Strawberry Tarts & The Patisseries of Paris

How could it have happened? The spire of Notre Dame burned. Our greatest achievements are fragile. These photos - most taken in Notre Dame's neighborhood a week before the fire - remind me that we must treasure beautiful things because they are impermanent. I will try to appreciate the beauty of the classics, ...

A Baker’s Passport-January 2019

This blog celebrates desserts and what fun it is to write about them. Somehow, the adventure of discovering sweet and savory baking classics in their homelands has become the story of my life and now, a book: A Baker's Passport: Recipes for Breads, Savory Pies, Vegetarian Dishes, Tarts, Cakes, and Cookie Classics. A Baker's Passport is available for ...

Strawberry Season in Vienna

Almost speechless about this Strawberry Mousse in a chocolate-dipped cookie cone at Landtmann's Patisserie in Vienna at the Cafe Museum. And yes, you are seeing lightly toasted almond slices on top.  Working (sleuthing) to get this recipe. The many strawberry desserts in Vienna may not enjoy the same fame as Sachertorte (see story below) but they do ...

Chardonnay Sauce in San Juan Capistrano

"We take the essence of the scallops, mussels, shrimp, and the sea and we infuse it into the sauce," said Chef Pascal Olhats as he described the preparation of his velvety Chardonnay Sauce.  Brimming with fruits-de-mer fullness, the sauce is served under a thyme-crusted fillet of sea bass.  This dish is based on a regional classic ...