Caviar Parfait

Makes 8 servings

Next to truffles, I adore caviar, and I usually include both on my New Year's bash menu. For a super presentation, I arrange the caviar, Champagne cream mixture, and traditional garnishes in parfait glasses. It looks good and it tastes good! What more can you ask for! Make the parfaits a couple of hours in advance and keep chilled in the refrigerator before passing on trays.

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
1/2 cup Champagne
2-1/2 cups milk
3 tablespoons cornstarch
4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
1-1/2 cups finely chopped hardboiled eggs
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
1/2 cup sevruga or osetra caviar
1/2 cup salmon roe

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the salt, white pepper, Champagne, and 2 cups of the milk and bring just to a boil. Mix 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks and whisk to blend. Mix this into the hot milk mixture remaining in the pan.

Dissolve the cornstarch in the remaining 1/2 cup milk, add to the pan, and cook, whisking until the mixture thickens slightly, 6 to 8 minutes. Pour into a glass bowl, place a sheet of plastic wrap over the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and let cool. Refrigerate for 4 hours.

To assemble, remove the Champagne cream from the refrigerator and whisk until smooth. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the chopped eggs into the bottom of a parfait or wine glass. Then layer 1 teaspoon of the chopped red onion, 1/2 teaspoon of the chopped parsley, 2 teaspoons of the caviar, 2 tablespoons of the Champagne cream, and 1 tablespoon of the salmon roe on top.

Continue layering, using another 1 tablespoon chopped eggs, another 4 teaspoon red onion, 1/2 teaspoon parsley, and 2 tablespoons Champagne cream mixture, then another 1 tablespoon chopped eggs, 1 teaspoon chopped red onion, 1/2 teaspoon parsley. Top with 1 teaspoon of the caviar.

Repeat the process to make 7 more parfaits. Cover and chill completely before serving.

Buy the Book!

Every Day's A Party
Louisiana Recipes for Celebrating
with Family and Friends
By Emeril Lagasse
William Morrow, October 1999
Hardback, $26.00
ISBN: 0-688-16430-7
Recipe Reprinted by permission.