The French Affair: Tables of Love

The French Affair is a collection of recipes collected by author, chef and photographer Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen on his life journey that took him from a farm in South Africa to the French Riviera and Paris. The book is a feast for the eyes and nourishment for the soul, reflecting Jan’s love affair with France and its culture of good food, fresh produce from local markets and the meals he has been inspired by on his travels through these epicurean surroundings.

Jan’s love of food was nurtured by his mother and grandmothers, and this family influence and his South African roots are reflected in many of his recipes. Some dishes are inspired by his student years in Stellenbosch, while yet others clearly show the French influence. There are also those that reflect Jan’s time spent as a private chef on a yacht on the French Riviera. A chapter with basic recipes for pastry, pasta, jams and preserves is included.