A few weeks ago, a close friend contacted me to see if I’d be interested in a copy of Eric Ripert’s new book, Avec Eric. The immediate answer was “absolutely” – I was already in the queue at my library waiting to borrow a copy of the book so I could check it out. I was thrilled when my friend’s contact at the publishing company graciously sent me not one, but four copies of the book, and I am so excited to be giving away three of them today to say thank you to all of you for your support and for inspiring me to continue working hard in my kitchen!
For those who don’t know, the author, Eric Ripert, is the chef and co-owner of the celebrated restaurant, Le Bernardin in New York. You may also have seen him appearing as a guest judge on Top Chef, or on his PBS show, Avec Eric, on which the new book is based. One of the biggest reasons I was interested in the book was because it’s more than just a cookbook. Each chapter is a glimpse into a different travel adventure with Ripert; he explores a region, learning about its people, food and traditions and then provides a collection of recipes which were inspired by his visit to that region. Two of my favorite chapters in the book were the first, describing a visit to Chianti, Italy which included hunting wild boar, and one detailing his connection to and experiences in the Cayman Islands (Shane and I have been twice and it’s a stunning destination). Gorgeous photos document the trips throughout, so this book would be equally at home on your coffee table, or among your other cookbooks.
As for the recipes themselves, I worried a bit that they might be complicated – either in length or technique – but there’s quite a nice mix, something for every level of cook. Though seafood recipes are definitely one of the focuses of the book, recipes for other proteins are included as well appetizers, soups, salads, cocktails, and a few desserts. If you’re curious, several of the recipes are featured on the show’s website, which can be found here.
I wanted to make at least one recipe to share today in conjunction with the giveaway, and I’d flagged several as I read through the book. When people pose the hypothetical question “If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you pick?”, I can never make up my mind, but caramelized onions are definitely on the short list so it’s probably not surprising that I kept coming back to this simple tart. Its ingredient list is short, but enticing: buttery, flaky puff pastry acts as the base for sweet caramelized onions, which are topped with my favorite cheese, nutty Gruyere. The only change I made was to substitute the thyme in the recipe with rosemary, as it was all I had on hand. The tart was simple enough to whip up amidst the holiday chaos and was every bit as delicious as I’d imagined it would be. It was definitely best slightly warm from the oven, but I gladly snacked on pieces at room temperature as well. I’m really looking forward to having time to try additional recipes from the book now that the holidays are over!
How To Enter
To enter to win a copy of Eric Ripert’s Avec Eric, just leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite travel destination, or the destination you’d most like to visit next. Maybe it’s a beach vacation, a ski destination, or one of the many bustling cities around the world…I can’t wait to hear!
To receive bonus entries:
1. Follow @twilhelmsen on Twitter. Come back and let me know you are following by leaving an additional comment.
2. Subscribe to Tracey’s Culinary Adventures via RSS or Google Friend Connect (using the widget at the bottom of the right sidebar). Come back and let me know you’ve subscribed by leaving an additional comment.
Comments on this giveaway will close on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 11:59 pm EST. Three winners will be chosen using random.org and emailed. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Good luck!
**Updated: Comments are now closed. Winners will be announced tomorrow!**
Disclaimer: The copies of Avec Eric were provided to me at no cost by the publisher, but this is not a sponsored post and the opinions expressed are my own.
Caramelized Onion & Gruyere Tart
adapted slightly from Avec Eric, by Eric Ripert
1/4 cup olive oil
2 large onions, sliced thinly
2 sprigs of thyme
1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll lightly until the sheet is an 11×11-inch square. Use a small plate or other round template to cut two 6-inch circles from the sheet of puff pastry. Repeat with the second sheet so you have four 6-inch circles in total. Place the circles on parchment lined baking sheets and refrigerate until ready to use.
Preheat oven to 450 F.
Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, thyme, and garlic to the pan, stirring to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften and release some moisture, about 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are deeply browned, about 30 more minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Remove the baking sheets from the refrigerator. Distribute the caramelized onions evenly among the four puff pastry rounds, leaving about 1/2-inch border around the edges. Top the onions with the grated Gruyere. Bake for 13-17 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
Cut the tarts into wedges and serve warm.
