Welcome

Reaching the final of Masterchef 2007 was a rollercoaster of emotion, with huge highs and lows, but I loved every minute and learnt a huge amount. I owe a great deal to John and Gregg who had faith in my ability when I did not believe in myself. Since competing on the programme my life has changed considerably. I now write cookery columns for two magazines, give cookery demonstrations and am just working on my 13th cook book - unlucky number for some but not for me!!! I love all forms of country cooking, using seasonal and locally sourced produce. This blog is to enable me to share with you a few of my recipes and baking ideas. Enjoy Hannah xxxx

Tuesday 6 October 2009

Before Masterchef I had not heard of Laduree. One day Ben, one of the other finalists was going to see his girlfriend and showed me a box of beautiful coloured macaroons he had bought her. I fell in love instantly (with Laduree just to be clear)! I think it would be my dream to work for Laduree - the cakes in their shop in Paris are just works of art - www.laduree.fr/public_fr/produits/patisseries_accueil.htm. My friend Maren is staying at the moment and she arrived clutching a pale green Laduree bag - I literally swooned as we opened the box - even the packaging is just so pretty to look at! The macaroons taste like little heavenily clouds flavoured violet and blackcurrent, pistachio, licorish, chocolate, lemon...! As well as macaroons, Maren had bought delicate crystalised violets - I will need to make a very special cake to put these on. What a nice friend I have!

12 comments:

Marie Rayner said...

Lucky you Hannah! They look beautifully tasty! I have to tell you, your cake cookbook arrived at my home the other day and you should be very, very proud of it. It's just lovely. I adore it and can't wait to get stuck in and bake something from it.

Rita said...

Are they easy to bake Hannah! I love macaroons and looked at quite a few website two weeks ago. They look so pretty and yummy!

The Ample Cook said...

Gosh, those colours and flavours! What a lovely treat Hannah.

Kavey said...

There's nothing like a laduree macaron is there?

Last week, I was looking for somewhere to enjoy afternoon tea on my birthday, together with a friend who shares it.

We went for afternoon tea at the Laduree concession in Harrods. Service wasn't great but it was still a treat drinking lovely tea and mini macarons!

:)

Sylvie said...

I had my first ever macaron last Saturday in Paris. It wasn't Laduree, but it was gooood and I'm looking forward to many more.

Twelfthknit said...

They look just like Luxembürgli, the signature cake of 'Sprüngli', here in Zürich. You really need to get on a plane and come over to do a taste comparison ;0)

Anonymous said...

Hannah, any plans for a book signing session anywhere. It's the perfect gift for a friend, even better personalised!

Tracy Golightly-Garcia said...

Hannah
Can you buy these in the states anywhere?
Best
Tracy :)

Anonymous said...

I only know the ones made with coconut. They just look like a small cooky rock and they're tasty, but nothing special. I'm told there a famous Bruges recipe. Having those cookies in mind, I never thought those colorful ones would be that much different. But now, Hannah, you conviced me to try them out next time I see them.

Sheëra

Hannah said...

Thank you all for your lovely comments and suggestions - afternoon tea at the Laduree counter at Harrods is now on my wish list. The macaroon are sadly all gone now but I can testify that they were all delicious (well all the ones I ate were and that was most of them!)

Hannah said...

Tracy - sadly it looks like Laduree haven't made it to the States yet - they are in Monaco, Tokyo, Switzerland France and London. Sorry! At least you now have an excuse to plan a trip to Europe.

As for book signings, I will be signing at the Good Food Show at the Birmingham NEC on 25th and 26th November and at Podington Garden Centre in December. If you wanted to post the book to me with details of the message you want I would be happy to sign and post it back to you. Let me have your email address if this is of interest.

Hannah
xxx

I heart cupcakes said...

I have to run past their little store in Picadilly and also try to avoid their cafe in Harrods or I'd just eat loads! They are absolutely gorgeous and tasty. A perfect gift for people too :)