5.09.2011

Escargots à la Bourguignonne



I had a fantastic weekend that was filled with a luncheon, birthday party, spontaneous sleepover followed by an impromptu brunch, Derby viewing, Chinese takeout and a movie, long run, outdoor yoga, calls to my mom and mother-in-law, evening stroll, and an anniversary dinner. Seven years ago this weekend, I met my husband for the first time in NYC. Although this anniversary should get overlooked now that we have a true wedding anniversary, we still like to celebrate in a fun way.

I decided to make a typical French dish, not only because we are total Francophiles, but also because one of my best friends in the world is currently in the best city in the world – Paris. Thomas and I began our honeymoon in The City of Light, where we enjoyed intimate dinners at bistros and cafés, romantic strolls along the Seine, and smooches amongst world-famous landmarks. So, in honor of our superfluous anniversary celebration and my friend’s French vacation, I thought that we could live vicariously through her with a classic preparation of Escargots à la Bourguignonne. Bon appétit!



Escargots à la Bourguignonne

Ingredients

1 14-ounce can snails and cleaned snail shells (both can be found in specialty food stores)
1 ½ or 2 sticks unsalted softened butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 shallot, chopped
2 tablespoons red wine
3 tablespoons fresh parsley
Salt and pepper
French baguette



Method

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Combine softened butter, garlic, shallot, red wine, and parsley in a food processor until smooth. Sample the garlic butter with a piece of French bread and season with salt and pepper accordingly.

Spoon a small amount of butter into each shell, place one snail inside, and then top with more butter. Place shells in a snail well dish, or just face up in a baking dish or ramekin like I did. Bake until very bubbly and browned, about 7-10 minutes.

Serve with a salade verte (green salad) and a French baguette for soaking up the garlic herb butter.


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

This looks delicious! It's one of my favorite French meals :)

Claudia said...

Great post. Wish I were in Paris too!

Kat said...

The most delicious and icky delicacy of all time. And who knew the little guys weren't cooked in the shells they call home. God bless the French!

Anonymous said...

Never thought snails would make my mouth water!