CHOCOLATE AND ROMANCE

CHOCOLATE AND ROMANCE
Having travelled from Broadway and inspired by the film starring the dreamy Gene Kelly, An American in Paris will launch on the stage in London’s West End. We’ve all be swept away by the romance and the magic of the movie. To be asked to sweep away some special guests at the preview this week with some Artisan chocolatey treats was an invitation we could not refuse. A special event like this needs something seriously delectable. Our gorgeous salted caramel tarts, made especially for the preview party, are little morsels of chocolate caramel heaven: a crumbly pastry cup filled with a layer of our salted caramel and a layer of dark chocolate ganache topped by thin milk chocolate discs. You can find the recipe here

We arrive at what at first looks like a 1930s cinema and are led into the private bar area where the party will be held. It looks like a showroom for a cool vintage furniture shop and I picture how some of the items could look in my cottage (not that I spend much time in it or that most of the furniture could fit through the door). A large antique wooden table sets the scene for our chocolate munchies, milk chocolate coated cannonmalts (think Maltesers but much better!) in antique bowls. As always I’m carrying a bag that may as well hold half the factory. Needing somewhere to pop it down for the evening, we are led to a little secret room behind the screen where the preview is due to be held. Greeted by a barrage of goodie bags (which contain amongst other beautiful gifts, a little duo bar from us), I soon spy in the corner, the lady herself, the famous and more beautiful in person than she ever looks on screen, Darcey Bussell. She is stunning, dressed in white, and immaculate when I hardly manage to get our of our atelier without chocolate smeared somewhere. 

As the preview begins, the impeccable Darcy takes to the stage to introduce the production and its head choreographer followed by a live performance by some of the cast. Yet all I can think about is if the tarts are being prepped up correctly and whether they are at the right temperature. I don't do pastry often so this is a bit outside my chocolate comfort zone. I am relieved to see that the tarts go down a storm and are devoured at speed as hands reach to grab them. I do hope the impeccable Mrs Darcey managed to enjoy one chocolate tart and I am sure she will still be impeccable- without any smearing of chocolate. Have a romantic week, Miss Anne

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