I heart...

Feeling inspired by fashion and Paris once more.

I heart JCrew...

and Paris too!

Éclair - Life At Its Sweetest!

Let me introduce you to Pastry Chef Cecilia Mercante. I learned about her classes through my friend Julie and I truly owe her one for this wonderful discovery. After spending time in class and being welcomed in her home, I came to admire Chef Cecilia's approach and philosophy about baking and living life to its sweetest. She brings the simple joy of pastry making to regular folks like us who appreciate delicious and beautifully made desserts that to me invoke all that is sweet in life!

Our friend and often partner in crime Leo was quick to lend a hand in class. He's such a trooper, tackling pastry-making for the first time. He handled it like a pro, it was quite impressive! We had so much fun and laughter in class that we wished we had captured our bloopers in pictures. : ) But as you can see our hands were full...

piping pâte à choux (cream puff pastry)

the pressure's on

applying math and chemistry in pastry cream-making

pastry cream requires a lot of muscle work

perfectly smooth

filling the pâte à choux

didn't i say he was a pro?

a sign that we'll be returning to class again

lovely chef cecilia

glazing eclairs

coffee flavored

vanilla flavored

oh so delicious

proud teacher and her happy students

cute accent to our table setting

Leo: Thank you for being such a good friend and taking this class with me. Single ladies will swoon when you win their hearts with your eclair-making talent. ; )

Cecilia: It was the sweetest compliment when you wrote to me and said that we came as your students and left as your friends. Thank you for a very memorable evening.

I invite all of you to visit Cecilia's Pastries here. Perhaps you will be inspired take a pastry class or two and/or to buy her sweet creations. Bon appétit!

a little silliness

How are you guys? Just thought to check-in here after what has been a busy yet fun-filled holiday season and semester break for Patrick and I. Sharing a little of our silliness as we prepare for another serious and rigorous work and school schedules ahead. I promise to write more later, share last thoughts about 2009 and this wonderful winter season. Happy week ahead to you and have a little fun in between.

2010 has arrived!

Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given;
While angels sing with tender mirth,
A glad new year to all the earth.
~Martin Luther

It's exactly 12:09 a.m. We've dined, gathered with good friends, kissed 2009 goodbye, and toasted the new year! Home in our pjs, wishing all of you a cozy January morning and a happy year ahead...

Much love- Patrick & Michelle