheese was divine. We had a little fun and added truffle honey as a topper. I also felt inspired by Cape May and Beach Plum Farms /The Ebbitt Room and made three sets of Deviled Eggs: smoked salmon and truffle honey, crisped shrimp, and bacon sprinkled with paprika.
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Watch out bookstagram- can't wait to see what we make next from this not-to-be missed cookbook! Need a copy for your next holiday or gift? Come to @thunderroadbooks we’ll gift wrap for you!

[Stacy40pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Heart Little Stove by Erin French. Thanks to @celadonbooks for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Erin French brings family recipes and recipes from her beloved restaurant, The Lost Kitchen, to readers’ homes.

These type cook books are very special to me not only for the content, but they look beautiful as a decorative piece in the kitchen. It’s a nice study hardcover piece that is a lovely addition to my kitchen decor. The recipes look great and are actual meals that I will make … nothing looks too daunting. I especially loved the section on tips for cooking eggs because I struggle. I can’t wait to try these tips and start making these recipes!

“The Lost Kitchen is home every time we open the doors and welcome people inside, it is with the purpose of inviting them to be a part of that. As a result, this kind of sincerity and authenticity has redefined what our guests think of as “restaurant food”.”

Big Heart Little Stove is available now.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Erin French started out running a supper club, then cooking out of a converted airstream trailer, and finally opened her own restaurant, The Lost Kitchen. This is her second cookbook highlighting the kind of recipes she's used the whole time she's been cooking. The recipes are organized like a typical cookbook by type - appetizers, soups, suppers, sweets, etc. I like that she includes a chapter on sauces and staples and another called "signatures" which covers some of her signature serving ideas. While I did NOT like her memoir, I did like French's previous cookbook and there are some recipes I'd like to try from this one too.

[Sheryl Miers · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I love Erin French & her natural plates she creates!
I tried the Peach& Blackberry Salad w basil& tarragon and crotons!
I chose a French batard from a local market to use for my crotons!I like how you sauté them lightly in olive oil!
A vinaigrette is perfect for this salad but just a touch as with this salad the flavors already present are delicious!
Next up:The Lavender & Juniper Crusted Lamb!!
I hope to experience the Lost Kitchen in person but until then my heart is happy to make these plates& learn from Erin!

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I knew in the pit of my being that this was what I was born to do."

I love Erin French and everything she creates! I've been submitting our postcards for 3 years now, hoping that they'll get pulled so we can get reservations at her restaurant. Eating at the Lost Kitchen would truly be a bucket list moment! Just like her approach to everything she does, this cookbook is beautiful! The photos are gorgeous, the recipes are easy and look yummy! Can't wait to try her famous celery soup and Glazed Butter Cake! Yum!

[Hannah Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great beginner cookbook. I say beginner because browned butter is one of the recipes. Yes, every cook should know how to brown butter. There are more beginner recipes in the book, not only brown butter. 😆
The book is also quite posh. There’s nothing wrong with that though. 😉
I was disappointed because I was looking for something more advanced since I’ve been cooking for more than ten years now.

[Natalie Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I listened to the audiobook and loved hearing the behind the scene stories in the voice of her author, her mom and Ina Garten. I’m looking forward to reading the hardcover and trying out some recipes. The audiobook has all the recipes indexed at the end of the book so they’re easy to find.

[Chan Fry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm probably missing something, but as I read through this, I quickly became convinced it was written as a joke. A pile of moss instead of a tablecloth? A couple of weeds instead of tea leaves? C'mon.

[Kim Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and beautiful, just like the show, and the book gives you the recipes to create The Lost Kitchen in your own home.

[Elisabeth]

It's a rare cookbook that I read cover-to-cover, every cook's note, every ingredient list. The Mainer lifestyle/aesthetic holds supreme for me.

[Honest Mabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

maybe a few recipes

But most of this is upscale eating at home. Bone marrow butter was interesting but also not worth buying but borrowing from the library again will be my jam

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I started reading the intro to Big Heart Little Stove by Erin French, I kept thinking, "I know her. I know her story." Yes, sometimes I live under a rock, but I started thinking back. Did she write a memoir? Did I read it? I finally decided that I had seen a news story on her and her restaurant soon after it hit the national spotlight. Yet, there was still something. (I have not read her memoir, Finding Freedom in the Lost Kitchen, but I want to remedy that soon.

