Deep Dive
Why do French people traditionally not eat cookies?
French people traditionally don't eat cookies because the cookies available in France when Dominique Ancel was a child were dry, flat, and not good. French pastry cases typically featured other types of pastries.
What is the best method for freezing holiday cookies according to Cheryl Day?
Cheryl Day recommends baking the cookies first and then freezing them. This method allows for easier decoration and filling later, as needed, while maintaining quality and taste.
Can you substitute dark brown sugar for light brown sugar in baking recipes?
Yes, you can substitute dark brown sugar for light brown sugar in most baking recipes. Dark brown sugar has more molasses, which may slightly increase the rise of the baked goods due to its higher acidity.
How does Julia Georgalis use Christmas trees in her cooking?
Julia Georgalis uses Christmas trees in her cooking by incorporating pine nuts into chocolatey brownies, making Christmas tree-flavored ice cream by steeping spruce needles in a custard, and creating a Christmas tree-infused alcohol by soaking spruce, fir, or pine in gin or vodka.
What is the origin of the Cronut, and why did it become so popular?
The Cronut was invented by Dominique Ansel as a combination of a croissant and a donut. It became popular because it was something new and exciting during a time when people were looking for innovative treats. Its viral spread was also aided by social media.
What is the base of a fruit soufflé according to Dominique Ancel?
The base of a fruit soufflé is a puree of fruits that is mashed up and strained, combined with a custard made from pastry cream. Adding cornstarch to the custard helps stabilize the egg whites and prevents the soufflé from collapsing.
What is the dish 'first heartbreak' by Dominique Ancel?
The dish 'first heartbreak' is an ice cream dessert with rocky road ice cream and marshmallow on top, surrounded by meringue petals. The meringues are melted by burning love notes written on rice paper, symbolizing the beauty of love turning into sadness.
What is Turgul, and where does it originate from?
Turgul is a French classic rice pudding from Normandy. It is made by cooking rice in milk in a cast iron dish until it forms a dark, almost crème brûlée-like top layer with a creamy bottom.
What is the significance of the chocolate pudding recipe in Dominique Ancel's cookbook?
The chocolate pudding recipe in Dominique Ancel's cookbook is significant because it represents a special moment when his wife was eating chocolate pudding at the hospital after giving birth. The dish is simple, comforting, and tied to a cherished memory.
What are Adam Gopnik's favorite food-related books of 2024?
Adam Gopnik's favorite food-related books of 2024 include 'The Editor' by Sarah B. Franklin, 'The Light Eaters' by Zoe Schlanger, 'Flavorama' by Ariel Johnson, 'Rintaro' by Sylvan Brackett, and 'The Supper of the Lamb' by Robert Farrar Capon.
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