Voilà: A Provençal Cookbook Offers Approachable Recipes

For cooks who love to open up a bottle of wine and thumb through an inspiring cookbook on the weekend, and who see cooking not as just a way to put dinner on the table during the week quickly and economically, but as a way to unwind, Ethel Brennan and Sara Remington's cookbook Paris to Provence (Andrews McMeel, $30) may be worth a look.

Brennan and Remington take readers on a journey through their childhood spent in Provence, weaving together stories of family outings and nights spent around the dinner table along with the recipes that evoke those memories. There are 60 simple recipes worth trying: everything from the workaday escargots in garlic butter to pepper steak, and croque madame to ratatouille. Here are a few to try before you buy.

Roast Chicken with French Fries

The café staple, poulet frites, is a classic dish that should be in every cook's repertoire. (Photo courtesy of Sara Remington)

Roast Pork Loin with Rosemary and Porcini Mushrooms

Here's a dish that's sure to impress when the boss is over for dinner. (Photo courtesy of Sara Remington)

Nougatine with Almonds and Honey

Looking for an unusual dessert with just five ingredients? Then look no further than this recipe. (Photo courtesy of Sara Remington)

Will Budiaman is the Recipe Editor at The Daily Meal. Follow him on Twitter @WillBudiaman.