Episode 2 of The Little Paris Kitchen
Posted by on Monday, March 26, 2012
The Parisians’ daily visit to their local boulanger is one of France’s sacred traditions, and in Episode Two I spend some time at one of my favorite bakeries, Du Pain et des Idées, where expert breadmaker Christope Vasseur teaches me some tricks of the trade for this fundamental part of the French art de vivre. One of his fresh baguettes will be perfect for dipping in my tasty oeufs en cocotte, or eggs in pots. I’ll also show you how you can use up your leftover stale bread with my twist on the classic French recipe Boeuf Bourguinon with baguette dumplings.
I also whip up some chouquettes–sweet, flaky little choux pastries topped with sugar. Then I head to a local fish market where the fishmonger gives me some tips on how to best choose my fish for my trout en papillote, an easy, healthy dish perfect for a light spring or summer meal. Finally, save room for dessert because you won’t want to miss my divine Moelleux au chocolat*, a chocolate lava cake with a gooey, salted caramel filling.
*Note: Moelleux au chocolat – 170g dark chocolate, finely chopped • 170g butter, cubed • 170g light brown sugar • 85g plain flour • 6 eggs, beaten.
Watch a clip from episode 2 below to learn more about making chouquettes:
Don’t forget this week’s soundtrack listing!
Go Home - Eliza Doolittle
The Fix – Elbow
Ophir Dub – Dub Colussus
Canal du Midi – Jack Emblow and the French Collection
Ever fallen in love – Nouvelle Vague
Skinny Genes - Eliza Doolittle
Shack Up – Nouvelle Vague
Claire – Baxter Dury
La Conga Blicoti – Edmundo and his Rumba Band
La Gloria – Gotan Project
Pigeon Vole – Charles Trenet
Quand J’etais p’tit (je vous aimais) – Charles Trenet
Heaven – Nouvelle Vague
Si Tu Vois Ma Mere – Sidney Betchet
Verlaine – Charles Trenet
The Little Paris Kitchen episode 2 aired Monday 26th March at 8.30 pm on BBC2. It was repeated on Saturday 31st March at 11.30 am on BBC One.
I watched this show on telly tonight (in NZ) with my kids and they were fascinated. I think I’m going to have to try those recipes now… just one question – how many eggs in the chouquettes? I checked the video and it *seems* to be 2….
Stewart, I have the little paris kitchen book, and it states 4 eggs are used.
Stewart, I enjoyed watching this in NZ too. I was wondering that too and found the answer (2eggs) here http://www.saturdaykitchenrecipesearch.co.uk/rachel-khoo-chouquettes-the-little-paris-kitchen.
Awesome – thanks Wendy
Just a question about the Moilleaux au Chocolat. In the recipe above, the butter is listed as 170g, but in the episode, Rachel says 85g – which is it?
Hi Kristen,
The correct measurements for the recipe is above. Kind Regards, Rachel
Excellent, thank, Rachel.
Since having a baby four months ago, I have been restricting my diet by limiting sugars and fats. Now that much of my baby weight is gone, I’ve decided to eat one meal per week that answers only to my heart’s (and stomach’s) desires. This week I’m kicking things off with your Beef Bourguignon and the decadent Moilleaux au Chocolat. I absolutely loved your series and have ordered your cookbook. Thanks for the inspiration!
I watched this episode here in NZ last night for the first time. And I made the Moelleux au chocolat tonight. They turned out perfectly! So amazing! My flatmates and I were very impressed. Must get that book.
Why can’t one simply beat the eggs and slowly incorporate them into the choix?
That’s possible too although I find sometimes you end up adding too much egg in one go when you beat them all together.
I’ve lived in Paris and the “moelleux au chocolat me manques bcp”! The recipe is great. I tried the last night. Tks!