Classic Flavor Profiles

How do you know what flavors work together? Perhaps the best place to start is to study traditional recipes from around the world as well as from the classical cuisine passed down to us through Escoffier. These are dishes that have stood the test of time. We know the flavor combinations work because they have been used over and over for decades or even centuries.

We have already seen some classic flavor combinations in our discussion of veal blanquette. The combination of white meat, cream, lemon, and a hint of nutmeg is a quartet of flavors you will find repeatedly in classic and regional dishes.