Re-Inventing the Classics with Chef Larry Edwards: Pan Con Queso

When it comes to the classic dishes of the culinary arts, many people are afraid to make them at home. One of the reasons for this is the fact the word "gourmet" is usually associated with them and the word "gourmet" to many is the eqivalent of the word "impossible." Fact is, nothing could be farther from the truth. Also many of these dishes are restuarant favorites and many consider these types of dishes to be the types only trained Chef's can prepare. Once again, nothing could be farther from the truth. With this series, I will delve into the world of the "classics" and prove you too can bring the joys of the culinary arts into your home kitchen!

It seems as if every area of South America has their own version of Pan Con Queso and every single one that I have tried (and loved) has been almost addictive. So, you might be wondering, just what is Pan Con Queso? In simple terms it is the South Americn version of the Italian classic Bruschetta, minus any meat. This partucular Pan Con Queso comes from Peru and I adore the one little  difference in this over the others and that one little difference in a light dusting of nutmeg!

Most often this dish is used either as a side dish or an appetizer. I have, on more than one occasion, served it as a light dinner with a small salad and some chilled white wine. No matter how you serve it, is truly exempifies the term "simple elegance."

Ingredients needed to make Pan Con Queso (serves 4):

• 5 Tbs. melted butter
• 12 thick slices of a crusty bread
• 12 slices Gruyere cheese
• 3 eggs, separated
• 1 tsp. cornstarch
• 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

Steps:

1. Preheat over to 375.

2. Brush each slice of bread with some of the melted butter.
3. Place a slice of cheese over ever slice of bread.
4. In a medium bowl whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch.
5. In another medium bowl whisk the eggs whites to form soft peaks.
6. Fold the egg whites and nutmeg into the yolk mixture
7. Spoon the egg mixture over each slice of bread.
8. Place in oven and bake 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

** Inside Google calls Chef Larry Edwards "quite possibly the most popular Chef in the world" and now you can find out what Chef Larry Edwards has coming up in the kitchen, on the road, in the restaurants and in the media by joining him on Facebook where the Chef's snarky personality and often controversial comments are always sure to cause a stir!