Thursday, 19 January 2012

How to make Petits-beurre biscuits.

My dear sister had a fantastic Christmas present idea this year, she gave me a Larousse Petits-beurre kit with a mini recipe book, a cookie cutter and a stamp that says 'Homemade' en français. The Dandy Lion market 'Granny's attic' was the perfect opportunity for me to try these babies out  and I chose to make the Pecan ones. Yummy! 


This is what they looked like before the baking. 

After:

I used a piece of rafia ribbon to tie them up. It gave them a terroir/ vintage look. 

If you want to give it a go, this is what you need to do.

To make about 50 biscuits, you need: 200 g sugar, 200 g salted butter, 12.5 cl water, 500 g plain flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 100 g Pecan nuts (crushed). 

Step 1: Place butter, water and sugar in a saucepan, bring to a boil. Leave to cool for 20 minutes.

Step 2: In a bowl, mix flour, nuts and baking powder. Add the cooled down liquid.

Step 3: Mix with a wooden spoon first then with hands. 

Step 4: Place the dough in cling film, then in the fridge for 3 hours.

Step 5: Roll out the dough with a bit of flour so it doesn't stick and shape out of the biscuits with cutter. 

Step 6: Place baking paper on a baking tray, space out the biscuits on it then bake for 10-12 minute in a preheated oven (180 degrees).

You can keep them for a few days in a biscuit tin. 

A table!

  









Wednesday, 18 January 2012

Neon love- A colour pop inspired bridal shoot

I was honoured enough to have participated in this event organised by the lovely talented Sonia from WTW. For the occasion, I was asked to provided some white cupcakes with neon coloured sprinkles. Here is the result. Aren't these photos amazing?




This event is also featured on Rock and Roll Bride.




Friday, 6 January 2012

Aaaah Noël!

Here are some of my Christmas creations.

Goat's cheese, peppers and paprika Verrines 
Crudités on Mini sticks
Pain surprise
Mini Financiers
Chocolate and chestnut Buche de Noël
And another one!

At last- but not least, Happy New Year everyone!



Tuesday, 13 December 2011

The Dandy Lion 'with bells on', a special Christmas market

Our host: Leslieworks





What a fab day this was!

Not only was this event a most splendid opportunity to shop for unusual and beautiful gifts for yourself and others, but was also a splendid opportunity to de-stress and luxuriate with Vikki Parker, MOBILE HOLISTIC THERAPIST who brought short Reflexology and Head Massage sessions.

Here is the list of the London artists and makers extraordinaire who beautifully displayed their affordable extra-special handmades.


KSG TEXTILE ART
TOMFOOLERY JEWELRY
LESLIEWORKS UPCYCLED HOMEWARES AND ACCESSORIES
SYLVIA UPCYCLED CLOTHES, FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES
LIEUTSKE VISSER SKULL & BONE ACCESSORIES
ALICE RIDLEY UPCYLCED HOMEWARES AND ACCESSORIES
PREDOMINANLTY PRINT ACRYLIC JEWELRY
ASHLEY FAYNE JEWELRY
GORGEOUS JEWELRY
SUSANNA BOLTON ARTISTS BOOKS, DRAWNOLOGY ZINES AND COMIX
ALFIE GALLAGHER GRAPHIC ART AND COMIX
And moi, FRENCH MADE






DJ TOBIAS 'THE TOBESTER' NEWLAND spinning his fresh ambient Balearic Soul, Electronica, and Old School Hip Hop.
In the courtyard ERIK RUTTERFORD crooning and strumming his indie soulfulness.

Once again, the Dandy Lion proved to be not any ordinary art and craft market as it had the Craic, the Vibe, the Scene, the Beauty, the Sounds and the Delectable Fancy Nibbles and MULLED WINE!

AND it is held at the wonderful Boogaloo with it's famous jukebox, outdoor courtyard and stables.
One word: MAGNIFIQUE!

Come to the next one! It's on 14th January!

Friday, 21 October 2011

Wonderful Vintage Twee: An addition to French Made's list of recommendations.

Vintage twee makes vintage inspired favours & table decor for tea parties, weddings or showers. 

Here are some of the lovely bits you can buy from their online boutique
Decorative tea favours

Fortune Teller favours

Cupcake picks

Floral rose cones

Picture this: French Made's cakes and bakes, Vintage twee's table decor and Magpie vintage crockery hire and your event is complete!







Monday, 17 October 2011

French Made recommends Magpie vintage crockery hire


A few weeks ago, I came across this wonderful crockery hire company called Magpie (merci, Twitter!) run by the lovely Helen. She owns a beautiful vintage collection, no only you can hire cups, teapots and cake stands from her but also buntings and garden games. Amazing!
So I am pleased to recommend Magpie services along with, of course, mine!

http://www.magpiecrockery.co.uk/
http://www.frenchmade.co.uk/

Sunday, 16 October 2011

The Dandy Lion market #5



Being in October, #5 celebrated the themes of the macabre. As usual, the event was characterised by amazing creations: From Prints to paper crafts, from recycled fashion to home and decorative wares, but also unique jewelry and accessories. 


Here's some examples: CUT and TEAR


Wiz of Oz decoupaged bangle by Gen's jewlery.



Vintage style handmade postcards by our lovely and very talented  host Leslieworks 


Kiddies even had the opportunities to make a Mexican Day of the Dead assemblage mask at the Interactive Craft table.
Finally, the outside stall holders had to brave the cold but were lucky enough to enjoy Erik Rutterford's fantastic acoustic tunes!


I, myself decided to go for an angry pumpkins retro style carrot and walnut cake,


a chocolate fudge cake decorated with spooky white choc skulls.



and some nutella/ peanut butter pumpkin cookies.

The next market is on Saturday 12 November. Come and enjoy a 'Spicy' event!