marshmallows and macarons

After a pretty hectic few weeks with essay deadlines and exams constantly looming over me, (note the badly needed hot chocolate above) I've sadly been neglecting my blog. I've managed to have a couple of adventures in the meantime which I just haven't had time to post about.

I went to the Christmas market in Aix where I had my first roasted chestnuts.Mmmm. Chestnuts.  I've even had my first proper french crepe party! Despite being totally shattered by revision and ready for bed, I was invited and overcoming any fatigue I had to go was definitely the best of decisions. Who am I say no when someone utters the magic words "crepe" and "party"? The night consisted of one of the most intense games of trivial pursuit I have ever come across (French people take their quizzes very seriously) and I laughed none stop until I had tears pouring down my face, or maybe I was crying because the crepes were so good and went above and beyond all expectations. If a French person ever offers a crepe, and I mean ever, take it. It was funny to see the guy making them, who generally is absolutely insane and forever cracking jokes, take on the expression of an undertaker when preparing his "secret recipe." I gathered up some courage and tried my hand at flipping a few (brave considering I had about 5 French people standing around to judge!) but I didn't let anyone down, far too practice from Pancake Day for that. I am so disappointed that I forgot my camera, but they have promised another one sometime soon and I will take photos of everything!

I just have to write abou patisserie day. Yes, you heard right, patisserie day. After realizing that we spent far too  much time standing in the cold drooling over all the beautiful creations through the window, someone suggested we pick a day where we actually go inside and pick something. Today the group was just me and one other girl but it was pretty darn good all the same. I chose a salted caramel macaron which was delicious but somehow didn't live up to all the crisp shell, gooey center hype I keep hearing about. The center was more solid and buttery than a smooth cream, not sure if this is supposed to happen since I have very little experience macarons but I guess I will just have to keep going until I find the perfect one. My friend chose a beautiful lemon tart which she let me sneak a bite of and it was delicious!