French Food for Everyone

French Food for Everyone is a follow-up to the best-selling In the French kitchen with kids and
was inspired by the students in Mardi's online cooking classes in 2020 and 2021 when cooking
classes pivoted to online platforms. Mardi's first book proved that French food is much simpler
to make than many people believe (so easy even kids can make "fancy" French dishes!), and
over the course of a year's worth of online classes, she noticed that it was not just kids but while
families enjoying great success with her recipes. After a few months, one of her students
remarked on the "recipe book" they had created from the online class recipes and Mardi
realised she had enough recipes for a whole new cookbook - French Food for Everyone was
born! The book will be released a chapter at a time to enable people to get baking and cooking
sooner!

This first chapter showcases twelve recipes to make and enjoy for that special snack time
between the end of school and dinner time in France. Le goter, as it is known in French, consists of
mostly sweet treats, traditionally enjoyed at home but, more and more, en route to extra-
curricular activities. Goter means "to taste" and while some might raise eyebrows at the fact
that these snacks are all sweet, they really are meant to be enjoyed in smaller portions (hence
the "taste") and as a way of warding off hunger until the (later than in many countries) dinner
hour.

Le goter (or "quatre-heures" as it's often referred to because it's eaten after 4pm when school
lets out) might be something as simple as a bread roll with a couple of squares of dark
chocolate inside. Or possibly even a piece of fruit with a yoghurt or pudding. It might also be a
treat from the boulangerie or maybe some supermarket-bought cookies. There are many
options - but they are always sweet, never savoury. It's an integral part of the day for French
children who, apart from this sacred ritual, are generally discouraged from snacking between
meals. These recipes are a collection of some classics - biscuits or cookies, boulangerie treats,
cakes, puddings and even a sirop!

So, won't you do like the French and take some time out of your day around 4pm to sit down
and enjoy a little something sweet?

With her signature clarity and charm, Mardi takes us through a dozen terrific recipes for sweet and lovely French-style after-school snacks. They're all able to be made by kids, but there aren't any age limits when it comes to enjoying them - everyone will want them!
Dorie Greenspan, bestselling author of Baking with Dorie, Everyday Dorie and Around my French Table

Mardi Michels demystifies French baking with her organized and accessible recipes for after-school snacks. Simple, delicious, and free of fuss, these treats are sure to become favorites...