
Hachis parmentier, the French beef and potato bake
Classic hachis parmentier: a base of minced beef braised with onion and carrot, covered with mashed potato and gratinated until the top is golden and crisp.
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Classic hachis parmentier: a base of minced beef braised with onion and carrot, covered with mashed potato and gratinated until the top is golden and crisp.

Creamy, velvety mashed potatoes: potatoes boiled in their skins, riced while hot and beaten with warm milk and cold butter, with no lumps and no gluey texture.

Milanese risotto al salto: leftover saffron risotto pressed into a pan and fried until it forms a golden crisp crust, while the centre stays soft and dense.

Milanese saffron risotto: al dente grains, a deep golden colour and a butter and parmesan mantecatura that makes it creamy and flowing on the plate.

The classic Breton galette complète: a thin buckwheat crepe with crisp lacy edges, filled with cooked ham, melting cheese and an egg with a soft runny yolk.

Homemade velouté sauce: a pale blond roux loosened with hot stock for a smooth, silky base, perfect for veloutés, gratins, and mains in sauce.

Homemade béarnaise sauce: an emulsion of egg yolks and butter scented with shallots, vinegar, and tarragon, the French sauce that's perfect for meat and steak.

Homemade hollandaise sauce with egg yolks, butter, and lemon: velvety and stable, the classic base for eggs Benedict, asparagus, and fish.

The classic Italian crostata with crumbly shortcrust pastry and jam: the traditional breakfast bake, simple to make and always perfect.

Creamy mushroom risotto with Carnaroli rice, sautéed mixed mushrooms, and a final stir of butter and parmesan: a comforting first course.

Classic Italian shortcrust pastry (pasta frolla) with flour, butter, sugar, and eggs: crumbly, fragrant, and easy to roll. The base for tarts, cookies, and tartlets.

Homemade béchamel sauce with milk, butter, and flour: creamy, smooth, and lump-free in minutes. The base for lasagne, baked pasta, and gratins.