While I thought I had read French's work during the opening of this book, as I got into the "heart" of the book I felt like a knew her. I appreciated that she always gave credit to her diner days and her family recipes. The book is full of "things I learned to make on the line at my dad's diner, my mom's specialties that we looked forward to seeing on the table when we got home from school, my grandmother's recipe box classics, and Mainers' rites of passage" (5). Her purpose may be to help us all bring a little bit of The Hidden Kitchen home, but these recipes are her history: "these are the moments I would quilt from uncomplicated, unfussed recipes made and served, quite simply with love" (2). ("Quilt" is a great verb to use when talking about family recipes.)

French locally sources her ingredients for The Hidden Kitchen and creates her dishes from what's available, including what's grown in the restaurant's garden and at her own home and what she can forage. Because she does have chickens, there's is a complete section on eggs. I appreciated her recipe for Mediterranean Mess. It is basically a thrown together salad using whatever looks good at the farmers market or from you garden, tossed with a few good olives and feta, drizzled with good olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper.

I know that it's chic and cool to add edible flowers to dishes, but I learned a lot from the edible flower section. She lists edible flowers with their flavor profiles. For instance, I had no idea that dianthus had overtones of "floral with notes of celery and clove" (244). I also did not know that I could forage my early blooming forsythia, using the flowers to make a syrup.

French's relaxed entertaining hacks were inspired. I l oved her idea of placing herbs or flowers or ferns into repurposed clear wine bottles, filling them with water, and then turning them into candle holders.

"Be a tablecloth renegade" (260) encourages us to add a tablecloth as an unexpected elevated touch to outside dining. (And, that tablecloth could be nothing more than a canvas drop cloth.) Whether you're dining inside or out, focus on the napkins: "Pour a few capfuls of rosewater into your steam iron" when pressing napkins for a nice fragrant surprise for your guests.

I usually only focus on the edible recipes in a cookbook, but there's a great hack and recipe for a silver polish. It's not just any silver polish; it's meant to spoil your vintage silver by treating them to a bit of dried rose petals to soak in. (265)

One of the final pages lists tips and tricks learned from all the mom's in her life, lots of lovable practical wisdom, passed along with love.

Some of French's recipes are out of my reach (because of locally sourced seafood from Maine), but I still have a few I want to try.

Recipes that I've bookmarked:

Roasted Allium Dip, her homage to Lipton's Onion Soup Mix Dip (36)
Cheddar & Thyme Nibble Coins (47)
Simple Salt & Rosemary Crackers (49)
Fresh Celery Soup (67) because I am always throwing away celery
Potato & Lentil Soup (w/bacon and herbs) (72)
Shallot Dressing (157) with all the variations

[Paige Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved so much about this one. I love how simple her recipes are, highlighting the quality of the ingredients with a seasonal twist. Her photos are lovely, clean, and the decor seems to perfectly showcase who she is. She also includes some hosting and plating tips at the end of the book that highlight nature and thrifted tools that speak to her creativity and hospitality.

I'm excited to cook the Roasted Bone Marrow Butter with Chives, Sesame & Fennel Nibble Sticks, Thai Basil Lemonade, Asparagus and Tarragon Soup, Fennel Fried Chicken, Buttered Cod, Chocolate Coins with Candied Ginger, and use some of the hosting and plating tips like the Chilled Mist and Frozen Rocks for oysters.

The only thing I wish it had was gram measurements for some of the baking recipes. Otherwise amazing, and Erin French continues to be a huge inspiration for me.

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Growing up, I remember books like this one in our house. Hardback, beautifully illustrated and written by passionate and talented cooks. This book would be a great gift for a serious cook who loves entertaining.

I, however, am a hobbyist. I enjoy learning new recipes but am not passionate about cooking. The recipes are straightforward and all, but I don't share Erin French's zeal for food and entertaining and don't want to explore her recipes. Her energy and dedication make me feel a little defensive. So, if you are serious about this sort of stuff, yeah, go buy the book. As for me, I'm going to go reread the "I hate to cook" book by Peg Bracken. I don't hate to cook but I think her book is more my speed.