Your gonna think this is weird…but Walt Disney World. I always take a notebook when my hubby and me go. We have favorite places that we always eat at but we also always try 3 new places. I come home and find comparable recipes for dishes we loved and try re-creating them. For the price…it’s the closest we can get to actually eating “round the world” and we have fun doing it.
It’s a toss up between Costa Rica for the fun outdoor adventures and Italy for the history and food! (I have 5 more years before my next big anniversary trip with my hubby to decide!)
Lovely job. Looks so tasty with all that lovely onion.
Dying to travel to Italy! 🙂
And, I subscribe via RSS! 🙂
Caramelized onions would be on my short list too! This tart reminds me of the pissaladière I love so much in Nice.
As for travel destinations, it’s too hard to just pick one. I love Italy, France, and Barcelona. I can’t wait to explore more of Spain and visit Ireland.
There’s really nothing better than caramelized onions, especially on a great tart base. Now, where would I go? It’s not very exotic, but I’d love to go to Scotland and Ireland. I’ve only been in England once for a week, so I’d probably tack on some time there too. What a lovely (and generous) giveaway!
Wow, I’m the first comment! woop woop. Someday I am going to travel to Greece and see the crystal sea and eat like the natives. I think Greece is a beautiful, beautiful country!
I follow on Twitter!
Favorite travel destination is Santa Barbara, hands down….what a great giveaway T!
Puff pastry and Gruyere – fabulous!
I love traveling almost anywhere, but am hoping to get to Japan sometime soon.
And you are already in my Google Reader!
favorite all time destination… Kaui… LOVE!
I subscribe via RSS feed
fun giveaway! The next place we want to travel is either Hawaii or Italy. Hopefully in a few years!
and I follow you on twitter! @whatmegansmaking
I would have to say Bermuda–it is a short flight from the east cost and it feels like another world. The water is gorgeous and there are so many wonderful small hotels and delicious places to eat.
My favorite so far (that I’ve actually been too) has to be Scotland. However, I would love, love, love to go to Italy someday.
Working on planning a trip to CA to go from LA up to San Francisco.
I also follow you on Twitter. Love the sports tweets!
Oh, that tart looks amazing!! Love caramelized onions in anything (well, maybe except ice cream…..haha)
Our next adventure is to the SW area. But we love the Blue Ridge/Shannandoah Valley.
You know we are on Twitter 2gether.
And you are in my google reader, even tho I am sooooo behind.
I’d like to see Paris, for obvious reasons. My husband and I have talked about going for our 10th anniversary this year. Hoping to make that happen. The tart looks amazing, and sweet giveaway!
You know I follow you on twitter already. 🙂
I’m dying to go to Tokyo!
I follow on twitter!
i also already follow you on twitter 🙂
i would love to go back to Paris again.
I would love to go anywhere! We haven’t been on a vacation in almost 3 years!
I follow TCA via GFC
Frist off, this recipe is fab..and I bet super tasty.
I would love to travel to Argentina and taste wine there.
I am a follower
The tart looks wonderful, I can bet the book is a great addition to any cookbook collection.
Hmmm, destination. I haven’t spent any time in Spain or Italy. Either of those would be delightful.
I would love to visit Japan!
oooh! great giveaway, thanks! ;o)
all of our travels include hunting or fishing ~ usually lots of really hard work. i’d love to visit a quiet lake somewhere with endless views, near great restaurants and antique shops for a quieter, more sluglike vacation ;D
That tart looks super delicious!
I haven’t traveled enough to really pick a favorite. I would love to visit Ireland, though, among other places.
I’m actually dying to go to Brittany, in France. It looks beautiful, the food is supposed to be amaaazing and, well, it’s France! Hopefully I can make it happen sooner rather than later.
Also, I just subscribed via RSS!
italy or paris, for the food!
I would definitely go somewhere tropical..an island anywhere!
I’m following you through google friend connect now! Great blog! 🙂
This looks absolutely delicious. I’m going to try it soon.
I want to go to Alaska next.
I follow you on Twitter (@jhgive).
Spain is always at the top of my list. But right now, it’s so cold outside, I’d take anyplace with sunshine, warmth, and a BEACH.
I would honestly love to go and visit California!
I’m subscribed to you!
