Secrets of a French Cooking Class

Crisp light, a profusion of wild flowers, and an astonishing choice of fresh produce – it is spring in the medieval village of Charroux in the Allier department of France, where Marlene van der Westhuizen invites you to steal a glimpse into the inner workings of her fiftieth cooking class. Along with 80 new recipes (including Fillets de sole Bonne Femme, Early Autumn chicken and Apple blinis) follow Marlene and her class as they lift the veil on the understated glamour of French country cooking, eating and living. Learn how to navigate food markets, bargain for beautiful antiques, cook and present glorious meals, and enjoy every aspect of life in a French village with grace and charm. Then start saving to join Marlene in France yourself …

Marlene van der Westhuizen Marlene van der Westhuizen is a chef and author who divides her time between Cape Town, South Africa and Charroux in central France. Her cooking classes in the medieval village of Charroux in France are extremely sought-after and booked up for years in advance.