Last weekend I had the experience of a lifetime, a class at the world known Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.
My husband got me the absolute best birthday gift, a 4 hour class on "The Secret of Macaroons".
I didn't know what to expect upon arrival. The entry way was inviting yet intimidating. Upon entering I was escorted to the coat closet, fancy! And then taken to a waiting area until class begun. The waiting area most have also been the break room for the school because all of the table were filled with eager students going over recipes and ideas and failed attempts at culinary masterpieces. I giggled to myself because in their chef jackets, where most people place pens, they had a spoon and fork. I'm pretty sure people would look at me strangely if I walked around like that but its Le Cordon Bleu, I am certain that is acceptable and judge-free.
There was about 10 people who signed up for the class and we were all escorted up three flights of stairs, gotta burn the calories we are about to eat. We were introduced to the wonderful Chef Oliver and our translator because Chef only spoke french, even more fancy!
At each of our work stations we were provided an apron, hat, tea towel and pen for notes. We were given an ingredient list but everything else was done by our own notes, no pressure there!
Chef worked his way through the recipe first and then attempted to copy it ourselves.I wrote very good notes for the macaroon part and feel like they turned out wonderfully! The hardest part is knowing when you have mixed the batter enough, but not too much. Macaroons are sensitive little buggers!
Once those cooled we began our filling. The filling was pretty interesting because it turned into a slime like substance and I started questioning our Chefs level of competence. But once it cooled and we added the butter, it turned out beautifully! It was a wonderful pastry cream with some rose essence.
My walk back to the hotel was like I was dreaming. I, Britani Stratton, just completed a lifelong dream. My soul was and still is so happy!
We also spent the weekend in Paris doing sightseeing as a family and it was the best experience! Our boys loved everything Paris had to offer, and so did I!
We ended our trip with a wonderful breakfast at Laduree. This place was STUNNING! The inside looked like I walked back in time and was living the life of an heiress, I may also be watching way too much Downton Abbey. But either way, I felt like royalty. All serving ware was real pure silver. The boys got REAL french toast and their hot chocolate came with one saucer of melted chocolate and one saucer of hot cream. Um, I wanted to trade my mimosa for theirs! I ordered a lovely eggs Benedict that was superb to the last bite. On our way out we bought some macaroons and eclair for the long drive home.
I am actually heading back to Paris this coming weekend with my dear friend, Ashley Borck from Ashley Borck Photography. Her and I will be doing a 6 hour pastry class at Le cordon Bleu together! It will be a full girls weekend complete with taking the train for the first time, going to Moulin Rouge and a full day of baking. Pretty much, the best month of birthday celebrations ever!
Keep a look out on my facebook page over the next couple weeks because I will be offering up a special for Valentines Day with some special Red Velvet macaroons!
Also, here is the link to Le Cordon Bleu to sign up for some of their amazing classes!
