We are not all going to have an opportunity to run a small palace and cooking school in France; however, don’t let that get in the way of enjoying a book that celebrates home, garden and family. This is not a traditional cookbook, although it does have recipes, but rather a portrait of senses.

Jane writes about filling the home with scents and aromas of jam and casseroles. I was inspired to throw open my windows, cut fresh herbs from my wee garden and create an atmosphere of French congeniality when friends came to visit. I didn’t gather my ingredients in a French wicker basket, but I did manage to cook silverbeet with garlic and cream with chicken confit. I finished with classic chocolate mousse. The recipes worked beautifully and the ingredients were easy to source.

[[chris]] Christine Gordon is the Events Coordinator for Readings and is a committee member of