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Context's Holiday Cookie Swap: French Financiers, Sablés, and More with Mardi Michels

Context's Holiday Cookie Swap: French Financiers, Sablés, and More with Mardi Michels


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

Join Context Learning and Mardi Michels for our Holiday Cookie Swap. During this two-part series, we will learn how to make several deceptively simple French cookie recipes that are sure to impress guests at any holiday party. 

In just 90 minutes, participants will learn how to make three easy, classic French treats – Orange Financiers (ok, not technically a cookie but perfect for a holiday swap!), Sablés Bretons (buttery Breton shortbread cookies) and Biscuits "Lunettes" (gorgeous jam sandwich cookies).

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 this year's cookie swap!

This seminar has been designed to be enjoyed as a two-part series with Mardi Michels. For additional holiday seminars and cooking classes, we invite you to click here. 

Note: Full recipes will be provided in advance of the session.

Shopping List:
Orange financiers:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature 
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 
  • zest of 1/2 an orange or 1 clementine 
  • 1/4 cup (25g) almond meal 
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, sifted 
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice 
  • 1 egg white 

For the financiers' cream cheese frosting: 
  • 60g cream cheese, at room temperature 
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, at room temperature 
  • 1/4-1/3 cup icing sugar, sifted 
  • 1-2 teaspoons orange zest (to taste) 

Sablés Bretons: 
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar  
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) European-style (fat content 82-83%) salted butter at room temperature  
  • 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt  
  • 1 large egg yolk 
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract  
  • 1 cup (150g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting the work surface   
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten for egg wash  
  • 1 tablespoon cream or milk for egg wash 

Biscuits “Lunettes” (Jam Sandwich Cookies):

For the cookies: 
  • 3/4 cup (113g) all-purpose flour  
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) salted butter, cold and cut into small cubes 
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar  
  • 1 large egg yolk 
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

For filling and assembly
  • Icing sugar  
  • Jam of your choice  

Special equipment needed: 
  • 1 x 2-inch (5cm) round cookie cutter 
  • 1 x 3-inch (7cm) oval cookie cutter (or round) 
  • 1 x 12-cavity mini muffin tin

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 3 reviews
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B.M. (Toronto, CA)

Class was great. The treats I made were very yummy. It’s great to be able to make so many things in such a short time!

C
C.L. (Burlington, CA)

Great class! Mardi was very organized and had lots of extra tips for successful baking. The cookies were yummy as well!

B
B. (Sun City Center, US)
Wonderful way to spend and afternoon!

This is my second session with this presenter. Great cookies and explanations…wish we had more time

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
100%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
B.M. (Toronto, CA)

Class was great. The treats I made were very yummy. It’s great to be able to make so many things in such a short time!

C
C.L. (Burlington, CA)

Great class! Mardi was very organized and had lots of extra tips for successful baking. The cookies were yummy as well!

B
B. (Sun City Center, US)
Wonderful way to spend and afternoon!

This is my second session with this presenter. Great cookies and explanations…wish we had more time