Goodbye 2021
(don't let the door hit you on the way out)
December 27th 2021
A little later than usual this month but by the time I got around to compiling this missive, it was Christmas Eve/ Day/ middle of the holiday period and I figured it might get lost in the fray. So hopefully you’re opening this on the morning after Boxing Day when things in your household are calm(ish) and you can just enjoy your morning coffee and a few of my thoughts. In many parts of Europe it’s acceptable to pass on holiday wishes to people through the 6th January so I’ll just say “Bonnes fêtes, bonne année (et bonne santé, surtout!).
Even though it’s the topic of the moment, I’m not going to touch on C*vid here since no-one needs to read more about it, especially not here. So…
As we close out 2021 and head into 2022 (hopefully not “2020, too”!), I’d like to thank you all for reading these newsletters. They are one of my favourite things to write each month - I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.
Know someone who might like them?
Need a “bonne année” gift? How about a gift subscription to the paid version (2-ish times a month, exclusive posts and recipes)?
French Food for Everyone: le dîner (dinner) is out NOW!
That’s right! Just before Christmas I quietly released the second chapter in French Food for Everyone - this chapter is all about le dîner (dinner). Bring a little French flair to your dinner table in 2022! Read all about it here.
In-person cooking classes are (might be?) back!
Ok, so *in theory*, I’ll be back teaching at the beautiful Kitchen at St Lawrence Market in Toronto from January onwards, with added Covid protocols to keep everyone safe! *** Note that this may change based on provincial guidelines.
I’m starting out with some familiar favourite classes - macarons, choux pastry, le café gourmand (mini French pastries) and l’heure de l’apéro - and introducing a couple of new offerings (a French bistro class with wine pairings and a special “goûter” class).
If you’re in Toronto or know someone who is, check out my January - March offerings here. Use NEWSLETTERSUBSCRIBER for 15% off ticket prices.
online classes are still going strong!
Can’t get to Toronto - or don’t want to take an in-person class just yet? I’m continuing my online classes with Context Travel in 2022 - I’ve taught a few classes over the holiday season (cookies, apéro snacks!) and a few more classes are coming up in the new year - including the ever-popular Galette des Rois class (above) in January. Check out all my class offerings with Context here. Use MMICHELS20 for 20% off!
still baking?
It feels that January (at least in many parts of the world) will require treats. And did you know that from December 1st - 12th I shared my 12 Days of Holiday Treats recipes? While many of these are “holiday” flavours, I think they are all great bakes all year round!
Day 1: Speculoos financiers
Day 2: Chocolate Dipped Orange Sugar Cookies
Day 3: Madeleines à la Clémentine
Day 4: Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Day 5: Sunbutter and Jam Chocolate Cups
Day 6: Hot Chocolate and Marshmallow Cookies
Day 7: Linzer Cookies
Day 8: Chocolate-Hazelnut Sandwich Cookies
Day 9: Choc-Mint Thumbprint Cookies
Day 10: Pailles (Puff Pastry and Jam Cookies)
Day 11: Strawberry Santa Hats
Day 12: Mulled Wine Jam
Check all the 12 Days of Holiday Treats recipes out here!
links you might like
eat
Three “classics” from Australia, France and Italy
Love or hate vegemite - do you know the history?
What are “marrons glacés” from The French Dispatch? via Food 52.
Panettone: The Story of Italian Christmas Cake via Giuliano Hazan
live
Cleaning, baking and microwave tips. What else do you need?!
The Best Cleaning Hacks We Learned in 2021 via Food 52.
Our Best Tips for Baking via Leite’s Culinaria
What your microwave can do for you via The New York Times.
ok, actually, maybe you need wine….
23 Wine Movies You Don’t Want to Miss via Wine Folly.
travel
25 travel films that will make you feel like you are on holiday via Condé Nest Traveller.
5 of the best French Christmas films to watch via Complete France.
write
The story of a restaurant review that went viral.
The review:
We Eat at the Worst Michelin-starred Restaurant. Ever. via The Everywhereist
(a selection of) Articles about the review:
27 courses and very little edible: Review of Michelin-starred restaurant goes viral via Today
A travel writer’s bad review of a Michelin-starred restaurant went viral. The chef responded with images of horses via The Washington Post.
Of Mouth Molds and Michelin Stars: Chef Finds Fame via Epic Takedown via The New York Times
what we’re watching
Richard Jewell “Security guard Richard Jewell is an instant hero after foiling a bomb attack at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, but his life becomes a nightmare when the FBI leaks to the media that he is a suspect in the case.” This was … disturbing (sorry, not a jolly holiday film at all) but SO well done.
The Hot Zone: Anthrax “A look a the events that took place in 2001, just weeks after 9/11, when the United States was rocked by another deadly act of terrorism.” Again, this was not exactly uplifting (and perhaps an episode or two too long) but fascinating (especially if you remember that time post 9/11).
The Pact “An unexplained death - and five friends bound together by a fragile pact of silence. What really happened that night in the woods?” This was well done- kind of a Welsh version of Big Little Lies. Keeps you guessing until nearly the end!
Julia “Julia tells the story of the legendary cookbook author and television superstar who changed the way Americans think about food, television, and even about women.” We saw this in-person at a cinema with a handful of other people in late November and it was a delightful taste of “normal”. Also: Go Julia! What a trailblazer!!
Last Night in Soho “An aspiring fashion designer is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer. But the glamour is not all it appears to be and the dreams of the past start to crack and splinter into something darker.” Visually this was fabulous, a surprise, as I’d heard nothing about it
(and because t’is the season for fluffy viewing…)
T’is the Season! Cheesy Christmas Movie Roundup via Prêt à Voyager. A comprehensive list from Anne with cheat notes to help you decide what to watch!
And just like that… This is…. disappointing. A bit awkward. And SAD. All the sads in the first episode. On that note - Ask a Cardiologist: Should Carrie have Called 911 via Vulture. Also And Just Like That… it all went wrong via The New York Times. (am I watching the rest of it? Yup…)
Are YOU watching Emily in Paris Season 2? I am because it’s the perfect fluff to help with jet lag and the heaviness of the year, but I have questions: Why does Sylvie call a waiter “garçon”? I can see Emily doing this but not a French person. How come Emily cannot pronounce the name “Mathieu”? (she says “Machoo”). And others. This season’s highlights were seeing the Breakfast in America diner (check out my review of owner Craig Carlson’s books Pancakes in Paris and Let them Eat Pancakes!) and spotting Paris by Mouth at a restaurant opening (Paris by Mouth is not “a blogger” - they have a comprehensive website with write-ups of Paris restaurants and they offer food tours (still one of my favourites I’ve taken in Paris with local and friend Jennifer Greco!).
buy my books
Don’t have my books? Read all about them and find links to purchase near you!
rent our holiday home in south-west France!
Our charming house in Nérac, halfway between Bordeaux and Toulouse in the heart of Gascony is available to rent if you're able to travel there!
Thanks for reading!
Stay safe xo