Posts Tagged ‘Brunch’

Black Truffle Fritatta

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

This is one of those it’s-so-easy-I’m-embarrassed dishes. The trick is to get great truffles- these came from Markys.com, the “winter” Perigords.

Slice the truffles thinly, then cut into shreds. Melt an excess of butter [editor's note: there is no such thing] in a nonstick pan over medium heat, then dump in the truffles.

While they start to cook, quickly whisk together 6 eggs, a pinch of baking soda, a few grinds of pepper, and a pinch of salt (I left out the salt in this one out of respect for la belle-coeur).

Whisk the eggs

Turn up the heat a bit, pour in the eggs, then give the pan a swirl- it’s all in the wrist; you should swirl hard enough that you get a nice pattern of butter and truffle shreds on top but not so hard that the eggs fly all over the stove with their precious entrained French cargo.

Swirl

Turn the heat to low, cover, then cook for 5 minutes or so until the bottom is slightly brown and the top is barely set. Time to see if your wrist is still skilled; run a spatula around the edge, shake the pan to make sure the fritatta is loose, then flip it like a short order cook. Cover and cook for a minute or so, then slide it onto a cutting board and slice.

At this point, you have a decision to make- should you lie and tell your companion that it’s ruined, then quickly devour it by yourself? Or should you be honest, divide the slices between two plates, garnish with some chopped parsley, and sprinkle a touch of fleur de sel on top?

It’s up to you.

German Puff Pancake

Sunday, February 15th, 2009

I used to love getting these at Village Inn when I was a grad student. Once I learned how to make them, I never went back.

3 eggs
1 tbs sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 c milk
1/2 c flour
all the butter you dare (maybe 1-2 tbs)

Preheat oven to 450°F. Crack three eggs into a bowl. Add the sugar. Beat slightly with a whisk, just enough to break up the yolks. Add the milk and the flour, then beat well until the batter is smooth and there’s some bubbliness.

Heat an oven-safe sautee pan on the stove on medium-high, add the butter and swish around. When the butter melts, foams up, then collapses, pour in the batter. It should make a “kooosh” sound, otherwise the pan wasn’t hot enough. Put the pan in the oven. Let it bake for 10 minutes or so until the sides have risen and started browning. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F, then continue baking until there’s some brown spots in the center and the puffy deal is set.

Remove pan, slide out the puff pancake, then top with syrup, powdered sugar and lemon juice, or fruit compote.

SY (2/09)

Click to print this recipe as a PDF.