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From the young American woman who bought Julia Child’s home in the South of France sight-unseen, Mostly French is a love letter to the food and place; it is lushly photographed, filled with more than 100 modern recipes, and for anyone who loves France and Julia Child.

Mostly French is a stunningly beautiful cookbook developed and photographed at La Pitchoune, Julia Child’s home in Provence. Inspired by the olive trees and hills of lavender, thyme, and wild asparagus, author and cooking instructor Makenna Held shares 150 recipes that pay homage to the serenity of Southern France. Through dishes such as Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Sumac, Caprese with Peaches and Strawberries, and Lavender Salted Caramels, among dozens of others that lean into France and ease, she channels the best of French cooking: simple ingredients, technique, and balanced flavors.

But just as deliciously, Mostly French is Makenna’s story of finding herself in the slower pace of the French countryside. She lives with the spirit of Julia Child and honors her legacy, while forging her own path as a cook and teacher. In the narrative woven throughout the introductory material and recipe headnotes, Makenna writes as much about developing as a person as she does about developing delicious recipes.

What makes this book special is Makenna’s classic French staples—Roasted Tomato “Jam,” Dream Vinaigrette, and sauces like an easy Hollandaise, put to use next to meal-sized salads, roasts, and omelettes that make a meal. With tips and tricks, and an extensive section on cheese and charcuterie boards for the golden hour of L’Apero, this cookbook will delight anyone with its modern approach to everyday French cooking.