EP 4: Alexander Payne and Vegetable Gratin

Academy Award-Winning screenwriter and director Alexander Payne (Election, Sideways, About Schmidt, The Descendants, Downsizing) makes a vegetable gratin and discusses a pivotal moment in his life when he left the movie industry briefly to become an intern at Chez Panisse.BECHAMEL INGREDIENTS:-2 cups milk-4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick)-3 tablespoons all-pupose flourCELERY GRATIN INGREDIENTS:-1 head celery-Fresh thyme and/or tarragon-Salt and pepperTOOLS:-2 medium saucepans-Whisk-Cup measure-Tablespoon measure-Wooden spoon or rubber spatula-Knife-Cutting board-Big mixing bowl-Casserole or other oven-going vessel (cast iron skillet can work)