The Story of Ginette Mathiot

Step into the deliciously nostalgic world of early 20th-century Paris, where a young woman named Ginette Mathiot was about to change the course of French home cooking forever. In this episode of Fabulously Delicious, we explore the remarkable life and legacy of the woman behind Je Sais Cuisiner — the beloved cookbook that became a fixture in kitchens across France and beyond. Born Geneviève Mathiot in 1907, Ginette’s life was shaped by discipline, resilience, and an unshakable dedication to education and food.

While she never followed her dream of becoming a doctor, Ginette instead turned her focus to household sciences — not the kind of “home ec” you might imagine, but a deeply respected academic field in France. Her journey from young teacher to best-selling author of more than 30 cookbooks is a story of determination, quiet rebellion, and clever culinary innovation. From classic French fare to adventurous international dishes, her recipes brought confidence and competence to millions of home cooks.

We’ll uncover little-known facts, like how Ginette’s love life was thwarted by religious expectations, and how one of her most famous works was originally co-credited to someone who didn’t write a word. We’ll also explore the cultural and historical context that made her work so impactful — from post-war publishing struggles to her forward-thinking inclusion of global cuisines long before it was trendy.

Whether you're a seasoned Francophile, a cookbook collector, or simply love a good underdog story with a delicious twist, this episode is a celebration of a true culinary pioneer. Ginette Mathiot may have lived quietly, but her influence has been anything but — her recipes continue to simmer, bake, and inspire in kitchens all over the world.

Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.

Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at