French Desserts •
Apple Rose Tarte Tatin
Are you feeling rosy, today? I have to admit, I’m still blooming emotional: yesterday it was our turn in France to celebrate Mothers’ Day. Each year I get increasingly gushy, as my lovely girls compose their own poems for the Fête des mères.
This time they confirmed their knack of making me swell up with proud and happy tears, listening to their precious words – by way of a new recipe note book, starting with a gorgeous poem called “Recipe for the Cake of Love” (from the French film, “Peau d’âne”). They didn’t make a cake (perhaps that’s for next year?) but they printed out an internet cake! We spent the day en famille with hugs that you wish could last forever. I told you I was feeling soppy…Even at the local market, all Mums were handed a rose, thanks to the Mayor. Is that not sweet?
We finished off the day with rose and white chocolate panna cottas, with a cherry cardamom sauce – using the only cherries left from the tree in the garden (the pigeons ate the rest: nearly the blooming lot!) – plus a few rose & cardamom macarons on the side.
All of this rosy feeling was triggered last week, on my favourite metro line in Paris: line 6, direction Nation. It’s the metro where you come out of the tunnel and are suddenly surprised with daylight. After leaving the stop, Passy, the Eiffel Tower just hits you with all its grandeur. Just at that moment, a busker started up a Piaf arrangement of La Vie en Rose on the accordian.
I used to pass Edith Piaf‘s Paris appartment in the 16th Arrondissement, on the way to work in the bus, every day for 10 years. Each day I’d pinch myself thinking, “she used to walk along that very pavement in Boulevard Suchet.”
Back up at my favourite shops in St Germain-en-Laye, I needed some inspiration for two birthday “cakes” and some pampering for Mothers’ Day (well, they needed ideas, n’est-ce pas? ;-)) I HAVE to make this giant macaron heart shape with red fruits when I have more time.
This rose boutique ensures that a pile of rose petals are added to the bag carrying your bouquets, which is just so classy. They also sell the most enticing bitter chocolate bars with crunchy rose petals in them. It’s a far cry from the Turkish Delight we used to get as kids and has restored my belief in chocolate and rose together.
This scene just did it. A house for sale just around the corner from us, along by the River Seine. It just looked so rosy and French, heu, heu, heu. The house is just at the spot where William Turner set up his easle and painted the view of the Château over the bridge to Saint Germain-en-Laye.
All along the banks there are other paintings by the Impressionist painters. It’s unbelievable to think they were walking along the Seine just like you and me. More on that later but back to my roses. As my good friend, Felicity, adores rose macarons, I couldn’t resist making her a wee macaron tower. Hm. It was a bit tricky to transport it in the car!
Then, to celebrate my heroïne, Raymonde’s 90th birthday last week, the rose theme continued: this time with chocolate-rose macarons.
So, as you can see, it has been a rather rosy week! Well, there’s nothing quite like the emotion of biting into a rose macaron. Delicately perfumed and floral pink, this is sheer gourmet luxury.
Let the celebrations continue by serving this with a glass of pink Champagne and just let your toes curl. I lift my glass and rose macarons to all Mums out there, all of you with birthdays, good friends and macaronivores. Cheers: you deserve it! Oh, and it’s not just females who love rose macarons, I’ve discovered.
[…] until there was a marked crescendo with Brassens’ songs; to Edith Piaf’s ’La Vie en Rose‘; to Renaud’s ‘Tel qu’il est’: …Ce qui n’est pas […]
Very beautiful and romantic presentation!! It shows that you really love your creations. Keep up the good work!
I adore roses (just posted an arrangement from my garden) and so I adore this post. Is there anything more lovely than roses and macarons and champagne?
Love your macaron in the basket with poppies in the latest post too.
Your site is enchanting…
LL
absolutely fascinating ..
first time here…sure you have a lovely space..wonderful recipe collections..
I love your macaron towers – so pretty and elegant!
Awww… I’m sorry you hurt your back. All that bending over to pipe all those lovely macarons can’t be too comfortable … I got it just doing 1 measly batch and I don’t think I’m that tall by european standards. Wish you a speedy recovery.
J’adore the ‘rose’ macaron bouquet!!
