POUR AMOUR (FOR LOVE)

Can you imagine a dessert so decadent and so filled with love for the person you are making it for? Well that is Pour Amour. FOR LOVE! You take 20 layers of French Crepes and fill each layer with a pastry cream that is like no other pastry cream you have had before, a little vanilla, some orange zest, sweetness and lots of love.

Crepes

I had the greatest honor last night to make this dessert in a commercial kitchen for the first time on all levels for me. I was not only taught an art and craft. But learned that I think I could make it in a commercial kitchen. There were a few failed attempts at the crepes, but all in all for my first time it was not so bad. Minus a few singed finger tips. I do know I want to get back in the kitchen and try it again.

The layering

When I was building this dessert last night I was thinking how each layer was representing people in my life. My three kids; Kaitlin, Kiara, and Charles were the first layer, Reynold was next layer, my Mom, My godmother Marie, My brothers and their families were another layer, all of my friends, Joni, Julia, Annette, all the Ashley’s, Dina, Annie, Dana, Susan, Millie, Kim and the list continues with good people in my life. Another layer of for the WHRO IT guys and gals and their families. One more layer of my fellow culinary students. The layers kept building higher and higher.   Swirl the cream, then top with a crepe, swirl the cream. The second to last layer was for SAVOR Virginia, the employees, their families my new work family. Then the top crepe, Mi Amour, my love to top it all off. I know it sounds silly and whimsical, but that was what was going through my mind as I was building and being creative. A strong foundation of love and throughout with lots of building blocks, stumbles, falls, and learning experiences.

Ready for the fridge

As most of you know I have zero confidence and self esteem for myself. I do know I love food and the culinary world and have been struggling this past summer on what direction to channel this love. Last night helped me realize, I still want to learn, I still love the craft, but can I be good enough in this atmosphere? I know I am good with computers, and can organize someone’s dream into reality.

Today Chef Ellerbe’s dream has become a reality with SAVOR Virginia’s Low Country Cuisine opening for dinner. I was a part of the dream. I will miss the reality since I will be in Garde Manger class making Orange Marmalade or Tomato Jam.

I wish Walter, Drew, Michael, Sean, and Jacqui the greatest success today and always.  I know Kathleen, Anissa, Danielle, Bridgette and Jamie will rock it and sell the food. Without the wonderful support, creativity, and talents of Cirilo, Travis, and Scott the look and feel of the restaurant would not be as awesome as it is. I also need to say thanks to my children and my family and friends who were so patient with my times on the phones, and long hours of learning the basis of getting a business started. Thank you all for letting me share the ride this journey has brought us together. POUR AMOUR!!