Just down the hill from us is an outpost of La Boulange, a local string of Frenchie-type bakeries with delicious pastries, tartines, and the omnipresent macarons. We usually pop in there on Saturday mornings while out with Soph and pick up a quarter loaf of their multigrain, a couple of almond croissants, or, on occasion, a bite-sized fondant au chocolat.
I was pleased to come across the recipe for these little gems in the local paper, which, while largely deemed in this household the most embarrassing "news" paper on the planet (a frequent theme for front-page stories is then-and-now pictures of celebrities) does have a decent food section (though not in comparison The New York Times or Los Angeles Times, but I should just let it be, shouldn't I.)
These dense little guys are just what you need to propel you through a sleepy afternoon, or to finish off a lovely dinner. They're baked in muffin tins but the batter doesn't fill them up entirely, so what you end up with are smallish little cakes, kinda sunken and gooey in the middle.
And what goes perfectly with a mouthful of chocolate? A tiny cup of espresso, ideally made in this ridiculously cute contraption I just purchased.
Yes, people, that is a miniature two-cup stovetop espresso maker. Get yourself one.
Love your espresso maker _and_ the sound of those fondants! Are the cups made of porcelain? And is the metal stainless steel?
ReplyDeleteZoom: the cups are ceramic and have little indentations in the side for your fingers. Yes I believe the metal is stainless steel--seems to be good quality. The only downside (which I discovered yesterday) is that if you don't watch the flame on your burner, it can reach up the side--and melt the black piece! So mine is a little misshapen now but still usable.
ReplyDeleteSo cool. Thanks for the answers.
ReplyDeleteOooh, those fondants look great with the indentation because then you can fill them with a scoop of whipped cream and strawberries! That espresso contraption looks hilarious in a way. Since I'm just starting to understand the concept of drinking coffee ;-), I think that would be too advanced for me. Sounds great to be able to make espresso at home, though.
ReplyDeleteThat is a totally cool espresso contraption! I can't think of a better pairing on a Saturday afternoon.
ReplyDeleteI have a newspaper is equally as bad including the food section (smile).
Velva
Ben: I know, it is a little ridiculous. But I love it!
ReplyDeleteVelva: may you enjoy a fondant au chocolate and espresso one day soon!
methinks that little sinkhole is perfect for a plop of whipped cream. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd because they're small, you can eat two...or three without feeling guilty, right? ;)
ReplyDeletegrace: finally, a non-scary sinkhole!
ReplyDeletecamille: you read my mind.
The perfect vessel for banana sorbet. . you have to try the combination!
ReplyDeleteadorable! sadly, I think that even the food section has gone downhill in our local paper... mr. k gets the paper edition daily, but I pretty much read it online. Thanks for the reminder about the LAT, forgot about them.
ReplyDeleteThat is a ridiculously cute contraption, and those are very cute chocolate thingies :) How have you been Sam? Hope you're well and I've missed you !
ReplyDeleteNeedful: thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeletefoodhoe: Yeah, I forget about the LAT too but when I do check it out I'm always impressed1
shaz: Hi!!!! Glad to see you, maybe we can help each other get back to blogging ;)