French cookbook wanted !

[HopeForTheBestExpectTheWorst]

I'd like to try doing a bit more french cooking(or french influenced/style - ie doesn't have to be absolutely authentique )

I want something for doing family dinners, rather than posh entertaining. I'm thinking bistro-type food, especially for the autumn/winter months.

I also quite like anecdotal and chatty cookbooks, but that's obviously not essential!

Does anyone have any recommendations?

TIA

[sdr]

The French Kitchen by Joanne Harris (who wrote Chocolat) and Fran Warde. Has a lot of family meals and also some for occassions. This one is also chatty, I use it lots.

[HopeForTheBestExpectTheWorst]

I was wondering whether that was any good - I like JH as an author.
Thanks! I think I will get it!

[McDreamy]

I have that too - it's a very good book

[jkklpu]

Larousse de la cuisine - it's an illustrated A to Z of French cooking. We have the French one but have given the English language version (a bit different but still a great reference book) to various people as a wedding present.

[flyingcloud]

I'd like to recommend this:
The Food of France

I use it all the time, recipes are universally popular, I recommend things like oeufs en cocotte, blanquette de veau, mixed berry tartlets, quiches, tomates farcis, etc.

I had Larousse on our wedding list - but no-one bought it!

Am going to buy Joanne Harris I think.

[meltedmarsbars]

The one I use most frequently (paperback with no pictures unfortunately) is Elizabeth Davids Provincial French Cooking. Its' fabulous and simple recipes are delicious every time.

[HopeForTheBestExpectTheWorst]

Thanks for all the suggestions
Once I've chosen one and got it, I'll probably be on here asking for help again!