February 19, 2010
[Edible Idiom] Le gratin
This is part of a series on French idiomatic expressions that relate to food. Browse the list of idioms featured so far.
This week's idiom is, "Le gratin."
As cooks may already know, gratin* is the generic French term for preparations (often involving vegetables and some sort of binding sauce) cooked in a baking dish in the oven until the surface browns and becomes crusty.
But it is also a colloquial expression that refers to a social elite,...
"[Edible Idiom] Le gratin" continues »
February 16, 2010
Brown Butter Spiced Crisp
Planning the menu for a dinner party is all about being realistic, balancing the different dishes not only in terms of flavor and style, but also in terms of workload. If I opt for a main course that's a bit elaborate, then I know I won't have much time or energy to devote to dessert, and the fruit crisp or crumble* is my wildcard choice. (The trifle, too, but we'll talk about that another day.)
A fruit crisp requires very little work (throw t...
"Brown Butter Spiced Crisp" continues »
February 10, 2010
Sourdough Baguettes
[Baguettes au levain]
When I started to bake bread on a weekly basis, I thought of baguettes as out-of-reach territory: I would bake the kind of loaves I love -- a hearty crust (but not too dark at the bottom), an open crumb (but one that's still tight enough to withstand a good spread of dairy or almond butter), great flavor from a slow fermentation, and a nutritious blend of organic flours -- but I would always go and get my Piccola baguette...
"Sourdough Baguettes" continues »
February 3, 2010
Pecan Mudslide Cookies
I spent a few days in New York City in early December to promote* my latest book project, and I happened to stay at a hotel that was very near the Chelsea Market.
I had very little free time in my schedule, but the proximity allowed me to do a little personal shopping (books, utensils, magazines), buy a few things to improvise breakfast in my room** and, moments before I was to catch a ride back to the airport, get a sandwich and a treat to ea...
"Pecan Mudslide Cookies" continues »
February 1, 2010
February 2010 Desktop Calendar
At the beginning of every month, I am offering C&Z readers a new wallpaper to apply on the desktop of your computer, with a food-related picture and a calendar of the current month.
Our calendar for February is a picture of a diminutive winter squash poetically named pomme d'or (golden apple) in French; I thought its glow might bring a bit of sunshine to your desktop. (And here are a few winter squash recipes if you need inspiration.)
Instruc...
"February 2010 Desktop Calendar" continues »