Autumn is a magical season when nature is decked out in shimmering colors and markets are bursting with sweet, juicy delights.
It's also harvest season, when chefs find inspiration in the treasures the earth generously offers.
Among these culinary experts, chef Stéphan Perrotte stands out for his passion for fresh, local produce.
Today, we have the privilege of discovering this talented chef's five favorite autumn fruits, delights that delight the taste buds and celebrate the richness of this exceptional season.
What are your 5 favorite autumn fruits?
- Fig
- Chestnut
- Poire Louise Bonne D'Avranches
- Benedictine apple
- Quince
Is there a memory attached to these fruits?
Chestnuts remind me of my childhood walks with my grandfather in the Brix forest.
We'd go there to harvest them and my grandmother would roast them on the way home.
I always enjoy eating roasted chestnuts at Christmas.
Louise Bonne d'Avranches is an old variety of pear that my grandfather had in his garden in Valognes (Normandy). I love this pear, and my grandmother used to make compotes with it, mixing in walnuts and hazelnuts.
Pomme Bénédictin is also an old Normandy variety that grew in my grandfather's garden in Valognes. My great-grandmother made a wonderful tart from it.
What can we cook / combine these fruits with (sweet / savoury)?
I've tried to capture this memory of chestnuts in the product "Châtaigne à la vanille de Madagascar.
Of course, they're not toasted before cooking, but the taste that comes out reminds me of my childhood memories.
With this product, we can make a "bûche roulée" for the festive season.(recipe for my "bûche roulée")
As for the pear, as I said, you can cook it in compote, adding a little vanilla for even more flavor.
With the apple, we can make a very good tarte tatin with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Figs go very well with cheese such as Beaufort, or on a small piece of toast with a little foie gras.
As for quince, I like to marry it with venison when it's in jam.
In conclusion, chef Stéphan Perrotte's favorite autumn fruits transcend the season with their palette of flavors and culinary versatility.
Each bite is a tribute to the generosity of nature and the exceptional talent of this passionate chef.
So let yourself be carried away by these autumnal delights and savor every moment of this magical season.