French Meringue with White Chocolate and Raspberry Puree Filling

I am always on the lookout for unusual and sophisticated recipes, especially when it comes to baking. Having grown up in Europe I prefer the European style of pastries and desserts. While browsing through The Shaggy Ram, an interior design store in Middleburg, VA, I came across a nice selection of unusual travel and entertaining books. One of them in particular caught my attention - Sweet Paris by Michael Paul is a tribute to Parisian pastries and desserts. Michael Paul's collection of recipes and his stunning photography make this a truly amazing book. Looking at his beautiful photos you can just imagine yourself ordering a Chausson aux Pommes and a steaming pot of tea in one of the many excellent cafes and tea houses in Paris.

I couldn't resist and bought a copy for myself. Last week I tried his Meringues Modernes which are two meringues sandwiched together with a white chocolate and raspberry puree filling - delicious and pretty to look at just in time for Valentine's Day.

Lunch in Paris - A Love Story with Recipes

by Elizabeth Bard

Ready for a love story and French Cuisine? Don't miss "Lunch in Paris" by Elizabeth Bard. Bard is an American journalist who falls in love with a Frenchman and French Cuisine. Who wouldn't be intrigued? I at least was and started reading the book on my way out of the bookstore.  How difficult can it be to adapt to a new country and its culture? Well, as someone who moved from Europe to the U.S. and married an American I can sympathize with Bard's experiences dealing with culture shock and mastering a new language. What I personally love about the book are the descriptions of the market scenes, restaurant visits and carefully prepared home-made meals. Reading about the 16-course meal for New Year's Eve was amazing! Complementary recipes can be found at the end of each chapter. I have already tried out several of them quite successfully.