3 french cognac fraiche cream Recipes

field mushroom , wiped & sliced, french baguettes, sliced or 6 slices bread, butter, creme fraiche, cream cheese with garlic and herbs or 2 oz boursin cheese, cognac or 1 -2 tbsp brandy, salt, black pepper, fresh lovage (optional) or 2 sprigs fresh parsley (optional)

all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, egg yolk, cold water, firm-ripe anjou or bartlett pears (1 lb total), poire william (french pear brandy) or cognac, divided, eggs plus 1 large yolk, sugar, pure vanilla extract, creme fraiche or heavy cream, sliced almonds with skins (3 1/2 oz), sugar, egg white