Pearl Peonies

October 19, 2011

October 18, 2011

Around the World in 80 Bites

Patisserie No. 1

Piccadis Boulangerie-Patisserie

8, Rue Gay Lussac, 5th Arr.

Although this patisserie is known for their marshmallows, I decided to choose another of their house specialities, the apricot tart. And because I couldn't eat something sweet without having something savory I also got a Chevre et Tomate Panini.

Patisserie Purchased: Tarte aux Abricots

Cost: 2€95

Yes, the tart was good. Yes, we loved our panins (my abbreviated word for panini, pronounced Puh-neen-z). But in all honesty, it was no big shakes. Jerry's Deli makes a better one.

Scale from ONE to TEN:

Five

Octobers Wish List

Giuseppe Zanotti

Stingray-Effect Leather T-Bar Sandals

Christian Louboutin

No. 299 150 Suede and Python Pumps

Gucci

Ombre Leather Brogues

Stella McCartney

Faux Patent-Leather Pumps

October 12, 2011

Waffle Wednesday

Carrot Cake Waffles

(adapted from willow bird baking)

Carrot Spice Waffles

2 c. all purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

2 tbl sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp allspice

1 3/4 c buttermilk OR 1 1/2 c sour cream

1.4 cup milk

2 eggs, separated

1/2 stick of butter

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 c raisins

1 c walnuts, chopped

1 1/2 c finely grated carrots

Cooking spray

Maple Nut Cream Cheese Spread

8 oz cream cheese, softened

3-4 tbl maple syrup

1/8 c chopped walnuts

For the carrot spice waffles

Bloom the spices in butter: Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in skillet over medium heat until melted. Continue to cook, swirling pan constantly, until butter is light brown and has faint nutty aroma, 2 to 4 minutes. Add spices and continue to cook, stirring constantly, 15 seconds. Remove from heat and cool to room temp, about 30 mins.

Combine flour, salt, sugar and baking soda.

Mix together the buttermilk (or sour cream) and the egg yolks. Stir in the spiced butter and vanilla. Spray the waffle iron well and preheat it. Stir the wet into the dry ingredients.

Beat the egg whites in a separate bowl with a whisk or electric mixer until they soft peaks. Stir them gently into the batter. Add carrots, walnuts and raisins. Stir gently to combine.

Spread a ladleful of batter onto the waffle iron and bake until the waffle is done, 3 to 5 mins.

For the maple cream cheese spread

Combine nuts, syrup and cream cheese and mix well.

Serve waffles immediately with the schmear.

A Broad Abroad

While studying abroad at the Sorbonne (in Paris, France) I've found a great way to occupy my bits of free time, get to know my new city un peu meilleur, as well as experience the Parisian life style bite by delicious bite - by visiting the best patisseries Paris has to offer.

I have this adorable little guide book called Les Patisseries de Paris Chocolatiers, Salons de The, Boulangeries et Glaciers by Jamie Cahill.

This little beaut not only has these creme de la creme patisseries organized by each arrondissement, but also the closest metro station, their hours, and their house speciality!

This is extremely convenient for me who can just whip out this book at any given time, look up whatever arrondissement I'm in and find me some sweets!

You can live vicariously through my mouth instead of my soon to be fat ass as I document my little epicurean escapades. Lucky you, looks like I'll be taking one for the team.