Lagniappe. In Louisiana, where my mother’s side of the family is from, a “lagniappe” means “a little something extra.”
That’s what this short post is. And that’s what it’s about. A couple of little “something extras” we got from Chef Luciano Parolari at that amazing dinner we wrote about in the last post.
The first is something that anyone can do. I intend to use it as a container for a salad at our next dinner party. It’s a bowl made entirely of parmesan cheese, and it couldn’t be easier to make.
You start by throwing some grated parmesan cheese — the kind that’s aged, Chef Parolari insisted — into a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Use about 1/4 cup.
Let it cook about 3 minutes, until it is bubbling and slightly brown around the edges. Remove from heat and let rest about a minute until the bubbling stops. Then, carefully remove the cheese disk and drape it over an upside down bowl.
Allow it to cool on the bowl.
When cool, remove from bowl and put your salad in it! Serve immediately.
The next lagniappe is a very special little treat you can throw together if you already have made pasta and filling for ravioli or lasagna.
Instead of small ravioli-sized pieces of pasta, cut out a larger round disk. Place the filling on it and then top with a raw egg yolk.
Place another pasta disc on top of it and seal the edges.
Gently simmer until the pasta is cooked and serve on bed of homemade tomato sauce.
I’d serve it with this, of course.
Love the parmesan cheese bowl. What a great idea. Lagniappe is the best!
Shaun: I know that lagniappe is a French word (at least I assume so) and the chef is Italian. But it seemed appropriate. Cheers!
Cooks and chefs have special skills. I am qualified only for the last photo. Toast!
I learned about lagniappe in high school French class. It is one of my favorite words. I’m making the parmesan bowl & would love to try the pasta trick. Maybe someone who makes pasta will give me some?
Gay: I think that parmesan bowl would be very useful and versatile!
Thanks for this info and the very interesting post before. Cooking is truly an art form! We live vicariously through your activities!
Graham: So fun to hear from you! I agree about cooking being an art form. Thanks for reading. Let me know if you make either of these!
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