Milk Street Television Season 4 Episode 9 French Showstopper Desserts

Christopher Kimball's Milk Street is a show dedicated to the art of cooking and baking, exploring different cultures and tastes from around the world. In season 2, episode 9, titled "French Showstopper Desserts," the viewer is taken on a journey through some of the most decadent and delicious French desserts.

The episode begins with host Christopher Kimball introducing the concept of showstopper desserts. These are desserts that are not only delicious, but also visually stunning, making them the perfect end to any meal or occasion. Kimball explains that in France, desserts are a revered part of the cuisine, with a rich history and tradition behind them.

The first dessert featured on the show is a classic tarte tatin. Kimball meets with a French pastry chef in Paris to learn about the intricacies of making this dessert. The tarte tatin is a simple yet elegant dessert made with caramelized apples and a flaky pastry crust. Kimball and the pastry chef show how to make the perfect caramel sauce and how to properly arrange the apples in the dish. The result is a visually stunning dessert that is as delicious as it is beautiful.

Next, the show moves on to another classic French dessert, the mille-feuille. This dessert, also known as a Napoleon, is made with layers of puff pastry and pastry cream. Kimball meets with another pastry chef to learn how to make the perfect puff pastry for this dessert. The key to success with this dessert is getting the layers of puff pastry just right, so that the dessert has the perfect balance of flakiness and creaminess.

The third dessert featured on the show is the gateau Saint-Honore. This dessert is named after the patron saint of bakers, Saint Honoré, and is a true showstopper. The dessert consists of a pastry base, filled with crème chiboust (a lighter version of pastry cream) and topped with whipped cream and caramel. Kimball and his team show how to make the perfect choux pastry base and how to assemble the dessert for maximum impact.

Finally, the show ends with a trip to Lyon to explore the decadent world of chocolate. Kimball meets with a chocolatier to learn about the different types of chocolate and how to use them in desserts. The chocolatier also shows how to make a classic French dessert, the chocolate mousse. With just a few ingredients, this dessert is simple yet elegant, and a perfect way to end a meal.

Throughout the episode, Kimball provides helpful tips and tricks for making these desserts at home, showing how to avoid common mistakes and get the best results possible. He also delves into the history and tradition behind each dessert, revealing the cultural significance of French desserts.

Overall, "French Showstopper Desserts" is a must-watch for anyone who loves desserts or is interested in French cuisine. With its stunning visuals and helpful guidance, it is sure to inspire viewers to try their hand at making these showstopping desserts at home.