Category Archives: Cordon Bleu Paris

Weird, I could have sworn that I have already written this post but it seems that I am losing my mind . . . so here goes, a quick one for you all before bed.  The reason I remember writing the post is because my sister said it was all starting to look a bit beige.  Well, when you start every recipe with “take eggs, sugar, butter and flour . . . ” it’s hardly surprising.

So let me say a word for all of our chef instructors, my favourite so far is Daniel Walter – he is a great instructor; very patient and with a wealth of experience.  Also, a good excuse to post a picture of me in my uniform, as my team were very keen to see this – I’m not looking too sexy but it is very practical.

Anyway, lets get back to the cakes.  I’m particularly chuffed as I have finally mastered choux pastry and made my first ever eclairs and chouquettes.  The chouquettes are really simple but the eclairs a little more complicated – think I will definitely make these when I get home.

Chocolate eclairs

Chouquettes

I also quite liked the dacquoise, I was invited to dinner the night that we made this and I have to say that I was happy that it got to go to a good home and was a complete success.  I was particularly happy with the piping on this one but you can see that the cream on top is starting to melt and my rose is also drooping!

Dacquoise

As I had some mixture left over, I decided to make some little macaron-inspired nibbles

One of my favourite desserts is Carluccio’s Lemon Tart – these babies certainly give that a run for it’s money – could also be another favourite:

Chocolate Tarts and Orange Tarts

My least favourite so far (or maybe I’m just getting bored of meringue!)

Caramelised pear and almond tart