You are too much Jill 🙂
So sorry about your back going out or where ever it went. There is something called a ‘Tens unit’ and it stimulates and relaxes the tense muscles for 15 minutes.
They used it on me at the clinic but you can also get one on Amazon and do it yourself.
Massage helps too.
Quelle dommage 🙁
Feel better soon
XXXCarolg
I love all the rose macs. They are so pretty and happy. I would love to try and make something as beautiful as the heart shaped mac cake, it is stunning!
beautiful roses and post love it
Sounds like you had a wonderful Mothers Day 🙂 Lovely post Jill…And congratulations on your awards, as always very well deserved!
P.S. What do you mean photos and champagne do not go together…so that’s my problem 😉
You are definitely a macaron queen, I’m in awe of your skills and beautiful macarons! I love the giant pink heart…Pierre Hermes better watch out! 😉
Love your rosy post, Jill, and your photo journal of your rosy week is really charming. The recipe notebook is a lovely gift from your girls, particularly with such an appropriate poem there everytime you open it.
Also, great interview on Bromography.
Hey Jill… something is waiting for you here: http://www.manusmenu.com/polpettone-stuffed-meatloaf
Have a great weekend!
A beautiful post and the macaron rose! It made me smile.
Happy belated Mother’s Day to you dear Jill! What a lovely rose colored post! I had some delicious macacrons from a little bakery this weekend and thought of you! I’m clicking on your Amazon link and buying your book to give it a whirl! Wish me luck!
Thanks, Lisa! Luck? You won’t need it. Have FUN! 🙂
Aww Jill, you didn’t have time to write a shorter post? You crack me up my friend! Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Dusty roses are one of my favorites. I used to grow roses in Colorado but they do need a lot of TLC and let’s say TLC is much needed elswhere these days. 😉 All your blooming creations are just awesome! I need to join in the fun and start whipping up a batch of macarons soon. I am still a little intimidated but hopefully I’ll have beginner’s luck on my side.
A rosy week indeed! Wow, how about that huge macaron heart from the bakery…I agree wholeheartedly, you NEED to make that.
Ooooh its good to be sensitive Macaron Maestro, shows your humanness ha ha 🙂 The girls must be very proud of their Mum as you are of them. What a beautiful post & a fabulous celebration to honour Mum’s.
Stunning macarons & other desserts mmmmmmmm
Here’s to the Love of a MUM . . a generous unconditional kind greatly needed love shared to all children & adults alike all over the world 🙂 (its part of the Emotional Recipe bit 🙂
Oh my, you sure are a temptess! Glad you’d a great time & hope this finds you well. Happy belated Mother’s Day, my dear!
Mother’s Day just gets sweeter and sweeter. I remember when it was prompted by Dad and as the years passed how the kids instigated it. Yours sounds perfect. And your rosy macaron elicits smiles.
Gorgeous! I hate pink but j’adore la vie en rose. 😉 Whenever I’m in Paris I take a rose to Edith Piaf’s grave. What a sad life she had, but what joy she brought to so many, myself included. Thanks for the trip down memory lane, and Happy Mother’s Day. 🙂
What a great post!! And how amazing are these macaroons
Happy Mother’s Day!!! And what a great mayor and sweet girls you have?!?!? And, um, did you say cherry cardamom sauce?!!?!??!?!!??!? Ah, does that ship well? 😀 Haha! Seriously Jill, I want to DRINK that sauce it sounds so good!
What a beautiful post. So many lovely goodies. I can’t wait to see your version of the giant mac heart.
Hi Jill! I’m a little better and I’m catching up. 🙂 Thanks for your sweet message. Happy Mother’s Day! Your daughters are so nice writing poems! Wow… Your pink roses made me very happy and brightened my morning, and OH MY this is the tower! You are really crazy, Jill! Your macarons are already amazing and you made it into a tower. Only you would do that! :-O And the cake looks gorgeous too. I enjoyed reading pink post today. 😉
What a lovely post! I feel like I just went on a tour with you! Happy Mother’s Day. I’m glad you had a wonderful celebration. The rose macarons are just beautiful. Thank you for sharing such a special occasion with us! : )
What lovely photos. Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy French Mother’s day Jill! It seems you had a wonderful one. It’s also so beautiful how you relate to Edith Piaf’s songs and even her house.:-) and of course those rosy macarons look gorgeous and yummy. Enjoy your rosy week.
