Alain Ducasses Gougeres Recipes

ALAIN DUCASSE'S GRATIN OF BLUEBERRIES WITH VANILLA

Steps:

• To make the compote, rinse the berries in cold water. In a medium saucepan on medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the sugar, vanilla bean, mint, creme de cassis and blueberries. Cook slowly until the berries are softened, about 7 minutes. Transfer to an ovenproof gratin or baking dish and let cool.
• To make the sabayon, begin whisking the yolks in the top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water. Whisk in the vermouth, sugar and seeds from the vanilla bean. Continue whisking until the mixture doubles in volume. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
• When ready to serve, preheat the broiler or have a small culinary blowtorch ready. Whip the cream until it holds soft peaks. Fold it into the cooled sabayon. Pour the mixture over the berries and sprinkle the top with the confectioners' sugar. Place under the broiler or cook with the blowtorch until the top is lightly browned. (The sabayon will melt slightly.) Serve immediately.

CLASSIC GOUGèRES

Steps:

• Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven; preheat to 400°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Bring 1 cup water, butter, and salt to simmer in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat, whisking until butter melts. Add flour; stir rapidly with wooden spoon until flour absorbs liquid and forms ball, pulling away from sides of pan. Stir vigorously until film forms on bottom of pan and dough is no longer sticky, 1 to 2 minutes longer. Remove pan from heat; cool dough 2 to 3 minutes. Using electric mixer, beat in eggs 1 at a time. Stir in cheese and pepper.
• Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets, spacing about 3 inches apart. Using damp fingertip, press down any peaks of dough.
• Bake gougères until golden brown, about 30 minutes, reversing position of pans halfway through baking. Using small sharp knife, pry open 1 gougère to check for doneness (center should be slightly eggy and moist). Serve hot or warm. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 hours ahead. Transfer to racks; cool. Rewarm in 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes.