“The bright yellow sunflowers in the fields around Charroux, the smell of roasting chestnuts, rich onion soup, a classic salad Nicoise, cassoulet or pot au feu, fennel and endive, lemon tarts, malva pudding and the wild food of the places where I live”.

These are the memories that Marlene van der Westhuizen, the author of Sumptuous, wants to convey to her readers. Sumptuous, the second cookbook written by van der Westhuizen, takes readers on a journey through France without having to leave the comfort of their own homes.

Sumptuous shows readers a glimpse into the life van der Westhuizen leads between the kitchens of Bagatelle, Charroux and the Food Studio in Green Point, Cape Town. The recipes shared in the book all reflect the food and places van der Westhuizen adores.

Each chapter begins with descriptions of elements of her life in France such as the markets, Bagatelle, sunflowers, statues and antiquing on a Sunday as well as her life in Cape Town such as the Food Studio and life amongst the vineyards. All these points of reference make the reader feel as though they too reside in the beautiful French countryside or that they too experiment in the Food Studio in Green Point, inspiring one and all to try their hand at these delicious recipes.

The recipes in the book are referenced by van der Westhuizen’s shopping, cooking or enjoyment of the meals. Examples include Soufflé Grand Marnier, where van der Westhuizen describes her neighbour in Charroux serving the soufflé with great success and Fig and Nut cake with creamy coffee icing where a description of baking with her young son is included.

Van der Westhuizen is a trained chef who specialises in ‘brasserie luxe’ which means simple food that looks as good as it tastes. Van der Westhuizen is almost always in front of the stove, happily wrapped up in the task of preparing a meal for family and friends who have been invited to eat at ‘Chez Marlene’.

Styled and photographed by the award-winning Gerda Genis, Sumptuous is a feast for the eyes too. Genis’s exceptional photographs provide the perfect visual accompaniment to van der Westhuizen’s descriptions of the food, places, people and values that are cherished.

Sumptuous is a truly delightful recipe book, filled with simple, classic, tasty French recipes. With Sumptuous on hand to inspire you, any mealtime will be a success.

Sumptuous (Pan Macmillan) is availble from around R270 from most good bookstores.