Channeling my Inner (Julia) Child
It's hard to think of France and not think of great food. The two go together like jambon + fromage, like a crepe + nutella, like steak + frites....like...well, you get the idea.While I've taken my chances with coq au vin and the unbreakable quiche, I would never dare to dabble in the realm of the French baked arts. You have to be born into that skill and sworn into a secret society of bakers to learn those skills. After a couple of hours at La Cuisine Paris, I can officially say that you can be American-born and make great French pastry. I'm living proof.
the best part of making choux pastry? no kitchen aid mixer required. i can make it in my tiny london flat!
And as for learning all the heavily guarded French pastry secrets? Well, they don't exist. As my teacher, Diane, told us: "There are no secrets. Only techniques."
I'll also add that this is a great addition to your Paris trip.
It's amazing location right off the Seine near Hotel De Ville makes it an easy (and scenic) place to spend an afternoon. What better souvenir than the chance to bring the spoils of a French patisserie back home with you? We took the choux pastry class, but they have loads more to choose from like macarons, croissants and brioche.
So add a few hours learning a French specialty to your next Paris trip...and send me some of your creations. (Especially any pistachio flavored ones.)
80 Quai de l'Hotel de Ville
75007 Paris
*images original to Aspiring Kennedy