The Wheeling Gourmet by Nicolas Steenhout

Le Répertoire de la Cuisine by Th.Gringoire and L.Saulnier is a classic recipe book. First published in 1914, it contains and codifies over 7,000 recipes.

This book is intended for the professional cook, formally trained in the techniques used within. There are no quantities, and provide minimum information. It is in fact a "cheat sheet" or loose guide, more than a recipe book as we've come to know them today.

Generations of professional cooks had to learn this book by rote. Tests at the end of apprenticeships involved making dishes from the book, without having access to the book.

Sample Recipe

As you can see, this recipe is rather minimalist.

You may be interested in purchasing this book from my Amazon shop!

I shall be translating recipes from Le Répertoire every now and then. These adaptations will be listed here.

Articles in the French Classics series:

Beurre Maître d'Hôtel

A simple garnish to go with grilled meats or fish. Don't let its simplicity fool you, Beurre Maître d'Hôtel is a classic well worth serving!