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Cooking Class: Classic French Cocktail Hour Snacks – Part Two  with Mardi Michels

Cooking Class: Classic French Cocktail Hour Snacks – Part Two with Mardi Michels


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Back by popular demand, Context Learning and Mardi Michels present more of our favorite, easy French cocktail recipes for the perfect L'heure de l'apéro – to enjoy at home or on a picnic by the Seine River. The Cocktail Hour is a treasured quality time, when the workday ends and friends sit down to relax and enjoy a drink and some nibbles together, catching up at the end of the day.
During this second hands-on class, we will learn how to make three more delicious (and easier to make than you'd think) apéro snacks: Financiers Jambon-Fromage (Ham and Cheese Financiers), Palmiers au Pistou (Pesto Palmier Cookies), and a Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Nut Mix.
Led by food writer, French teacher, and cookbook author, Mardi Michels, this interactive lesson will have us whipping up these tasty, easy snacks like an expert. Participants will come away with an understanding of how to bring a little bit of French flair to their own cocktail hours.

Cocktail Nut Mix:
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 1/2 cups whole raw mixed nuts
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Piment d’Espelette OR chili powder
  • pinch cinnamon
  • pinch smoked paprika
Financiers Jambon-fromage:
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) salted butter
  • 1 large egg white
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons ground almonds (almond meal)
  • 1/4 cup grated cheese
  • 1 slice ham, finely diced
Pesto Palmiers:
  • approx. 250g store-bought puff pastry
  • 3-4 tablespoons pesto
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
Additional (Recommended) Equipment: 
  • 1 x 12-cavity mini muffin tin OR 1 x 6-cavity regular muffin tin
  • 1 x 1 tablespoon cookie scoop (optional but helpful)

Mardi Michels is a full-time elementary school French (and cooking!) teacher and the author of eatlivetravelwrite.com where she writes about culinary adventures near and far. Mardi grew up in Australia, lived and taught in Paris for over five years, and now calls Toronto home. In 2014, Mardi and her husband purchased a home in Nérac (southwest France), which they operate as a vacation rental property. They spend as much time in France as they can! Mardi also teaches (mostly French) cooking and baking classes for adults and children (currently online!). Her first book, In the French kitchen with Kids, was published in 2018 (Appetite by Random House).

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 7 reviews
86%
(6)
0%
(0)
14%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
W
William Magee (Issaquah, US)
Informative & Fun

Did this in my kitchen with 3 other friends & we all had a great time. Mardi was an excellent instructor, gave us insights into the French view of appetizers and was engaging. Would totally do another cooking class with context! So fun!

e
e.g. (Brookline, US)
Wonderful experience

Guest did not leave comment

D
DIONE DITTMAR (Kent, US)

I love how easy to make and elegant these snacks are! You can quickly whip up a whole batch for guests, or to take to a party to share.

S
Stacy Christine
I will definitely make these dishes again!

Mardi did a great job of selecting three simple but creative recipes and guiding us through the cooking process. The class was fast paced, so having your ingredients and utensils out beforehand is helpful. However, Mardi regularly asked if everyone was keeping up, and often stopped to check the chat for questions. I would be delighted to take a class with her again soon!

A
Andrea shapiro (Beverly Hills, US)
Always Terrific

My third class wh Mardi and I’ll sign up for any in the future. She’s terrific! Clear, easy recipes, fun and most importantly, human!

Customer Reviews

Based on 7 reviews
86%
(6)
0%
(0)
14%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
W
William Magee (Issaquah, US)
Informative & Fun

Did this in my kitchen with 3 other friends & we all had a great time. Mardi was an excellent instructor, gave us insights into the French view of appetizers and was engaging. Would totally do another cooking class with context! So fun!

e
e.g. (Brookline, US)
Wonderful experience

Guest did not leave comment

D
DIONE DITTMAR (Kent, US)

I love how easy to make and elegant these snacks are! You can quickly whip up a whole batch for guests, or to take to a party to share.

S
Stacy Christine
I will definitely make these dishes again!

Mardi did a great job of selecting three simple but creative recipes and guiding us through the cooking process. The class was fast paced, so having your ingredients and utensils out beforehand is helpful. However, Mardi regularly asked if everyone was keeping up, and often stopped to check the chat for questions. I would be delighted to take a class with her again soon!

A
Andrea shapiro (Beverly Hills, US)
Always Terrific

My third class wh Mardi and I’ll sign up for any in the future. She’s terrific! Clear, easy recipes, fun and most importantly, human!