Honestly, I like driving North. But hopefully my next trip will land me at Patrick’s Point. I haven’t been since I was little 🙂
I would love to vist Italy!
nursegollum@gmail.com
following via Google Friend Connect.
nursegollum@gmail.com
Paris!
Definitely Italy.
North Star ski resort in Lake Tahoe. I haven’t gotten to go skiing in years.
Italy (Rome in particular) has been my favorite place to go so far, but Spain and France are also high up on the list. Once I strike it rich (come on big money, big money, big money, stop!) my next trip will be to Japan.
I subscribed to your RSS 🙂
Spain or Italy – both on our list.
I’m a follower of your blog.
The link for twitter didn’t work – so going there now and finding you myself @icywit
Australia for sure. And singapore. Maybe one day!
The
Caramelized Onion & Gruyere Tart
Looks wonderful!
Our next trip? NY and then Italy!
The world is filled with wonderful people and places to visit!
I joined the RSS feed too! Thanks!
The
Caramelized Onion & Gruyere Tart
Looks wonderful!
Our next trip? NY and then Italy!
The world is filled with wonderful people and places to visit!
I want to go back to Rome… The amazing food!!!!
Became a follower with Google friend connect..
Be still my heart! I saw the photo of the tart at the top of this post and knew I had to make it, but then I read the words Avec Eric. This is the one cookbook I don’t have but so want. I adore the show and Ripert’s simple, elegant and restrained approach; he really respects his ingredients.
But that’s not what you wanted to know. Not surprisingly, my favorite travel destination is Paris. We love it!
P.S. I already follow you on Twitter. 🙂
…and I already follow you on GFC.
italy is my favorite … love the food, the small villages, the people, the olive oil!! 🙂
thanks for including me in this great giveaway!
i follow you…google reader! thanks!
I was recently in Barcelona for a long weekend and I’m just smitten with Spain! As to where I want to go next…well I really want to go to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula! I think it would be just a great relaxing place to visit this coming summer!
My favorite travel destination is the Island of Hawaii (also known as the Big Island). There is just something special about this island. Also, my favorite restaurant is located there – Merriman’s!
I’ve always wanted to visit “big sky country,” Montana or Wyoming. When my children were young, we were always too busy or broke to make the trip. Now the children are grown, but I still haven’t made my way West! Thanks for the giveaway.
TRigell at aol dot com
I am happy to follow you on twitter.
TTRigell
TRigell at aol dot com
I am following via Google Friend Connect.
I also follow through Google Friends Connect. Thanks.
TRigell at aol dot com
I am following via Twitter.
i would LOVE to go to Thailand!
Sailing the Greek Isles ranks pretty high on the list. Not only for the views and picture perfect weather, but for the most amazing Greek food!
P.S. This tart looks amazing.
I’m also following you on twitter (just joined yesterday!).
my favorite place thus far is new zealand, but i’m always looking forward to the next destination.
That looks wonderful, Tracey! It reminds me, I really need to use the rest of the puff pastry that’s been sitting in my freezer.
Where would I like to go? Top of my list right now is probably Seattle. I lived there for several years, and haven’t been back in way too long.
And of course I already follow you on Twitter. =)
..and subscribe to your blog, too. =)
Wow! Does that tart ever look outstanding! My favorite place that I have been and would love to visit again is Italy. I also loved Hawaii!
I’ve been dying to visit Savannah, GA for the longest time – hopefully, 2011 is the year! 🙂 Your tart looks amazing, too!
I’ve been a twitter follower for a long time now! 🙂
And now I follow with Google! Thanks for the chance to win! 🙂
I am dying to go back to the Island of Madeira – permanently!!
I already follow you on Twitter.
How I love caramelized onions!
There are so many places, I would like to go. Italy is probably high on the list.
Google Connect sweetsav1
I would LOVE to go to Spain!
gorgeous tart and book! That’s a difficult question- can I cheat and say a eurpoean tour of italy france and germany?
Hi Tracey! I am not too picky and destinations…I love to travel and would go just about anywhere…but I have been dreaming of going to the south of France and the Greek islands for a very long time!!! Thanks for hosting a giveaway happy new year!
