SoChic Stories
Learn how to make Paris-Brest with Europe Essentials
- - Gastronomy
Last week, we had the pleasure of attending the very festive workshop “Holiday Whip: A Celebration of French Cream” at ABC Cooking Studio, Funan Mall. This exclusive event, organized by the Europe Essentials Campaign by Hopscotch in collaboration with CNIEL, brought together all foodies for a delightful immersion into the art of French pâtisserie. Guided by the talented Chef Cindy Khoo, attendees explored the versatility and finesse of French cream through a hands-on workshop centered around the iconic Paris-Brest.
Maybe it will remind you what Julien Royer did 3 years ago with the Paris-Brest-Singapour!
What is Paris-Brest?
The Paris-Brest, a quintessential French dessert, was first created in 1910 to commemorate the Paris–Brest–Paris bicycle race. Its unique circular shape represents a bicycle wheel, while its composition—a ring of choux pastry filled with a rich praline cream—symbolizes indulgence and tradition. Over the years, the Paris-Brest has become a beloved classic in French pâtisserie, admired for its harmonious blend of textures: the crisp pastry, the velvety cream, and the nutty crunch of praline.
Learning From a Master
From the moment we entered the spacious and elegantly equipped ABC Cooking Studio, the festive ambiance set the tone for an unforgettable afternoon. Guests were greeted with warm beverages and a quick introduction to the event’s highlights before donning aprons for the culinary journey ahead.
The star of the afternoon was Chef Cindy Khoo, Executive Pastry Chef at Hilton Singapore Orchard. Known for her innovative approach to desserts, Chef Cindy shared her expertise on working with French cream, emphasizing its superior quality and health benefits. Her demonstration of a Christmas-inspired Paris-Brest had everyone mesmerized. She infused the cream with delicate flavors, showcased expert piping techniques, and adorned the dessert with edible festive decorations.
A Hands-On Experience
The workshop was truly immersive, as each guest had the chance to create their own Paris-Brest. Divided into small groups, participants learned the intricacies of piping choux pastry, infusing cream, and assembling their desserts.
The afternoon concluded with a tasting session and a lively Q&A with Chef Cindy, where she shared tips and stories from her culinary journey.
If this event has inspired you to try your hand at making a Paris-Brest, start by sourcing high-quality French cream—it’s the secret to achieving that rich, silky texture. And if you’d rather leave it to the experts, we recommend visiting Hilton Singapore Orchard, where Chef Cindy Khoo’s creations are always a treat.
