Pedaling Through Burgundy Cookbook

Chase (The Open-House Cookbook; Cold-Weather Cooking) biked for a living before she cooked. The college summers she spent as a bicycle tour guide in the countryside of France fostered her appreciation for fine country-style fare that led to the opening of her catering shop, Que Sera Sarah, in Nantucket. Years later when looking for a break from the kitchen, she took up guiding bike tours again, resulting in the happy blend of authoritative, entertaining culinary travel writing here and in the companion volume, Pedaling Through Provence, being published simultaneously. Exploring the wine-growing province of Burgundy, Chase is an upbeat, knowledgeable guide whose recipes are infused with the earthy spirit of the region. Fare ranges from Frogs' Legs with Pouilly Fuisse and Parsley to Boeuf Beaujolaise to Dijon Deviled Chicken and Spring Rabbit with Mustard and Cornichons. Other specialties include Pain d'Epices, the regional gingerbread made with spices and rum; Oeufs en Meurette (poached eggs in a red wine sauce with onions, mushrooms and bacon) and Raspberry and Cassis Bavarian Cream. As she has in her previous books, Chase inspires innovative home cooking based on fresh ingredients. The sparkling brief travel essays--from a tribute to the Beaune to ``Burgundy 101'' about viticulture--double this collection's pleasures and value. (Dec.)