You may have been under the impression that Chef Lauren and Chef Katharine are miracle workers, it’s simply not the case (well, maybe they work mini-miracles with their irresistible flavors…let’s just go with that). However, the thousands of French Macarons and hundreds of Cookies and Brownies that fly out of the bakery each week are not produced by only two bakers. The Panna Dolce family is a huge one: comprised of special helpers (thanks to our friends and moms!), delivery gurus, and super-duper-talented interns. We’re going to take some time to recognize a few very special interns who willingly donate their time and baking skills to Panna Dolce nearly everyday.

Michelle, Le Premier Macaron Mama

Our very first intern, Michelle, a California native and graduate of The French Pastry School, Chicago, IL, knocked on our door a year ago. Unknowing of who we were, Michelle knew she loved the little French Macaron pastry. We took her in as an apprentice and after one week, she was piping out perfect little Macaron shells like a pro. Her passion and knowledge took Panna Dolce to the next level, helping us achieve uncharted production levels. A month ago, Michelle moved to her Southern California home to pursue her dreams of being a pastry chef. We miss her dearly and wish her the very best of luck. Michelle: you were our very favorite pastry-hipster…keep rockin’

Lindsay, Intern-ational Dough-nator Extroidinaire

A 2011 graduate of the The French Pastry School in Chicago, IL, Lindsay’s deep love for French Macarons led her to Panna Dolce. Lindsay mastered the art of French Macaron piping very early on, in fact, she has piped and baked over 10,000 Macarons! Go, Lindsay, Go! Lindsay is skilled at more than just Macaron-making.Tarts, breads, and delectable cookies are just a few of Lindsay’s specialties. Thank you, Lindsay for being a passionate, skilled, and all-around awesome at what you do for PD! We heart the hell outta you!

Stephen, Pipin’ Hot Pastry Papa

Enthusiastic is the best word to describe Stephen! A passion for food, baking, and fun drove Stephen to the Panna Dolce kitchen. A graduate of Boston College, Stephen has always had a passion for fine cuisine and sweet pastry. Whether he’s baking for Panna Dolce, or baking breads at home, Stephen truly keeps on the pulse of the pastry industry. Stephen’s knowledge of flavor trends is invaluable, our team appreciates all of his guidance and technical knowledge! Stephen: you pipe every Macaron as if it’s one of your little babies, so for that, you are the “Pastry-Papa”!

We love all of our interns, THANK YOU and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love,
Katharine and Lauren

Now we love candy as much as the next person, but we wanted to remind everyone to trick-or-treat safely this year. Our friends at the CDC gave us some tips below that can keep you and your family safe.

PS – Like our new Halloween macaron mascot? Reply below and give us your suggestions for a name…if you dare…mu ha ha ha ha!!!

Click the photo above for more amazing photos!

We just baked up a fresh batch of super colorful French Macaron shells. We’re customizing colors for a few special events coming up and we want to get them just right. We can create just about any color in the rainbow! Let us know what you think and whether you have a favorite color.

It was a wonderful experience and very gratifying to confirm that our proprietary recipe and technique is spot-on. Our Panna Dolce flavors, texture and visual appeal are so so similar, you’d swear you’re walking along the Champs-Élysées…or, er…in Harrod’s! Check out our photos below!

Some have been chewy, others crispy. Some filled with light mousse or buttercream, while others have been filled with preserves or a mixture of gele + creme. Some as delicate as the most fragile tissue paper while others as tough as a todler’s toy. Perhaps some of the most interesting flavors have been Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil, Tequila, Mojito and Butter (that’s right….just butter). How’s that for flavoriffic inspiration?!?!?

We love seeing the macaron trend continue around the world; it warms our hearts and makes for very tasty photos! Check out some of our choice snaps below! Keep on macaroning!

PS – Next stop: London… We are making a special trip to Laduree and will document every morsel of our adventure.

Your checklist:

• Champagne glasses? Check.
• Champagne? Check.
• Tea cups? Check.
• Tea? Check.
• Tablecloth and matching hemstitch napkins? Check.
• Pink Peonies (they’re in season!)? Check.
• Panna Dolce French Macarons? Check.

Not only do Panna Dolce French Macarons make the perfect gift, they also are the most important guest at your brunch, baby or bridal shower, wedding or special event. The four ladies in Sex and the City II also know that French Macarons play a very important role when getting together to celebrate or share each other’s company! A colorful arrangement of Panna Dolce French Macarons can add the feminine, fun and dainty element you are looking for at your next event!

Place your order for Panna Dolce French Macarons today so that you can enjoy the luxurious, delicate and lovely flavors and textures you [and your party] deserve!

Over the next few months, we will feature labels created by and for our customers for their events. Stay tuned…

Ahhh…nay. Macaroons have their place in the world too. We’re just hoping that Oprah recognizes the importance of begin alphabetically frugal and chooses (Panna Dolce) Macarons for her next – and unfortunately last – “Favorite Things” show!

The Illinois Science Council (ISC) is a nonprofit organization that promotes appreciation of science, technology, engineering and math. We salute the ISC and their pursuit of scientific curiosity through our macaron-based definition of Pi. Check it out!

The ISC is a great organization; here’s what they are all about:

The Illinois Science Council is…

…an independent nonprofit organization keeping alive the great human fascination with science. We develop casual events – for adults – that bring scientists and engineers face to face with people who want to cultivate their innate curiosity about science.

Our mission is to help the general public understand and appreciate the work of Albert Einstein and Carl Sagan, and other great (living!) scientists, some right here in our own back yard. Illinois, and particularly the Chicago region, is home to an extraordinary number of science-based institutions – universities, museums, corporations, zoos, medical centers and national laboratories – engaged in cutting-edge scientific work every day. The Illinois Science Council creates opportunities for those scientists to talk about their work and to answer many, many questions from us non-scientist “lay” people. And we make sure our topics, our presenters, and our venues are “adult friendly.”

So….

Mark Your Calendars!

As an added bonus March 14th is also Albert Einstein’s birthday so be sure to stick your tongue out at everyone you see as a sign of respect for our man, Al.