Some Candy Talking, 2nd rev. ed.

fig. a: the set-up

If you couldn't attend last night's class on candying fruits and holiday baking led by Michelle and hosted by Natasha, Bernie, and Dépanneur Le Pick Up, and you're curious about what it looked like, well, the scene was something like this as Michelle launched into her introductory remarks.

fig. b: Michelle in effect

We're happy to report that attendance was 100%, in spite of the chaos and headaches that inevitably accompany the season's first real snowstorm. Plus, everyone showed up with their "A" game--they were eager, enthusiastic, and ready to roll up their sleeves and do some cookin'. The class was loose, fun, participatory, and it finished with the distribution of the night's booty, which included wedges of panforte, slices of stollen, cookies, and jars of candied fruit.

fig. c: who's that girl?

Michelle has posted quite a number of recipes, ideas, helpful hints, and other tidbits of information regarding the making and using of candied fruits here in the pages of AEB over the years. So, if you're interested in the topic, you weren't able to attend (space was extremely limited), and/or you're prepping for the holidays, you might want to check out the following links:

candying Meyer lemon peel

making fruitcake with exotic fruits

making homemade panettone

making panforte

making the world's most expensive marmalade

and last, but certainly not least, making quince paste

Finally, thanks to Natasha for organizing, to Bernie and the Dep for hosting, and especially to everyone who took part in the course. The idea is that Michelle's class was the kick-off to a cooking class series at Dépanneur Le Pick Up, so stay tuned to these two blogs for any and all information about upcoming events.

am/km

p.s. If you're interested in a somewhat less biased (and much more thoroughly photographed) account of Michelle's night of candied fruits, check out this link to the Gastronomeal blog. You won't be disappointed.

p.s. 2 Still hungry for more photographs? Check out the extensive coverage at Dépanneur Le Pick Up's blog!

Michelle! Live!! @ Le Pick Up!!!

From our friend Natasha at Popcorn Plays comes the following exciting (and flattering) announcement about a special guest appearance by Michelle (what can I say? the girl's unstoppable!) at Dépanneur Le Pick Up.  If you've ever wanted to take a class with Michelle, here's your chance:

Montreal readers — check this out!

Join us at the Dépanneur le Pick Up for an interactive evening with talented chef Michelle Marek, the head pastry chef at Montreal restaurant Laloux. Michelle also runs the mouthwatering food blog ...An Endless Banquet with her partner AJ Kinik.

On Monday, December 6, we will be exploring ways to incorporate candied fruits into unique winter desserts. The workshop will include a presentation and execution of:

Panforte with spices, chocolate + candied fruits

Stollen with marzipan + candied fruits

Crystallized fruits

Ginger cookies

The workshop will begin promptly at 7:30pm. Each participant will be making his or her own desserts to take home, with guidance and instruction from Michelle. Come early for hot cider! The registration fee is $30 and will cover all costs for the desserts presented. The Dep is located at 7032 Rue Waverly.

The Dep is a cozy, intimate space — please register soon as there are only 15 spots. Cash only, please. To register, email me at natasha DOT pickowicz AT gmail DOT com.

We think you’ll leave inspired and ready for the holidays!

Get it? Got it? Good.

Yes, that's right, that's a whole lot of value for 30 bucks, and it promises to be a whole lot of fun too, so make a reservation, and mark your calendars.

aj