03 December 2009

macaroons and moi

While I managed to fit in one last baking class before flying off to America, I've been terribly remiss in posting about it.

Back in October, Sybille Pouzet and Diane Rabaut guided 12 of us through the process of making French-style macaroons. Both Sybille and Diane trained at L’Ecole Grégoire-Ferrandi in Paris and were fantastic teachers,

taking us expertly through each and every step. We made several flavors of ganache--pistachio, raspberry, chocolate-passion fruit, and lemon-basil--before mixing, piping, baking, and filling the shells:

Perhaps not Ladurée standard yet, but for a first try, not too shabby! And we made mini financiers and fondants, too.

Now just hoping I haven't forgotten everything over the past month-and-a-bit. But if so, maybe my new book will help?

19 comments:

  1. Another lovely adventure in baking...and I just love the word 'fondant'.

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  2. Oh, how amazing, a macaroon class! That is such a good idea - I've tried and failed to make them on my own in the past but I just didn't really have a clue *how* to actually make them and they turned out fairly badly. Real macaroons are something I would *love* to know how to make though. At Divertimenti, I see... must check out their website, I knew they did classes but I've never really looked into it very closely.
    Your macaroons are just beautiful - looking forward to seeing how you get on with the book!

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  3. You *made* those? I have tried and failed so may times. I think I need to try again!

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  4. Those look amazing. Do you need to have a special pan to make those? I really have no clue, as macaroons over here are something entirely different. They look beautiful, and so does the book.

    theprairiegirl.com

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  5. Those are really impressive! I've given up on macarons - all my attempts have been laughable.

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  6. I'd like the book cover as a poster for my kitchen!

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  7. When, oh when will you make me some? They are my favourite treat in the whole wide world.

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  8. Excellent, and hey, great picture of the macaroons. I almost forgot how cool they looked. I am going to get that macaroon book. I feel that i can use some help :). Attempt number 7 is tomorrow (no, i kid u not).

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  9. Wow, they look too perfect to eat! Love the simplkicity of that book cover. Now, just curious...how many cookery books do you have (she says cheekily!)?
    D x

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  10. You definitely are the Queen of the Cookery classes. Perhaps you should have links to all these wonderful ideas on your sidebar!

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  11. Very tasty! (I was refering to the macaroons).

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  12. Those macaroons look perfect. I love to eat them (had the best ever on a visit to London at Claridge's) but can't imagine trying to make them.

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  13. Oooooh, those macaroons look lovely!! I am terribly impressed. Laduree, watch out! hehe. What a fun class to take.

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  14. lemon basil! the colors are gorgeous. now i want to taste!!

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  15. Oh Kristina, I've said it before but I'll say it again, you really do think of the very nicest of things to do.

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  16. good god woman, they're amazing!!

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  17. What? I thought those macaroons were straight out of a French bakery. You must have the knack.

    Is this Divertimenti from Marlyebone High Street?

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  18. I have just found your site and Oh My Goodness, these macaroons are beautiful! You should be so proud - BRAVO to you :) Love your blog and LOVE those macaroons - you clever thing :)

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