Pierre Hermé

No, it's not the French designer of the world famous scarf (which is Hermés). Pierre Hermé is a famous, fourth generation French pastry chef who makes outstanding sweet pastries and cakes. I've just been watching the final series of "Masterchef UK - The Professionals" and each of the three finalists had to cook one of his signature cakes. He and two other famous pastry chefs judged the results. The other judges were Cherish Finden, head pastry chef of "The Langham Hotel" in London and James Petrie, head pastry chef at "The Fat Duck", Heston Blumenthal's famous restaurant.

He's also been known for bringing back the popularity of the French macaron (pronounced 'mack-a-ronn') unlike the familiar coconut macaroon.

[Photo source]

Here is a selection of macarons from the menu.

DEPLIANT_MACARON_PHP_AH08

I have a friend in Tasmania, Claire, who is famous for making all different kinds of macarons, brilliantly. I've never attempted them but maybe I will one day. If it doesn't take less than half an hour to make, I usually don't, unless I have more time on the weekend.

Masterchef finalists are now cooking at "Noma" in Denmark, voted the world's best restaurant in 2010.

Who knows if I'll ever get to Pierre's shop in Paris. I'll just have to put up with the copies of these delectable delights from French bakeries dotted around Brisbane or just hope Claire in Tasmania is in the mood for baking and sends me some!