I'm being haunted by the Croquembouche. This tower of spun sugar and cream puffs has been on my radar for quite a while, but lately, they seem to be everywhere.
I got started on a roll with the Croquembouche that graced the lavish dessert table, above. That Christmas party took place in a gorgeous Upper East Side apartment in 1966. Amazingly enough, the host reads my blog, so I've had the chance to speak with him about his holiday hosting skills. I'll post that within the next week. But in the meantime, you gotta admit that that Croquembouche was quite the show stopper.
Mary McDonald obviously agreed. She served one up to her guests at her formal Christmas party from a few years ago. In fact, this Town & Country photo made an appearance in one of my very first posts way back when.
The version found in Tiffany Christmas
I also come across this one that is holding court with a glazed Smithfield ham.
And then, I was at the bookstore where I saw the cover of Fine Cooking magazine. Yep, a Croquembouche.
Last night at 3am, I had the great idea that I would make my very own Croquembouche and photograph it to share with all of you. And, at 7am, I thought better of it. Some things are better left to the pastry chefs of the world. Otherwise, I feel it is a recipe for disaster.