La Cornue Château Series - Cooking Tips, Recipes & Cleaning - Manual (Page 6)

Culinary Information: Larissa Taboryski | 800.892.4040 x180 | La Cornue Service Center: 877.522.6768 | Additional Assistance: Matthew McManus | 800.892.4040 x109
The Plaque
The Plaque or French Top is considered to be the “heart and soul” of the range and once you get used
to cooking with this marvel you will wonder how you ever cooked without it. The plaque can easily
accommodate 5-6 medium sized saucepans and even if the pans overlap the stainless steel surround
the food will continue to cook, for wok cooking the center rings can be removed.
The cast iron plaque provides a gentle indirect heat source. This is an invaluable tool that enables
you to cook without evaporating precious cooking liquids, resulting in amazingly flavorful foods.
The rings in the plaque diffuse the intensity of the heat, creating variable temperature zones, so
instead of turning down the heat, simply move the pans around the plaque to find the most suitable
cooking temperature. Occasionally rotate the pans to prevent hot spots on the side of the pan closest
to the center.
Tips for Cooking on the Plaque

Heat the Plaque on high for 10 minutes prior to use. (This is also the best time to turn on your
overhead ventilation.)

Chocolate and butter can be melted and sauces held in a heavy bottomed saucepan placed slightly
offset on the back of the plaque.

Use the plaque in conjunction with the high heat burners for perfect pan roasting. Sear the foods
on the high heat burners add some wine and stock and move the pan to the plaque to “finish” the
cooking.

To hold foods prior to serving, turn the temperature to very low and push the pans away from the
center. When ready to serve bring the pans back towards the center to bring the food to a higher
temperature.

When using a griddle on the plaque, the center of the griddle will be the hottest part and the edges
the lower. Begin cooking in the center of the griddle and turn food to the edges.

To simmer or hold food for long periods of time on the plaque, place one of the small roasting racks
under the pan to further diffuse the heat.
 When entertaining, use the plaque for keeping food warm and for serving.