16 route recipes

Curry-spiced shrimp and grouper chowder built on a butter-flour roux, chicken broth, clam juice, and half-and-half with tender potato cubes. A creamy Gulf Coast-style seafood chowder with a warming Indian twist.

Escargot en croûte tucks snails into garlicky herb butter with Pernod and anchovy, sealed under golden puff pastry domes. A French appetizer with a dramatic tableside reveal.

Salmon en croute wrapped in golden puff pastry with a herbed white fish mousse between two fillets. A stunning centrepiece shaped to look like a whole fish.

Homemade croutons and croutes from French or Italian bread, tossed in extra-virgin olive oil and baked until golden and crisp. Two essential bread toppers, one simple method.

Tiny French cheese pastry sandwiches made with sharp cheddar dough and a melted Swiss cheese filling. Flaky, buttery, and gone in two bites. Makes 46 croutes.

A delicious French-Canadian dish made with boneless pork, veal and white wine.

Spinach and prosciutto wrapped in golden puff pastry with Swiss cheese, black olives, and a garlic-Parmesan marinade. An elegant make-ahead main course.

Rosemary chicken and Brie en croute wrapped in crescent roll dough, brushed with egg, and baked golden. An easy weeknight take on a French classic using shortcut pastry.

Medaillons de veau en croute: veal loin medallions seared, topped with mushroom duxelles, and baked in puff pastry. Classic French haute cuisine served with a white wine pan sauce.

Beef filet mignon en croute stuffed with blue cheese butter and wrapped in golden puff pastry. A classic dinner-party showstopper with garlic and chives.

Chive croute with tomato and cheese: lightly toasted cheese bread topped with fresh tomato, chives, and melted cheese broiled until bubbly. A quick open-faced sandwich for snacking, soup, or brunch.

Toasted cheese bread topped with fresh tomato, cheddar, and chopped chives, then broiled until bubbling. A 15-minute open-faced sandwich that makes a quick lunch or snack.

A New Orleans masterchef classic: whole redfish wrapped in puff pastry, layered with salmon and spinach mousses, sculpted into fish-shape, baked golden, and served with beurre blanc.

Fresh figs, roasted with mint, garlic, gorgonzola and served with French bread, a very classy appetizer.

Lamb loin en croute with roasted red peppers, feta, and spinach wrapped in golden puff pastry. Finished with a rich balsamic shallot butter sauce - a restaurant-worthy dinner party centerpiece.

Smoked salmon, cream cheese, and tangy feta roll up in buttery puff pastry with capers and fresh herbs for an elegant appetizer or brunch centerpiece that bakes golden and flaky in 30 minutes.