As we’re enjoying the pineapple season, I can’t help noticing pineapples in all sorts of different forms on gateposts, staircases and even teapots. Ever since Christopher Columbus brought the pineapple to Europe from Guadaloupe in 1493, this exotic fruit has symbolised wealth and generous hospitality. By the 18th century, pineapples were such a rare, expensive delicacy [...]
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Lemon Cream Meringue Nests (Gluten Free)
It was time to return to France. Too much fun visiting family in Scotland had to come to an end – although I thought it had, after being hanged at the Edinburgh Dungeons! It could have been messy after these extra couple of kilos of Lucas’ ice cream, Tunnocks Teacakes, baked potatoes, cheese scones and Stornoway [...]
Snapping White Asparagus for a French Clafoutis Recipe
When the asparagus season finally pokes its head out to say bonjour, it’s time to get totally asparagused. Hearing the calls of ‘Aspergez-vous!’ at our local market just outside Paris, I do what I’m told and end up buying so much asparagus that I could open a shop with all the elastic bands they’re bound [...]
Chocolate Cream Desserts for Macaron (Yolk) Lovers
Poor blog. I’ve neglected it and so my apologies. Chest infection dragging on, living in the dark, the pouring rain. Not a great couple of weeks, although I do have a much more fun excuse – all shall be revealed in the next post. In the meantime, I’ve still had some sweet dreams, mainly consisting [...]
To Make Macaron Hearts, Think ‘V’ for Valentine
As the 14th February is on the pinkish, romantic horizon, it’s hearts galore on the blogosphere. A few macaron lovers have asked me if I could tell them how to pipe out heart shapes. Well, it’s so easy. You don’t need a template. To pipe out macaron hearts, just think “V” for Valentine. Pipe out the [...]
Glace Plombières: Non-Churn Candied Fruit Ice Cream
I’d promised the children a taste of the best ice creams in Paris during the summer holidays. With dismal July temperatures, ice cream wasn’t top of the menu. So as soon as that ball o’ fire returned after our UK Roman trip, it was destination Ile Saint-Louis for Berthillon ice creams. First, I had to cure [...]
A great gift for the ‘macaronivore’ in your life – 2nd edition out now!
"Mad about Macarons! Make Macarons like the French"