Do I have my favorites when it comes to countries? Yes…..France, Italy, Spain and Portugal, my new favorite (more to come on this amazing country). I had to post this photo first……our first “real” cappuccino…in Sanary-Sur-Mer, France….just beautiful! All of the coffees in Europe are nicely brewed, but this was my favorite so far…..mounds of whipped cream:) The downside…..only 45 minutes leisure time on this shore excursion to enjoy the shops and coffee…..but it was worth it!
This seaside town is brimming with boats and quaint buildings shops and cafes, resembling those in Villefranche, France along the the French Riviera.
This was the beginning of our venture to find new pastries and delicacies in Europe. We found one-of-a-kind shops, brimming with authentic (seen only in magazines at home) pastries, confections, glace fruits….I was in sheer ‘baking heaven’…to say the least!
Check back frequently for more photos of our trip, as well as ideas for new European cookie offerings!
A bientot!
These are some of my latest designs for “The French Macaron”….a fussy little girl of a cookie confection, I must say:) The longer you have been baking them, the better your track record for success. Once you become confident enough in making the basic shells, you tend to want to explore variations on the shell’s color and decorations, as well as what goes inside the shell itself, be it tea leaves or spices. The possibilities are truly endless. I have been asked for weddings, showers and birthday parties to design the macarons according to event theme and color. Most anything is possible! I have to give credit to my sweet husband, Stephen, for encouraging me to “keep at it” when I first started baking them. They truly test your patience, but like with anything, persistence pays off:) Be sure to comment on what you would like to see in the future in terms of flavors and colors!
Well, it’s surely “my” time to start thinking about the holidays, as it pertains to creating, baking and detailing cookies. I continue to offer the “favorites” in addition to newly inspired ideas. I am constantly looking at not only baked items, but enjoy wandering through boutiques and shops for new ideas on flavors, colors and textures.
The French Riviera is like no other place we’ve ever been. We’ve made two stops to Villefranche, along the Cote d’Azur in the past few years and love it more each time.You will find small, quaint shops and great dining. The village of Eze and the city of Nice are nearby, as is the principality of Monaco. You can’t beat the pastries of France either….or the perfect espresso or cafe creme! It is heaven in a cup:)
