We all have passions. Mine include food, photography and entertaining.
But we are all different and the more that we interact with each other, the more that we find out about each other and what makes us tick.
I recently became familiar with a very interesting Yoga/Pilates classmate and was intrigued to learn of her passions.
Proffessionally, she is a PhD and was a university professor in translation studies, (English, French and Spanish) and a lifelong dance teacher for students at all levels, kids to adults. Plus, she is an avid home cook and pastry chef.
She is also passionate about basket weaving and she weaves incredibly intricate and beautiful baskets each fall, (because its cooler and damper and it must be done outside).
In the winter, she bakes and travels and uses her tri lingual language skills while visiting warm and sunny places. There are lots of beautiful English, French and Spanish speaking countries to visit when the snow flies in Toronto and she’s been known to visit a few.
Her stories, passions, travel and past occupations all came out over a period of time and over more than a few classes; we all tend to chat a bit before the teacher arrives.
Lyse comes from la belle province, Québec, so there are French influences in her baking and cooking. She was so enthusiastic about her winter baking project that I became intrigued, and I asked for a sample box of her sweets. I wanted to take photos and post them for all to see, and of course I wanted to taste these delectable bites.
Lyse starts baking a variety of these small sweets in November each year in time for the holiday season. She wraps all of her creations in pretty little packages with ribbons and bows and adds them to one of her handwoven baskets. These then become annual gifts to friends and family.
Here’s a list of the delightful package that she shared with me,
“Sucre à la crème” (Caramel Fudge, a popular French Canadian confection ), my favorite.
Biscuits à la mélasse (Spice Cookies), I could eat a whole bag of these they are so delicious!
Butter Tartes
Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies (with homemade strawberry jam)
Almond Crescents
I just thought it would whet your appetite and give you inspiration to start baking now and make these wonderful tasty, bites for your own family and friends.
Happy holidays everyone!
