French Fridays with Dorie: Baking Chez Moi Book Signing

Dorie & me at the Westlake Culinary Institute

Michael, Dorie, and Michael!

On Wednesday night, I was fortunate enough to see Dorie and Michael Greenspan, again, while they were on tour promoting Dorie’s newest cookbook, Baking Chez Moi.  They are the most gracious, humble, and loving couple.  Dorie welcomed me like an old friend and Michael made quick friends with my brother, Michael.  It turns out their names aren’t the only thing they have in common – they share a love of sports cars which they talked about enthusiastically.

Dorie & Mary Bergin sharing friendship, laughter, & memories!

I was warmly welcomed by Mary Bergin, the Executive Chef and instructor at the Westlake Culinary Institute in Southern California.  As it turns out, I should have brought my copy of “Baking with Julia” because Mary met Dorie when they were both working with Julia Child and she has several recipes in the book – including the chiffon cake pictured on the spine, as she proudly told me.  Mary and I immediately felt like we knew each other.  She’s so warm and funny (she does a great Wolfgang Puck impression!).  You can tell she’s in her element and loves what she does.  It was surreal to hear Dorie and Mary bantering about Nancy Silverton, Sarabeth Levine, and many other culinary greats I would be startstruck to meet, as good friends.

Dorie making Canistrelli

Vanilla Bean Sables & Pastis

One of the stories Dorie told, while mixing Canistrelli with her hands, was about a French baker she knew who always held one hand behind his back while kneading dough so he’d have a clean hand in case he needed to reach for something – I found that rather amusing and know I could never manage that.  But, she and Michael went on to tell the tragic story of Lionel Poilane which is recounted here.  

Dorie and Michael often finish each others’ sentences and you can tell he’s just as excited about Dorie’s success as she is.  If you want to learn more about “Baking Chez Moi,” there’s a great interview with Dorie on the Williams-Sonoma website where she talks about the inspiration behind her new book.

While Dorie prepared Corsican Canistrelli scented with Pastis, Mary and her team prepared Vanilla Bean Sables, Tiger Cakes covered with warm Chocolate Ganache, Pissaladiere, Crunchy Pear Tart, Dessert Roses, and Cold Hot Chocolate.  They also treated us to Valrhona Chocolate, cheese, olives, salami, and red and white wine.

Crunchy Pear Tart

So, I finally have “Baking Chez Moi” in my hot little hands! With a lovely inscription from Dorie. I’ve already made the Palets de Dames, Lille Style, but the next recipe I’m going to try is the Tiger Cakes with Chocolate Ganache – they are just melt-in-your mouth delicious!

Canistrelli fresh from the oven

I am so looking forward to returning to the Westlake Culinary Institute to take some classes from Mary.  If it weren’t for my love of Dorie, I never would have discovered the institute, or Mary.  Not only do they teach classes and host famous chefs and cookbook offers, they have a neat shop where I found Canèlles molds.

Such a lovely evening!

 If you’re looking for a fun baking group to join and a rewarding experience with a chance to make new friends, why not join Tuesdays with Dorie as we bake our way through Baking Chez Moi, one recipe at a time?

Avec des baises! Enjoy!

These recipes are provided for your personal use. If you publish them, or re-post them, please give me credit. Grazie e Buon Appetito!