This is a step-by-step French cookery course from Le Cordon Bleu cookery school. Created for both the novice and the experienced home cook, the book introduces a collection of recipes based on the classical French repertoire. Following a series of menus that correspond to actual classes at the school, readers progress from basic to advanced techniques in easy stages. The first stage teaches different cooking methods, including roasting, poaching, frying and sauteing. The second stage concentrates on perfecting skills such as making consomme, pate, souffles and meringues. The third stage shows how to add creative professional touches to more sophisticated dishes. Step-by-step photographs illustrate basic techniques like cleaning and boning fish, trussing poultry and making pastry.