[Alicia (PrettyBrownEyeReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this cookbook was a delight. The author shares recipes from her restaurant, The Lost Kitchen. Her restaurant uses a mail lottery to offer reservations to guests. Only a small percentage of those who request a reservation get to dine there. This cookbook shares some of the recipes the restaurant serves. In addition to recipes the book gives a brief synopsis of Erin French’s culinary career, tips on obtaining ingredients and cook’s notes that help the reader maximize the flavor and presentation of the recipes. The author is based in Maine so many of the recipes have foods that are familiar to those in the Northeast United States but anyone who enjoys reading cookbooks will enjoy the photos and text of this one.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been very curious to understand what the allure is of The Lost Kitchen. I know I’ll never be able to go in person so I checked her (Erin French) cookbook out of the library to get a feel for her food and vibe. This morning I read her intro and skimmed all of the recipes to the very end of the well thought out book. She does a good job pf describing and sharing her food and entertaining philosophy. She shares lots of tips for how to create her personal style. The book has lots of highly-staged photos and the recipes are a little posh for home cooking. I didn’t see any recipes that I was dying to try but I enjoyed visiting The Lost Kitchen through her book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the warm tone of this book, and found the recipes to be easy to follow and down to earth (given how special her restaurant is - I wouldn't think the French Laundry or other restaurants of the same caliber would have food this easy to replicate). I thought that the starters, drinks and desserts were the best chapters. I also loved her tips on decorating, and learning more about her restaurant, her team and where she gets her ideas and inspiration.

This is a beautiful book, and a very relaxing, nice read. Worth checking out for entertaining ideas and special ways to feed groups.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess I am one of the few who was not already a fan of Erin French. However I loved the title of this book and I love to read cookbooks (every page!). The book is beautifully written with beautiful photos, and family stories and recipes. These recipes are prepared in her restaurant The Lost Kitchen and Erin’s wish is to take a bit of the restaurant home with you. Not sure I would say the recipes are “simple” as depicted in the summary but I did love the number and different types of vegetables she used. Love the concept of “bringing the outside in” like making your own teas.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book that has a bit about Erin herself and her restaurant, The Lost Kitchen.

Erin doesn’t just share recipes, she also gives us the when, where, and how to make the time spent special.

The photographs in this book are exceptional and this is coffee table/display so everyone can see it worthy.

My favorite part of this book is all the fresh herbs that Erin has in not only her recipes but also in her “Signatures” section.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝘎𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬!

I was beyond ecstatic to receive a copy of this book. I read Erin’s story, Finding Freedom, and was amazed and inspired by her journey. My wish is to visit The Lost Kitchen one day but in the meantime I’ll enjoy this beautiful book with fantastic recipes.

Thank you Celadon Books for this gifted copy.

𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝘃𝗲 by Erin French released October 31, 2023.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully innovative recipes make you see how creative yet down to earth Erin French is and yet simple enough for me !!! The Lamb and White Bean Stew is exquisite! The salads are beautiful to make as well as admire before eating. I have been using the Simple Buttermilk Dressing on everything ! And I have the fruit shrub infusing in the refrigerator. It makes me want summer right now for fresh tomatoes and other vegetables.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good cookbook. I love a good recipe intro that tells a story. These recipes are straight forward, the ingredients simple, and they can be customized if you see fit to do so. The pictures are stunning, recipes look delicious and I can't wait to start cooking from this book. This book makes me want to put my name in the lottery and hope to someday get picked to dine at the Lost Kitchen!

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gorgeous yet simple cookbook is full of easy meals that are so elegant you can serve them to your guests. The photos in this cookbook are wonderful. This is going to be a cookbook in my kitchen that I use over and over again.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite features in cookbooks is the story behind the dish. So many of our memories center around food, and when chefs share that aspect of their dish it brings the dish to life on a whole new level... So when I saw Big Heart Little Stove was available in audiobook format I was intrigued.

In the audiobook, Erin not only shares her thoughtful, simple, and delicious meals, she has casual conversations with her mom (my favorite parts), coworker, husband, and dear friend Ina Garten, all of which will inspire you to find meaningful moment of connection with each meal.

This was a truly unique audiobook experience. Anyone who also loves food as well as sharing, hearing, and building meaningful experiences behind it will enjoy it too.

★ ★ ★ ★

Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted copy.

[Tracey Neumuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A visually beautiful book with stories and recipes mixed throughout. Her recipes are simple but elegant…and I already have several bookmarked to try in the New Year. It doesn’t surprise me that Ina Garten has been quoted as saying French is one of her favorite chefs… their styles are similar: classic, delicious and easy to make again and again.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Erin French ever since I saw her show The Lost Kitchen. She has a way of curating her space and food that is quite beautiful. Her book was more then a cookbook. Her book told stories and showed a real connection to the food she cooks to nourish others. I now have several new recipes I'm excited to try, but beware, stock up on butter!

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over Martha Stewart, there's a new girl in town. Erin French is a passionate expert at food, and this cook book is proof: stunning recipes with gorgeous pictures. I'd love to eat at her The Lost Kitchen in Maine. (Including two sweet recipes that caught my eye: p. 179, glazed butter cake, and p. 202, chocolate coins.)