Springtime in Paris cooking class brings French culinary delights to life

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INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – As the city of Paris bursts into bloom with the arrival of spring, food lovers from all over the world are flocking to experience the vibrant and fresh flavors of the season. A new cooking class led by Chef Amy is offering participants the chance to explore French cuisine during the spring months, focusing on vibrant flavors and seasonal ingredients.

The Springtime in Paris cooking class will teach participants to create classic French dishes such as duck confit and coq au vin, while mastering essential cooking techniques.

The class emphasizes the importance of fresh produce, guiding students on how to select and prepare seasonal vegetables like peas and artichokes.

Participants will leave with a repertoire of spring-inspired recipes to impress their friends and family.

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Chef Amy also demonstrated how to prepare escargot, a traditional French dish.

Escargot, which are large snails traditionally eaten in France and Turkey, were showcased by Chef Amy as she explained their preparation.

“These are helix snails, so they’re like extra-large snails,” she noted, emphasizing that they are not the common garden snails.

Chef Amy’s cooking class offers a unique opportunity for culinary enthusiasts to explore French cuisine and learn to make classic dishes like duck confit. With her guidance, participants can discover the rich flavors and techniques that define this celebrated culinary tradition.

Escargot French Style

Recipe by Felicia Michelle

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Ingredients

  • 15 oz escargots drained and rinsed thoroughly

  • 2 medium shallots finely minced

  • 2 large cloves of garlic finely chopped

  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter softened, divided 

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

  • 1/4 cup dry white wine

  • 3 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary 

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a mild kick 

  • Zest if 1 lemon, optional for citrus note

  • 1 crusty baguette sliced

Directions

  • Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting it hot and ready is key to achieving that perfect buttery finish. 
  • In a mixing bowl, combine 8 tablespoons of softened butter, minced shallots, chopped garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix until blended. 
  • If you’re using escargot shells, lay them on a baking dish. If not, a gratin dish will work just as well. Place one escargot in each shell (or in the dish) and fill it with the garlic butter mixture. 
  • Pour the white wine around the escargots in the baking dish. This will add moisture while they bake and enhance the dish’s flavor. 
  • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the escargots nestled in their shells. The cheese adds another layer of richness. 
  • Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the butter is bubbling, and the tops are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly. 
  • Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just a minute. Serve immediately with slices of crusty baguette for dipping. 

Notes

  • Choosing Quality Escargot: If you can, select live snails from a reputable source. Otherwise, canned or frozen options work great too. 
    Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, when mixing. This keeps it fluffy and allows for even distribution. 
    Experiment with Herbs: If you have other fresh herbs on hand, feel free to add those too! A hint of basil or tarragon could add a delightful twist. 
    Serve Hot: Escargot is best enjoyed fresh from the oven. The flavor diminishes as it cools. 
    Don’t Forget the Baguette: It’s essential for soaking up that terrific garlic and herb butter. It’s not just decoration; it’s a must-have! 

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