Someone with a how not to do things piece (I hate those titles) talked of mayonnaise in July 4th potato salad being disgusting. I disagree and responded that mayonnaise is only an acid, egg, oil and seasoning. Its taste depends on the quality of the ingredients. I would use lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil.
For the formula in a nutshell, I contacted Len Deighton via print. Yes, we actually have books.
I learned of Len Deighton through his spy novels, primarily Spy Hook, Spy Line and Spy Sinker. Years later I find that in 1965 he published a cookbook entitled “Ou est le Garlique?” That means, where is the garlic.
It is not in print, nor is the English version “Basic French Cooking.” It is years of Julia Child and other dear cooks’ writing tomes which I have and love, distilled into a compact paperback book.
This book is remarkable for its simplicity and elegance. Mr. Deighton’s personal illustrations give incredible lucidity to complex formulas and directions and are art in their own right. I would love to have one of his illustrations near my desk for inspiration but will not cut up one of his books.
From time to time, a close young person or adult will come to me for help in learning how to cook. For the younger ones I give them Mr. Deighton’s book after I know they really want to learn.
For the older ones and for weddings for younger brides and grooms I give James Beard’s “Theory and Practice of Good Cooking,” also out of print. That book teaches techniques, not recipes. If you go to an upscale cooking store for a Valentines’ Day demo for your gal, they’re only selling their book and three recipes. It’s OK as a date, but it’s not cooking school.
Check out my cookbooks section for references. This is not a monetized site and I did a lot of research to help me and you learn what is important.
I only collect the best! And I’m no longer a lending library because no-one brings anything back. All my best pet health care books are gone, too. Lending no more.
There’s a photo of Len Deighton teaching Michael Caine how to crack an egg on the filming site of the Ipcress File. I’ve enjoyed Len Deighton’s novels but consider Basic French Cooking a charm and reference for a lifetime of cooking. Cheers! Dee
ps I’m certain I’ve read The Ipcress File but will talk to Dad and brother to find out and get the movie asap!
Cooking with Dee 