Hmmm... Today's Topic... Pastries!!!
-The above phrase should be "heard" in the same tone of voice that Homer Simpson uses when he thinks of "Donuts" or "Beer".

A really good, authentic
croissant always makes me happy. Unfortunately, a lot of what passes for a
croissant is merely puff-pastry dough rolled up to look like a
croissant. Phooey! But a true
croissant is a simple and sinful pleasure. Just flour, water, milk, yeast, a touch of sugar (to feed the yeast, not to sweeten the dough) and butter. That's all. I've made them a few times. It's a lot of work, but soooo worth it.
Related to a
croissant is a
pain au chocolat - which is basically a
croissant with chocolate in it. Chocolate chips simply will not do for these treats. It must be
batons of bittersweet chocolate. -
Avec une tasse de café au lait... C'est magnifique!And then there's
croissant aux amandes with marzipan in the middle.
And speaking of marzipan... A frangipane tart with pears and marzipan... YUM!!!
On the savory side of things, the classic Alsatian onion tart, a
pissaladière, which is sort of like a French pizza. A pastry crust topped with caramelized onions, herbs, and a touch of heavy cream. So simple, but, again, so good.