http://ask.metafilter.com/92392/On-the-hunt-for-the-tantalising-and-elusive-French-Croissant/ Comments on Ask MetaFilter post On the hunt for the tantalising and elusive French Croissant Mon, 26 May 2008 06:20:36 -0800 Mon, 26 May 2008 06:20:36 -0800 en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 http://ask.metafilter.com/92392/On-the-hunt-for-the-tantalising-and-elusive-French-Croissant Recommendations for French Cooking courses in London or Paris? <br /><br /> I'm taking a year off work, and one of my self improvement goals during this period is to markedly improve my cooking skills. I cooked in a diner while taking my undergraduate degree, make all our meals at home and don't have too much of a problem with a range of baked goods - e.g., breads, cakes, cookies or muffins - but French croissants are (still) frustrating me somewhat.<br> <br> Thanks to folks taking the time to answer <a href="http://ask.metafilter.com/88636/WARNING-my-croissants-are-the-cooking-equivalent-of-Weapons-of-Mass-Destruction">my previous question</a>, I've managed to improve my product somewhat, but my croissants are still noticeably flat compared to bakery offerings, lacking lightness and distinct, multiple layers i.e., some of my layers collapse into each other. <br> <br> I'm aware there are different styles for learning, and it would appear I'll have to <i>see</i> the process of croissant banking in order to reach my goal. I've watched several videos which were interesting &amp; helpful, but I'm apparently lacking critical feedback on technique which would help me markedly improve my croissants. As my Grandmaw taught me to cook at a very young age, I undoubtedly acquired more basic cooking skills the same way.<br> <br> Can anyone recommend a French pastry course, preferably lasting one week or less, in London? Paris would be acceptable as well, and while I realise this would sharply increase the range of courses available, would have to be taught in English.<br> <br> Many thanks! post:ask.metafilter.com,2008:site.92392 Mon, 26 May 2008 06:17:36 -0800 Mutant cooking frugal croissant frenchpastry frenchcooking resolved http://ask.metafilter.com/92392/On-the-hunt-for-the-tantalising-and-elusive-French-Croissant#1352679 Whoops! <i>"...and it would appear I'll have to see the process of croissant <b>baking</b> in order to ..."</i><br> <br> <small><small>Apologies: I'm a banker, not a baker, and those typing fingers have a mind of their own sometimes ...</small></small> comment:ask.metafilter.com,2008:site.92392-1352679 Mon, 26 May 2008 06:20:36 -0800 Mutant http://ask.metafilter.com/92392/On-the-hunt-for-the-tantalising-and-elusive-French-Croissant#1352769 I believe <a href="http://www.cordonbleu.net">Le Cordon Bleu</a> has a nice variety of classes in both London &amp; Paris. Perhaps their Patisserie 2 day course? comment:ask.metafilter.com,2008:site.92392-1352769 Mon, 26 May 2008 08:45:36 -0800 leotrotsky http://ask.metafilter.com/92392/On-the-hunt-for-the-tantalising-and-elusive-French-Croissant#1426516 <em>I'll have to see the process of croissant banking...</em><br> <br> I thought you were taking a year off? comment:ask.metafilter.com,2008:site.92392-1426516 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:17:13 -0800 StickyCarpet