Description
For many Americans, "gratin" is synonymous with a beautifully browned dish containing some combination of potatoes and chicken baked with cheese and cream until a nice golden crust is formed on top. While that definition is inarguably true, in everyday French cooking, the gratin encompasses a wide range of ingredients, from fruit to fish to vegetables, and may be savory or sweet. Christophe Felder, pastry chef at the Michelin-starred Les Ambassadeurs, the restaurant of the luxurious Hotel Crillon in Paris, has been thrilling his guests with innovative gratins since he made his dazzling debut there at age twenty-four. In this beautifully designed volume, he shares 68 easy-to-prepare gratin recipes, from appetizers to desserts. Some are sophisticated and special, perfect for a festive dinner, while others are suitable for every day; all are quick to prepare. The recipes include a French Shepherd's Pie, a hearty one-dish meal; a Gratin of Garden Vegetables, a striking bouquet of garden-fresh flavors; and Raspberry-Passion Fruit Gratin in Puff Pastry, delicious brunch fare or a wonderful dessert. No heavy sauces are included in these light and luscious gratins, and the recipes take full advantage of fresh seasonal ingredients. If you adore crusty baked dishes, you'll adore Gratins -- the last word on comfort food. -- A collection of sweet and savory recipes for the home cook from one of France's top pastry chefs -- Gratins are everything a comfort food should be: creamy on the inside, golden and crusty on top -- The recipes are easy to prepare for every day or special occasions with no heavy sauces
