Sur La Table

IIIMMMM BAAACCKKKK…

Just like that it’s been a month. God I’m lazy. Anyway, I had a pretty kick ass day today and wanted to share.

You’ve probably seen the store Sur La Table at the mall and thought “God that store is stuffy.” I’ll admit, I have too. I love it. It’s like the real life mall over priced kitchen store version of Ina Garten. But admit it, you want everything in there…I know I do.

Katie had signed us up for n in store cooking lesson today…..and totally nailed it. Macarons. My favorite little hamburger cookies. We got hands on 3 hours course on how to make these perfect little pastries. Step by Steph with Chef Steph who’s worked in the likes of Joel Robuchon and the NYC Gramercy.

Of course I was the minority…the only male in the class. I was also underage by about 30 years but that’s where I shine. I can schmooze with the elders with the best of them.

Step by time-consuming step we pressed it out and made three different flavors of macarons with two different fillings. From starting with a pretty basic meringue to making a ganache and rose water infused butter cream the whole time I was loving life.

The final product came out of the ovens on the 3rd hour; we filled out little cookie tops and filled our boxes. I can honestly say I now know how hard it is to make those perfect little French cookies that I endearingly refer to as hamburger cookies. All the work was worth it. We left with 12-15 macarons in several flavors ranging from strawberry rhubarb, pistachio, rose water and cardamom. I’ve said it before and ill say it again, “I’m Not a Foodie,” but I definitely felt like a chef today.