“Teatime in Paris: A Walk Through Easy French Pâtisserie Recipes” by Jill Colonna (2015) – book review

Well, what a turn out for the books!

Bit of a departure from the norm for me, but simply too good to resist…

Found myself by sheer coincidence in just the right place at the right time last week: took a little time out early afternoon to indulge in cakes and Prosecco (although the savoury pies and pots of tea are also to die for) in the glorious bakery and coffee shop “Treize” in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés in the 6^th arrondissement, owned and run by the charming, convivial Laurel – and a Must See when you are visiting Paris or indeed a complete discovery if you are lucky enough to live here (oh, what bliss,  the carrot-cake and champagne for S’s birthday splash last month, indeed).

This culinary treasure is cleverly hidden down a beautiful courtyard in one of the loveliest parts of the city, and it’s worth calling to reserve a table to be sure of a spot, as the place is often chock-a-block – in no small part due to sparkling reviews like this one from Paris New York TV…

I am wandering off my bookish tracks… but bear with me, for there is a literary link. For my Prosecco-supping book-passionate pals S and D and I had also stumbled more by good luck than good management into a book-signing event for Jill Colonna’s follow-up to “Mad About Macarons”, as Waverley Books have just published “Teatime in Paris: A Walk Through Easy French Pâtisserie Recipes”. Featuring over 50 very sumptuous-looking cakes and pastries, this new book is a feast for the eyes.

As one who falls shy of tackling anything more ambitious than the occasional crêpe of a Sunday morning, just the mention of homemade chocolate éclairs and choux pastry, millefeuilles and (Heaven forbid the very idea) the unthinkably tricky macarons, leaves me in awe of anyone attempting such feats chez soi. The whole premise of Jill’s book is that it is possible to demystify the myths and take the intimidation factor out of home baking these French marvels. Her recipes are all clearly laid out by section, with step-by-step instructions that do indeed seem infinitely manageable, so there may be hope that I may finally surprise the Offspring by producing something home-baked before they give up all faith. Hoping to report back in due course that have indeed become a dab hand at G’s favourite, the Paris Brest with its mouth-watering toasted praline buttercream filling, “tantissimi auguri”, by the way!! – see page 171 and drool.

     

“Teatime in Paris” also contains a brilliant appendix, highlighting ‘favourite sweet walks in Paris’ and taking you by the hand along the Left and Right Banks and around the various gastronomic and gourmet streets, such as the rue Saint-Dominique in the 7^th. Take a peek online too at the colourful and appetising website and blog Jill writes, which like the book is awash with food-related historical tales and enticing ideas of what and where to visit in the City of Lights. Actually, this pretty cookbook is as tempting as the recipes it describes, and suspect am going to earmark it as Gift of the Year for everyone I know who loves baking, eating and Paris (so that’s everyone) … Amazon.co.uk here I come, again…

RATING : 10/10

Images taken from here and here, here, here and here. Photo of NJH in “Treize”, credit to Inez Forbes, with thanks.

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