Jean's wonderful birthday surprise for her husband Billy was a weekend getaway to Michigan to watch the Muse concert. How lucky were we for this special visit!?
The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.
Elisabeth Foley
In celebration of Billy's birthday...
our French inspired weekend began with a French meal.
Served in true Parisienne time at 10 p.m.
Happiness is the only word to describe seeing Billy and Jean again.
By the strike of midnight, the gateau au chocolat was lit...
for a birthday wish!
We ate and talked until the wee hours of the morning;
Then off to another surprise we go...
Big lovers of the
French macaron, we were going to learn how to make this most delicate and precious confectionery.
Understanding what lies behind this delicate cookie and learning the technique in baking it is essential. Pastry Chef Cecilia's teaching method equipped us with both.
After demonstrating with the sweet potato macaron...
we were ready to make our own.
pretty Jean
pretty in pink
Boxed and frozen for their trip back home.
almond and coffee
pistachio and raspberry
vanilla
Cecilia's macarons were absolutely delightful and delectable. After the pastry class, we bid her Merci and À bientôt!
Off the Muse concert they went.
They were home by midnight and we once again ate and talked until the wee hours of the morning.
This was one of those rare times we wished we didn't have to sleep at all. We were having so much fun and didn't want it to end so soon. A special time indeed, the kind that that you put away in your box of treasures.
Jean & Billy:
Thank you for making another special trip to see us.
Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for the laugher.
Thank you for the sweets.
We'll always have Paris and macaron. Until next time...
It is true that this delightful cake was easy to make as the ingredients can be prepared the night before and assembled the morning after. However, a few forewarnings for those of you who may attempt to follow the magazine's recipe to a tee. In order to get the height of the picture from the magazine, it will require twice, maybe even three times the amount of crepe batter. The crepe batter is also paper thin so in addition, I made my own batch of crepe from my recipe and layered them in between to create a fuller look. Lastly, the whipped cream topping is not sweet at all; sweeten it for best results or use ready made whipped cream. This simple elegant treat is something I will definitely make again, if not for the lemon curd mousse alone.
Once in a blue moon my man is inspired to create something completely unexpected in our kitchen. With his busy school schedule, I believe this may be the first time he prepared dinner in over a year! I savored every bite of it. Delicious.
We'll always have Paris and macaron. Until next time...
