Have you read "French Women Don't Get Fat"? Neither have I. Browsing the display books at the library recently, I came across Mireille Guiliano's follow-up book, "French Women For All Seasons," and I took it home.
I remember when "French Women Don't Get Fat" was published. It caused a stir because it was basically a treatise on how much more superior French women are to Americans, because they are far more cultured and intelligent than us, and therefore don't get fat. Her big contribution to the American diet was "Magical Leek Soup," which is really a broth made from leeks and water. Apparently, French women drink this exclusively for 3 days every quarter, and it keeps them slender. I guess it's their version of the lemon juice diet, or something. And you know how I feel about fasting.
"French Women For All Seasons" begins with an introduction titled "Something I Forgot to Mention," in which Guiliano defends her previous book, sort of apologizing for claiming total superiority above American women (the fat ones or all of us? I never figure that out), and then she outlines how even though that seemed to offend some people, and it was sort of rude, it's really okay because it's true!
It's just so French.
It reminds me of an episode of "Oprah" a few years back, when fabulous women from all over the world revealed their secrets of being fabulous. There was a gorgeous, curvy Mexican woman in a low-cut red dress and high heels, claiming that Mexican women don't get fat, and they never exercise!
I actually kind-of enjoyed the book, as something to skim while sitting on the beach. It's really all about style, and how to be carefully care-free in every season, always looking and feeling fabulous (she should spend a winter in Minnesota). There are some touching anecdotes about the women in her family who taught her all about entertaining, and the importance of making your guests feel special. It's the little things that count. Unfortunately I didn't really find the recipes very inspiring. My family is just not going to accept "Brown Rice with Peas" as a meal (or even a side dish for that matter).
Despite all of her negativity towards American eaters, she does concede one thing: we can barbecue better than the French. And she admits that there is some beauty in being able to simply grill some burgers, use ketchup as a condiment, and eat off paper plates. And that's exactly what we did for 4th of July. The kids had hot dogs, and the hors d'oeuvres were potato chips & ranch dip. (Okay, it was a little more special that that.)
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