Mignardises

While I busy myself drawing up the index of my upcoming Paris book -- a task that is in fact more rewarding that one might think, in a punctilious sort of way -- here are a few links for you to nibble on*.

~ Christophe Michalak, pastry chef at the Plaza Athénée and winner of the 2005 World Pastry Championship has a blog! It's in French, yes, but Michalak mainly posts pictures of his buddies' pastry shops around the world, and no language skills are needed to enjoy those.

~ Candied chestnut fans, rejoice: the Figaroscope team has tasted and rated the best and worst you can find in Paris. (My favorite source is Debauve & Gallais, but it wasn't included in the selection.)

~ My friend David shares his best caramel tips. He's promised a part two and we really can't wait, but please don't pester him; the guy is on a deadline.

~ If you have an interest in Indian cuisine, you're going to be all over this enchanting homemade cooking show, Manjula's Kitchen. (Via the C&Z forums -- thanks Rainey!)

~ Speaking of forums, a capitally important debate is now raging there: is it okay to ask your guests to remove their shoes when they enter your house? (Feel free to go and add your two cents.)

~ Meanwhile, an equally pressing question is discussed on Shelterrific: how do you get rid of cooking smells in your house?

~ Finally, although we are now ankle-deep in 2008, it is still time to print this adorable desk calendar, which the ever-talented Delphine has designed for you to enjoy all through the year.

* Mignardises are the one-bite confections -- miniature tartlets, fruit pastes, cubes of nougat, macarons... -- that they serve with coffee at gastronomic restaurants. The picture above was taken last spring at Le Pré Catelan.