pear frangipane slices

March 29, 2016 in fruit, fall, pies & tarts

I loved setting the table for Easter breakfast when I was a kid. I got to use a bright tablecloth, yellow napkins and fresh flowers. I got to search the dining room cupboard for candles shaped like eggs and baby chickens and I got to put wine glasses on the table. For us! [...]

mango tarte tatin

February 08, 2016 in fruit, spring, pies & tarts

We all have our comfort zone. A position in which we feel both at ease and at our best. Mine is at the sidelines, looking in. I observe. I consider the details, take a step back to get the bigger picture, then focus on the details again. I analyze. I draw lines, see connections, fill in the blanks, write down my conclusions. I don't usually interact with what is going on, nor do I feel the need to voice my conclusions out loud. The written word is my safeguard [...]

cherry puff pastry galette

July 09, 2015 in summer, fruit, pies & tarts

I've been trying to find a new rhythm.

About four weeks ago, I started a new job. After so many years of working from home, I now find myself sitting in an office with a bunch of other people, 11 km away from home. It's good, of course. I get to accomplish things... finish them, even. I get to ride my bike to work. I get to meet new friends. In some ways, it's perfect [...]

things I've learned

May 18, 2015 in tips & tricks

Monday. I know.

I hope you had a good weekend, though. Was it a long one, like we had here? Did you get to enjoy some sunshine? Did you indulge in something?

My weekend was all about my beautiful little niece Seraphine, who was baptized yesterday. I spent Saturday baking cakes for her party and I got to enjoy a sunny Sunday among family, celebrating in my brother's amazing garden. Good times. Good food.

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carré confiture

April 21, 2015 in all-year, fruit, pies & tarts

I know we've already passed Easter, but do me a favor and think back to New Year's Eve for a second.

Did you drink champagne? Eat good food? Dance? Did you spend it with family? Friends? Both?

That last part is always a bit tricky. You can't be everywhere at once, right? This is why, almost ten years ago, my college friends and I started the tradition of a "Second New Year's." We find a date that suits everybody and get together for an ersatz new year's eve celebration. We dress up, we drink champagne, we exchange gifts and we count down. The whole shebang.

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yeasted puff pastry

April 02, 2015 in baking class, all-year, basics

Going to baking class is a little bit like going to the theater. There's this incredible dynamic between the teachers at the campus and all of them have mastered the art of banter. I don't know how to explain it, but it can be quite hilarious.

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