A quick interlude of cute:



That is all.

Oh macarons... such a delightful treat, so frustrating to make, but so worth the trouble


{Almond macarons with green tea buttercream filling and dark chocolate ganache filling}

I got a very nice Valentines treat from J this year:


{photo from Laduree

This lovely velvet-covered book (in French!) is filled to overflowing with beautiful pastry photos and accompanying recipes. And right at the front? Macarons! So, armed with my knowledge of the basic recipe, J's rudimentary French, and Google Translator, we managed to translate the basic almond macaron recipe and actually made them earlier this week! I had been using an Italian meringue-based recipe with some success, but this recipe was easier and seemed more consistent.

My oven is old and luckily I have a new thermometer for it, as we learned that the inside temp is about 40-50 degrees cooler than the display - not a good thing. I'm so glad I have that thermometer (and recommend you get one, especially if you have an older oven!) or I would have cried if my pretties had been ruined.


{Mmmm... So good!}

I only wish I had thought to take more pictures! Next time - and believe me, there will be a next time :)>}

Last night my mom and I got to use our Christmas present from J - a cooking class at Salud (a part of Whole Foods). It was so much fun and delish, too! If you have a Whole Foods near you that offers cooking classes I highly recommend trying one.

One of my favorite tyoes of food would have to be Indian! It is also one I don't know too much about, so we decided to take the "Tour of India" class and made naan, chicken tikka masala, vegetable samosas, lamb kofta meatballs, coriander chutney (possibly my favorite thing ever!), and pistachio cardamom ice cream - so much tastiness (and free beer and wine to boot)!