If you’ve ever cruised before, then you know that eating is a favorite past time on a ship. My husband and I usually eat in the dining room where we can order our favorite dishes, especially those we usually don’t make at home. One of his favorites is Escargot Bourguignonne. Royal Caribbean has captured the signature recipes of its executive chefs in a series of cookbooks, which we of course bought. With the exception of the substitute mentioned below, and the fact that I didn’t let the butter brown in the oven (my husband couldn’t wait), the following recipe is found in Savor: The Royal Caribbean International Cookbook (2006), page 32.

Escargot Bourguignonne Recipe

Servings 4

Author Olives & Okra

Ingredients

1 10-ounce can snails
Garlic Butter:
½ cup butter softened
¼ cup margarine softened
3 cloves garlic minced
1 anchovy fillet minced
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon brandy
¾ teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 egg yolk
Salt and freshly ground white pepper

For the glaze:

½ cup butter
2 shallots chopped
2 cloves garlic chopped
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
½ teaspoon chopped rosemary
½ teaspoon chopped thyme
1 tablespoon beef stock
2 tablespoons red wine
½ teaspoon brandy
Salt and freshly ground white pepper

Instructions

For garlic butter, combine softened butter and margarine in a food processor and whip continuously, while adding all other ingredients except for the egg yolk. Continue processing for 3 minutes, until all ingredients are combined and mixture is light and airy. Add the egg yolk and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Process for 30 seconds more. Transfer butter mixture to a small bowl and set aside.
Rinse and drain snails, then pat dry.
For glaze, melt butter in a sauté pan over medium heat, and sauté garlic and shallots for 3 minutes. Add herbs, beef stock, red wine and brandy and simmer 5 to 7 minutes until reduced to a glaze consistency. Add snails and sauté for 2 minutes or until they are heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool.
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Transfer snails to snail plate. Cover snails completely with butter mixture.
Bake for 5 minutes or until snails are hot and butter is completely melted and brown on top. Serve immediately with slices of freshly baked bread.

Recipe Notes

The original recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of veal demi-glace but I used beef stock instead.

Escargot Bourguignonne