So, I went on a reality show... and it actually premieres on national television tonight! I feel like i'm in uncharted territory--I don't quite know what to expect or what will come of this. What I do know is that the entire experience has been full of unexpected surprises--like filming in London at the same set where Star Wars was being filmed!  I not only challenged myself as a baker and a person, but I got to share this adventure with a wonderful group of people who became friends. 

I worked with some lovely people over the past seven months, and they were kind enough to send me out on a high note. An extremely high note. 

I'm pretty sure that we all agree with Jamie Olliver--America needs a food revolution.  And the unhealthy school lunches that are served to our children--our future--need to change.

Versailles' Petit Trianon, Grand Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's Hamlet--proof that the biggest McMansion won't make you happy! 

So we had this crazy idea to meet up in London for about 24 hours.  The time was short, but fun and productive!  

Prêt-à-porTea at the Berkeley in London. Quite possibly one of the cutest things I've ever seen. Truly the intersection of haute couture and haute patisserie.

Most everything is closed on Sundays.  Some markets are open on Sunday mornings, but Sunday is observed as a day of rest.  

Spring. It's like someone turned the lights on. The grass is green and long. The smell of freshly mowed lawns lingers through the air.

Folks in Amsterdam are friendly. Super friendly. Down south kinda friendly. 

Amsterdam--a laid-back city with a rustic, small-town charm.  The Las Vegas of Europe may not have clubs open all night or open container laws like New Orleans, but

My mom and I had the pleasure of doing a venoisserie workshop in Paris. 

England may not be well known for its... cuisine. Sure, you'll find fish and chips (fried fish and french fries), pub food, and great Indian food.

The real jewels of London won't be found in the crowns of the Royals, but at the British Museum.... Most of the museums in London are free!!

Train ride from London to Paris: a short two hours. But, the difference in culture is much wider than the English channel... 

My mom (and a king cake from Randazzo's Bakery in New Orleans) came several thousands of miles to visit!...)

The fro-yo craze has hit Norway, thanks to two fellow Trojans.Frozen yogurt in Norway?  Yes.

I made it to Aker Brygge at dusk. I was able to capture some beautiful pictures of the harbor while the sun was setting.

First Impressions:It's always exciting to visit new countries--especially when they speak a language that is completely foreign to my ears.

The city of Bordeaux itself is architecturally fascinating.  It is somewhat centrally located, with the Medoc region to its north, St Emillion to its East,...

Margaux was the second AOC in the Medoc region that I visited.  Though only 15 kilometers from Pauillac, the red wines of Margaux are fruitier, and more elegant.

The most famous and recognizable pastry from the Bordeaux region is the Cannelé.  Its unmistakable wine cork shape is undoubtedly a tribute to the livelihood of the region.

The land in much of the Medoc region is not suitable for growing any crop besides "stressed" grapes which are perfect for wine-making. 

Bordeaux, generally, is known for its red wines. The Medoc region and Pauillac are especially known for their red wines, and some of the most famous wineries...

There are a few dishes that you will find at most homes for Christmas dinner in France. The first of these is foie gras. 

The Bûche de Nöel (Yule Log) is a cake enjoyed at Christmastime.  The "buche" (log) is made from either genoise or sponge cake, and it is baked in a shallow jelly roll pan.

One of the loveliest things about Christmas in France is the Christmas markets.  

There is a special exhibit at the Musee Carnavalet in Paris, featuring Louis Vuitton. 

Though the weather outside is  frightful, the fire is so delightful. And since we've no place to go--Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow! 

What is cubism?Cubism can be thought about a variety of ways, and like most things, it evolved. Early cubism varies greatly from later cubism.