Ep 8. Floating Island

The Galloping Gourmet season 1 episode 8, Floating Island, is a culinary journey into the world of French cuisine. Host Graham Kerr takes viewers on a tour of the country's most famous dishes and ingredients, inspiring home cooks to create their own French masterpieces in their kitchens.

The episode begins with a brief history of French cuisine and its influence on the culinary world. Kerr explains how French cooking techniques, such as sautéing, roasting, and braising, have been used for centuries and are still used today.

The first recipe featured in the episode is for a classic French dessert, Floating Island. Kerr walks viewers through the steps of making the dish, which consists of light and fluffy meringues floating on a bed of crème anglaise, a sweet custard-like sauce. He explains the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and offers tips and tricks for making perfect meringues.

Next, Kerr turns his attention to another French favorite, Coq au Vin. This hearty stew features chicken cooked slowly in red wine with bacon, mushrooms, and onions. Kerr demonstrates how to properly season and brown the chicken before adding it to the stew, and he explains how different types of wine can be used to add depth and complexity to the dish.

Moving on to seafood, Kerr prepares a classic dish of Lobster Mornay. This rich and indulgent dish features tender chunks of lobster meat baked in a creamy cheese sauce. Kerr emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality seafood and demonstrates how to properly remove the meat from the lobster.

Finally, Kerr introduces viewers to a lesser-known French specialty, Duck with Orange Sauce. This dish features succulent roasted duck served with a tangy orange sauce that perfectly complements the rich flavor of the meat. Kerr explains how to properly roast the duck and offers tips for preparing the sauce.

Throughout the episode, Kerr shares his enthusiasm for French cuisine and encourages viewers to try their hand at these delicious and impressive dishes. He offers helpful tips and techniques for cooks of all skill levels, and his infectious passion for food and cooking makes this episode a joy to watch.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice home cook, The Galloping Gourmet season 1 episode 8, Floating Island, is sure to inspire you to explore the rich and delicious world of French cuisine. With Kerr as your guide, you'll learn how to prepare classic dishes that will impress your friends and family and transport you to the heart of France.