French Fundamentals

Five pounds of onions, three hours, one transcendent bowl. The caramelization cannot be rushed. Anyone who says 30 minutes is lying to you.

The original low-and-slow. Julia Child didn't invent this, she just made it approachable. Two-day version here — day one braise, day two it's perfect.

Chicken braised in an entire bottle of Burgundy. The French answer to boredom. Takes 4 hours and cannot be rushed.

Vanilla custard, a millimetre of burnt sugar. The ratio is 1:5 yolk to cream. Do not compromise.

The upside-down apple tart that was supposedly invented by accident. The caramel is the whole point. Use a proper ovenproof skillet.