How lovely. I’m glad you had such a nice day. It all looks lovely – that giant macaron filled with fruit looks amazing! I really want rose macarons now.
How sweet of your daughters! Happy mother’s day. I am sure you had a wonderful time and all your creations look so beautiful Jill. La vie en Rose is one of my favourite songs:)
My, you are enveloped by such sweet inspiration…your girls, friends and city! I know what you mean about the end of the year activities…it can be overwhelming. Your rosy post has cheered me up today…such beautiful arrangements of macarons..such a lucky friend to receive that tower 🙂 Enjoy your break, Jill…we’ll see you soon~ xoxo
Happy mother’s day! The pannacotta looks beautiful, as do the rose macarons – I am a sucker for anything pink.
Happy belated Mother’s Day, Jill!! Your girls are precious… sounds like you had an amazing time.
Have a great week!! xoxo
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. So many things I loved about it. I felt like I was walking along the Seine too! Those pink macarons are so pretty. I just have to try to make some one of these days. Congratulations on all your awards, you have a lovely blog.
How lovey! Happy Mother’s Day!
How sweet! Love all the pink and roses – so happy and spring and full of love! Makes me want to visit France again sooner rather than later!
There are macarons and then there are your macarons Jill. I have never seen such a beautiful rosy theme! Thanks also for your kind message on my Cameron Highlands post 🙂 🙂
Your post has captured all that is feminine and pink in the most elegant way. Beautiful scents, scenery, history, a touch of romance but not too much to get goopy), gateaux amusantes, and of course…motherhood. Wow, I feel rosier for having read it. Now I want to be in Paris, as in, right now.
Merci millefois!
Oh yes, I love that the mayor had roses for the women. The typical flower gratis here is a carnation! And an artificially dyed-one at that. Call me a brat but there is absolutely nothing special about a single carnation. If course I’m picky about my roses too. They must have a scent, that’s the purpose of a rose.
Your daughters are amazing! What a special treat for their Mum. I would have been gushing too!
And those rose macarons!! Who wouldn’t love to be the recipient of those. Do some of them have white chocolate in them> Oh, my favorite!
No white chocolate in these ones: either dark chocolate or plain rose or rose infused with cardamom. White chocolate can be a bit longer to make, as slightly different setting times than dark chocolate, so this is easier…
lovely!
Another great post my friend! That big macaron heart is indeed inspiring!!! I will have to try and make some rose macarons myself! They look divine! Do take some rest if you can… I know it can be quite hectic!!! Hugs!
Happy Mother’s Day to you! It sounds like you had a lovely day and those macarons look SO beautiful!
Wow, what a crazy pink love. I love them all – including Edit Piaf’s song, but specially fell in love with the cherry cardamom thing – oh and the panacotta! Yum, can’t stop thinking about roses now! Maybe I will send you some petit roses from my garden, you deserve after this wonderful post!
Happy belated Mothers Day! 🙂 I loved this post! and that giant heart macaron looks so good!
Happy mothers day how sweet I am so enjoying your blog Paris is such a beautiful city and you bring it alive hugs
What a pretty post! Love the rose macarons, the poem, the panna cotta and everything about it… Happy Mother’s Day to you, Jill! So glad that you & your girls had a lovely day! That house is so gorgeous… are you buying it?
The chocolate bars with the crunchy rose petals sound SO good, Jill… I always enjoy your posts and look forward to them because they are so rich! Thanks for sharing another beautiful one 🙂
Was that heart shaped confection a giant macaron? I cannot wait to see your version.
Happy Mother’s Day to you. It sounds like you had a perfect day.
Love this gorgeous rosy post and all your beautiful creations!
Lovely post! I love the macaron tower! I just want to destroy it with my mouth. Om nom nom. Happy French Mum’s Day! So sweet that you got poems The best gifts are those that are hand made 🙂
Jill, hope you had a wonderful Mother’s day :)! The rose macaroons are beautiful! I especially love the color, and rose happens to be my favorite flavor of Macaroon!
What a sweet and romantic post. So pink and rosy. Glad you enjoyed your Mother’s day. It seems like you are having such good weather in France. How can so many nice things fit in one panna cotta?