There are countless variations of this simple yet elegant French chocolate dessert, said to have been invented by chef Michel Bras in 1981. The basic formula for all chocolate fondants is pretty much the same: plenty of dark chocolate, butter and sugar, some eggs and very little (or no) flour. The “original” version is described … Continue reading Gâteau Fondant au Chocolat
Following the success of his pâtisserie on rue du Bac, open since September 2009, pastry chef Philippe Conticini has launched a second store in Paris’s 16th arrondissement, at 111, rue de Longchamp. At the minimalist Pâtisserie des Rêves, samples of each pastry are displayed on a table in the centre of the shop — under … Continue reading La Pâtisserie des Rêves opens second shop
David Lebovitz, Paris-based pastry chef and author of The Great Book of Chocolate, The Sweet Life in Paris and other titles, will be signing copies of his latest book, Ready for Dessert (Ten Speed Press, 2010) at the WHSmith bookstore in Paris on Wednesday May 19. From the publisher: “With his unique brand of humor—and a fondness … Continue reading David Lebovitz book signing at WHSmith
The MacTweets Mac Attack challenge for the month of May was to find inspiration in a favourite childhood book. It’s no easy task to choose a single book when one has been fortunate to have a childhood filled with so many tales of adventure and magic. One thing is certain: first and foremost on the list of … Continue reading Macarons with dark chocolate and candied ginger
Paris-made iChocolates have made a sensational Internet debut following a listing on Etsy. The 20-piece collection of hand-crafted gourmet chocolates comes in a sleek iPhone-like box. Each morsel resembles an iPhone app icon, decorated, according to the listing, thanks to “Chocographics technology developed in France.” iChocolates are made with organic, extra-dark, 100 percent cocoa butter … Continue reading Paris-made iChocolates edible apps
In upscale shops such as Ladurée, Pierre Hermé or Arnaud Larher, the varieties and colours of macarons are endless, as new flavours are being created all the time. But in neighbourhood boulangeries-pâtisseries you’ll often find just two classic flavours: chocolate and coffee. The coffee-flavoured macarons below were made by modifying the basic chocolate macaron recipe. … Continue reading Macarons au café
On Thursday June 3, 2010 La Maison du Chocolat will be holding its first ever “Nuit du Gâteau” (Cake Night), an evening devoted to sampling chocolate pastries in the company’s Paris stores. Samples of luxury chocolate tarts, pastries, macarons and more will be offered to visitors free of charge. La Maison du Chocolat Head Pastry … Continue reading “Nuit du Gâteau” at La Maison du Chocolat
