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Nobody ever said, "You know what would be romantic for Valentine's Day? A nice green salad!" No, it's all about loving indulgence, and nobody knows that better than a baker. In this case, it's Simone Faure, the owner/patissier of La Pâtisserie Chouquette. Simone (left) shared her expertise before Valentine's Day with a class on what could easily be described as passionate desserts.
She chose yesterday, Super Bowl Sunday, a day known for other passions, to showcase the recipe and methods for dark chocolate passion fruit tarts, red velvet cheesecake and a chocolate-dulce de leche martini. Yes, of course, samples were passed around, accompanied by teas and coffee.
This was the first of a series of classes open to the public. So far, she's discussed a gluten-free baking class, one on health-conscious desserts, and other things. A couple are particularly intriguing. One is a class aimed at adults who want to bring their children into the kitchen. And another is a class in July (yes, July) on organizing holiday baking. Bakers are by their nature precise, organized folks and for home cooks who will be baking for the winter holidays, here's how to do it, with an emphasis on organization, without frazzle and hair-tearing.
Not to imply with all this that Simone Faure is a grim, serious person. Just take a look at the "Scorned" cookies she's taking orders for for Valentine's Day:
And why not? Valentine's Day thoughts aren't always warm and fuzzy.
Simone's once-a-month class schedule will be posted here by the end of this week. Classes are limited in size, so call for a reservation. The cost is $25. A credit card number will hold the seat.
And make good on that rezzie: No-shows might find themselves on the receiving end of a Voodoo Cookie (right), another clever cookie option from the Scorned collection.
La Pâtisserie Chouquette
1626 Tower Grove
Botanical Heights
314-932-7935
Hours, Tue-Sat, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
