At Home in Burgundy

Eleanor Garvin's first book, At Home in Burgundy, is a selection of over 100 of her most popular recipes collected during the 25 years she has lived in France. A professional cook, she left the US in 1983 to learn French cuisine. Since then, her work with Papillon cruises and tours as well as her collaboration with Elden Wine has taken her to the culinary hot spots of Europe. But her home is in Burgundy, and these recipes reflect the rich, pastoral countryside that holds her there. Burgundian cuisine is based on an abundance of indigenous ingredients. In Ellie's hands, the classic repertoire becomes innovative. Snails are a turnip velouté with a mirepoix of escargots. Local epoisses cheese becomes a tart with shallots and red wine. Tender spring vegetables come together in a salad under delicate garlic cream with a poached egg. These recipes from a chef's kitchen are accessible to the home cook, with techniques and presentation carefully explained. Photos and wine notes by Dennis Sherman.