Drat…I was hoping this tart was the give-away! It looks very good, I would love to get that as a give-away. The book idea is nice, too. Okay, you know my favorite next trip to get away would be to Rhode Island, right…I was deprived early when you all got together & I am thinking I deserve to have a second chance! If not Rhode Island to see you, then I guess I will pick Santorini, Greece and you and Shane can meet us there.
Follow you on Twitter? Um, can you tell me exactly what that is? Twitter? Have I heard of that? Oh, yes, yes, I know now…it’s that thing we do each day. Yes, I believe we are connected on Twitter. I will check to be sure.
Well, you were the first person in my Google Reader because you were the person that told me about Google Reader and how to get hooked up with it. It has been a good thing. Most of the time. Yes, definitely, I think, maybe, sometimes I want to just forget I have ever heard of it (when my reader reads over 100 for instance). Right now it is at 32 so it’s a good day. Yes, we are connected. You know…we may be too connected at this point…LOL LOL. Just kidding, am always unhappy when you take a break.
Italy or Japan are on my top places to go and vacation. Both are so rich culturally and culinarily(?). It’d be a blast to go to either.
Savannah, GA
I follow via RSS
I would really love to go back to Japan…. I was there once and it was truly the most amazing place I’ve ever been too. I’d love to go back one day, for so many reasons.
Also… great looking Tart. I cannot wait to try it.
My favorite destination is Provence, particularly now when black truffles are in season. This tart looks fantastic!
I would love to travel anywhere warm! It’s been below zero every morning for a couple of weeks now and so I would pick any warm place! This cookbook looks amazing as well as your tart!
Hmm, probably Colorado or somewhere out west or way down south ! I’m into the southern/western ways of life!
Thanks for the give-away! That book sounds like a lot of fun and the tart looks wonderful. I would like to go to Hawaii for my next vacation.
Japan. I can’t wait to buy fancy electronics.
This is probably cliche, but I dream about going to France when its warm. I would love to walk around town in a long skirt and eat at some of the street side cafes. OO, and crepes! It would be bliss! ^__^
Anywhere that’s warm is a-ok for me! 🙂 But really, I love travel and new places in general so I’m not picky!
Best trip I’ve taken was Greece. We went to Athens, Santorini, Delphi, and Nafplio. The food and wine was absolutely amazing and the fish, always fresh.
I would like to travel to Asia (Japan or China) and the Galapagos.
I’m following your site via RSS on my Google Reader! 🙂
I know it’s been done, but man, do I love Paris. From the moment I reached the top of the stairs at the Odeon station, I knew I’d found what I was looking for. I’m also looking forward to seeing southeast asia on my honeymoon!
and i’m pleased to add that i’m now following you on twitter! I love a good new foodie twitterer.
so… i’m not a traveler of any sorts. i’ve been to florida…woooo. and that’s about it. SO i have grand dreams of paris in the spring and germany in the summer but i think i’ll stick with colorado for the winter… since my part of texas is 73 degrees today. *sigh*
i follow you on twitter!! duuuuuh
i follow your face on google friend connect. 🙂
jpinnick86 AT gmail DOT com
This tart looks delicious! I love to visit anywhere warm that has lots of active things to do, and I would love to someday visit Greece!
I follow you on Twitter!
I would love to go to Greece some day, or Ireland, or Italy, or Bali….
I would love to travel to Italy or France and eat my way through the country.
Awesome giveaway.
I’m a new follower. I found your blog through Foodbuzz.
I would love to travel to Italy dream destination for food and scenery maybe even find me a man 😀
cher_theblondeprincess@hotmail.com
GFC Follower
cher_theblondeprincess@hotmail.com
Not too exciting but my fav travel destination is St. Pete Beach in Florida.
The travel destination that I most want to visit next happens to be the one I am visiting in four weeks from now. My hubby and I, and our one-year old baby are going to New Zealand and the cook islands for three weeks. Still not sure if it will be a vacation or not with baby in tow…
I’d love to head to France next~
I’m following you on twitter~
I’m also a new follower (was surprised I wasn’t one already!)
Love your blog 🙂
Your tart looks amazing! I adore carmalized onions too. Sooo delicious.
I would love to travel to New Zealand. It’s such a beautiful part of the world.
Following you through RSS! 🙂