Stunning cakes at Careme

Marie Antoine Carême  was a famous French patissier, who gave his name to the Careme cooking academy in Martinborough.  He is often considered as one of the first internationally renowned celebrity chefs, and was an early practitioner and exponent of the elaborate style of cooking known as grande cuisine, the “high art” of French cooking. It seemed fitting that our own Careme school should honour him by holding a cake-making open day exactly 230 years after his birth on 8 June 1784. 

About 20 people came along, eager to learn some of the secrets that have been passed down for more than two centuries. Jo Crabb, the academy’s Principal, was very pleased that everyone had lots of fun, which was the object of the day.

Jo reported that the day produced some “stunning cakes”, and added that there were no disasters. Most of the cakes turned out very well, although there was some “ interesting decorating” because people were using a piping bag for the first time. She added that being able to practice on both recipes and decorating before the day did give her an advantage.