Dessert Américain: Cupcakes!

They sure aren't French, but still a delightful sweet I enjoy. Thought I'd do a little research on these wonderful treats and found some interesting factoids:

* originated during the 19th century when it was faster to bake in hearth ovens than full-sized cakes
* named because it is a cake the size of a teacup; and because it was measured by cups in a time when things were measured by weight
* aka "fairy cakes" (British)
* called 1234 or quarter cakes because they are made up of four ingredients in equal ratios: butter, sugar, eggs, and flour

I baked a batch the other weekend celebrating my one-year anniversary of moving to the Bay!

Yellow Confetti Mix/Chocolate Ganache Frosting/Rainbow Sprinkles

I'll make them from scratch next time... in the new flat! :)

French Macaroons

A description so accurate, I had to steal it from a yelp.com commenter...

"The thing about a great french macaroon is that it shouldn't leave you thinking: "hmm, that was ok." It should have you wanting to roll around the floor in culinary ecstasy."

Hahaha! Isn't that so true!? Agreed.

Crepevine

Try the Santorini sweet crepe. Bursts of surprising flavours-- pistachio, walnuts, cinnamon, coconut & mascarpone! Accompany with a pot of tea or apple cider or hot chocolate.

Perfect for a late night rendezvous with your secret lover. :)

624 Irving Street

Pâtisserie Philippe

Fabulously French. Mouth-watering macarons. Delectable. Go immediately.

Best for an afternoon chat with a new or an old friend. Complimentary coffee, I think. voila!

655 Townsend Street