HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY | BON APPÉTIT BOX № 2

The Valentine's version of the "Bon Appetit Box" is finally ready (and just in time for Valentine's Day!). So much effort has gone into this post, from the recipe testing to the photography editing to the recipe writing . . . The whole process took a lot of time, but I enjoyed the challenge and am relieved that I was able to complete it. At the moment, I am in a euphoric state and am ready to just relax and get away from my screen for a while. Hope you enjoy the recipes (even though I know you won't be able to use them for this Valentine's; next year, I promise I will get things up here earlier), and happy happy Valentine's Day!


LA BON APPÉTIT BOX {a valentine's version}
* french butter cookies
* valentine's cookies
* honey & lemon madeleines
* chocolate financiers


— continue reading for the recipes & more photographs of the Bon Appétit Box

HAPPINESS IN A BOX | BON APPÉTIT BOXES № 1

A trial version of the "bon appétit boxes" (which never happened during the holidays, but which will hopefully happen very soon). I am thinking Valentine's will be a very good occasion for the prettier and slightly more elaborate version I have in mind . . . *

le salon de thé | fig financiers

On the lower ground floor of a very favorite department store, among world famous chocolateries and pâtisseries, there is a lovely shop that sells the best financiers.

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financier   noun   \finɑ̃sje, jɛʀ\

: a small french cake, often mistaken for a pastry

main ingredient(s)
: beurre noisette, almond flour

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It is said that financiers were first sold in the 2e arrondissement in Paris: a financial district surrounding the "Paris Bourse" {Paris stock exchange}, as quick snacks for bankers on the go. They were baked in rectangular molds to resemble gold bars, hence the name "financier".

Have adored these sweet treats {along with madeleines} ever since a little girl, so was delighted when first read in a magazine about Noix de Beurre: a pâtisserie with it's main feature being these petits gâteaux. Crisp on the outside and tender in the middle, these golden financiers are possibly the best in Tokyo.

It was also after trying the fig financiers of Noix de Beurre, and finding the devastating news that they were seasonal treats and therefore not sold all the time, that decided this was a combination that needed to be recreated at home.

And so, the recipe for fig financiers below, and if you are not a fan of figs, not to worry; they are delicious without as well . . . *

* { fig financiers }
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