Thursday, November 8, 2007

French Macaroons



While visiting Paris, my parents kept walking by this hole-in-the-wall shop. Everyday when they would walk past the shop, a long line of Parisians would be snaking out of the door. Curious, they decided to walk in and see what all the fuss was about. The moment they entered the shop, their eyes were amazed by the most beautiful macaroons they had ever seen. Tempted, they bought a few, and of course, got a real sampling – brilliant reds, greens, browns... you name it. Mom and Dad took that first bite and were instantly hooked.

As a treat, they took a box to dinner that night for all of their friends. With the box on the table, my mom found out that these were no ordinary macaroons, and much more special than she thought. All of the waiters were teasing them, trying to sample a few for themselves. Eventually she gave in (French waiters are notoriously handsome) and handed over the remaining macaroons to the waiters. The thank you she received was overwhelming. Apparently, these macaroons are famous in Paris.

After hearing this story, I found myself walking in Beverly Hills, and stumbled upon this perfect little macaroon shop. Each macaroon was beautifully colored, with flavors and textures to dream about. The first bite simply melted in my mouth. I just had to surprise my mom with an overnight box of the incredible cookies. The owner and chef, Paulette Koumetz, explained to me that I needed to bubble wrap the macaroons and pack them with an ice pack. I was thankful for the tip, or they likely would've spoiled. When my mom received the package, she laughed and smiled. It was a perfect treat, and although it didn't travel as far as Paris, the amour she felt from the experience was the same.

Paulette Macaroons
Chef Paulette Koumetz
9466 Charleville Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA
(310) 275-0023

Happy Cooking!
Mary

Send your questions about food, cooking and life in the kitchen to:
hailmarys.inc@gmail.com

What I Made Today...


Challah Brioche Bread Pudding

A rich delicious treat.

1/2 a loaf of good challah, brioche, or croissants
8 eggs (use 4 of them just for the yolks)
1/2 cup 2% milk
3/4 cup half and half
1/2 cup sugar

Cut bread into 1 1/2 in. cubes and let sit out to dry (the dryer the better). Mix together eggs and sugar, then quickly add milk and half and half. Add the bread and mix with your hands to keep the bread in squares. Put into a 3 inch dish that has been sprayed/greased heavily. Place that dish in a pan of water and cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes.

Happy Cooking!
Mary

Send your questions about food, cooking and life in the kitchen to:
hailmarys.inc@gmail.com