by Cindy Bell
RECİPES AND REVENGE
A MACARON PATİSSERİE COZY MYSTERY
CİNDY BELL
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Also by Cindy Bell
About the Author
Lemon Cheesecake Macaron Recipe
Copyright © 2016 Cindy Bell
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and locations portrayed in this book and the names herein are fictitious. Any similarity to or identification with the locations, names, characters or history of any person, product or entity is entirely coincidental and unintentional.
All trademarks and brands referred to in this book are for illustrative purposes only, are the property of their respective owners and not affiliated with this publication in any way. Any trademarks are being used without permission, and the publication of the trademark is not authorized by, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owner.
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Chapter 1
“Do you think we have enough cream cheese?” Lucy peered at the pile of packages of cream cheese on the counter and frowned. “What if we have extra students?” The large classroom sprawled around the two women, filled with several tables, cabinets, ovens, and a refrigerator.
“We won’t, they have to register in advance, remember?” Chantelle began to line up the packages of cream cheese. “If you keep them piled up like this they’re never going to soften in time for the class.”
“Oh right, I need to get the egg whites ready, too.” Lucy hurried to the refrigerator and pulled out several eggs. “I’m so glad we have the chance to do this, and it’s even more fun because we’re doing it together.” She hugged her sister, then started separating the eggs into bowls beside the cream cheese.
“It is.” Chantelle grinned. “Not to mention lemon cheesecake macarons happen to be my favorite. Think of how many I’m going to get to taste test!” She rubbed her belly and giggled. “Not that I need them!”
“Stop, you’re gorgeous and you should have as many macarons as you like. I can’t wait to have some, too. I hope the recipe turns out okay.”
“Why wouldn’t it? We’ve made it a thousand times at the patisserie.”
“I know, but this is different. I guess being a teacher makes me a little nervous.”
“I can understand that. But remember, everyone who attends today is here because they want to learn, and most likely like the macarons they’ve tried at our patisserie.”
“Okay, deep breath.” Lucy laughed and tried to calm her nerves. Anytime she was faced with a crowd she was a little nervous. It was hard for her to stay focused when there were so many sensations around her. She turned towards the door just as one of the other instructors walked through it. She was dressed from head to toe in the latest fashion, including very expensive high heel shoes. Lucy cringed at the thought of her spilling some batter on them.
“Hi, I’m Georgina.” Her big, honey blonde curls and bright smile made Lucy think of a movie star as she held her hand out to her.
“Lucy, and my sister Chantelle.”
Georgina smiled and shook her hand. “Oh, I know who you two are. I just love your shop. I go there for macarons every time I’m stateside.”
“Thank you, we appreciate the business. Do you travel much?”
“Quite a bit, yes. I have worked in several international restaurants so I often go back to visit and get ideas for new recipes. I also own a local restaurant.”
“Wow, what an experience that must be.” Chantelle sighed and gazed dreamily into space. “I’d love to visit other countries.”
“And you should. There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in another culture and really embracing the foods, the traditions.” She nodded as she looked over the assortment of cream cheese and eggs on the counter. “It looks like you have quite a tasty treat planned for your class today.”
“Oh yes, lemon cheesecake macarons.” Chantelle nearly purred her words. “My favorite.”
“Do you mind if I stop by for a taste test?” Georgina’s eyes danced with anticipation.
“We’ll make sure we have some set aside for you.” Lucy glanced at her watch. “It looks like class will be starting fairly soon. Have you seen any sign of Hugo?”
“Not yet, but as his reputation implies, he likes to make an entrance.” Georgina rolled her eyes.
“Isn’t he fantastic?” Lucy tried to hide the admiration in her voice. “I’ve seen his show and I just can’t believe we’re going to be working with him today.”
“Oh, his little internet show?” Georgina scrunched up her nose. “Anyone can produce their own show. I know most people think he’s great, but honestly, I used to work with him before he was so popular and even then he didn’t have the best attitude. Now he is even worse.”
“I heard that he has such a big ego that he expects people to bow to him before they taste his food. Is that true?” Chantelle walked through the tables in the classroom to make sure each one was equipped with the measuring cups and tools needed for the recipe.
“No way, that’s just a story.” Lucy shook her head.
“I’d believe it.” Georgina laughed. “It sure sounds like something Hugo would do. Anyway, I’m in a rush. I’d better get to my class before my students show up and start sampling. I’ll talk with you ladies later.” She wiggled her fingers in their direction as she disappeared through the classroom door.
“Could you imagine working with Hugo?” Lucy was well aware of a slight squeal in her voice, and though it brought a blush to her cheeks she didn’t apologize for it.
“I don’t know if it would be so great from what Georgina just said.”
“Never mind that, she’s just jealous. Who can blame her? Hugo’s popularity has skyrocketed and he’s left quite a few people in his dust.”
“I wouldn’t call traveling the world and cooking in some of the finest restaurants being left in the dust.”
“Oh, I know, but you know what I mean. There’s a difference between success and fame.”
“Oh yes, there is a big difference?” Chantelle collected some measuring spoons and set them on the tables. “With those instincts you and Mom believe you have you could have your own internet show you know. ‘Lucky Lucy, Knows All.’”
“Stop.” Lucy frowned. She knew her sister was just teasing, but there were certain things she was a little sensitive about. “As you often point out my instincts aren’t that good, besides, I would never try to make money from them.”
“All I’m saying is you have the look and apparently the talent, sis.” Chantelle winked at her as she joined Lucy at the front table again. Lucy reached up and fluffed her blonde hair.
“I don’t have any look.”
“Sure you don’t.” Chantelle shook her head. “You’re gorgeous. You always have been.”
“So have you.”
“It’s different, Lucy. You’ve got the
Hollywood look, I’ve got the wholesome look.”
“Stop!” Lucy rolled her eyes. “I’m sure that’s what Noah thinks when he looks at you, Chantelle is just so wholesome.”
“Who knows what he thinks.” Chantelle shrugged and stared down at her well-manicured fingernails. Lucy realized that her sister wasn’t joking around. She was feeling insecure.
“Chantelle, is everything okay?”
“Sure.” Chantelle smiled as a young woman walked through the door. “Hello, welcome to Making Macarons!”
Lucy stared at her sister for a moment. She wanted to ask her more about the situation with Noah, but she turned to greet their first student instead.
“Hi, I’m Lauren.” She smiled as she walked up to Lucy and Chantelle at the front table. She looked quite professional in black pants and a button-up shirt. “I’m looking forward to this class. It’s the first time the school has offered macarons.”
“We’re excited to offer it.” Chantelle handed her one of the printed recipes. “We’re going to work on lemon cheesecake today.”
“Oh, sounds delicious. What’s the yellow food coloring for?” She eyed the small bottle of food coloring.
“It links in with the lemon theme. You have to be careful how much you put in, you just want a hint of yellow. Having it visually yellow helps accentuate the lemon taste. At least that’s the theory.” Lucy laughed.
“I guess we’ll find out.” Lauren tilted her head towards the tables. “Are there seat assignments?”
“No, choose any table you’d like. The other students will be arriving soon. We’re planning on having two to a table.”
“Okay, thanks.” Lauren read over the recipe as she walked over to one of the tables.
“And what’s going on in here?” A tall, quite handsome man, stuck his head into the classroom. His light brown eyes danced over the collection of cream cheese on the front table, and the two women that stood behind it. “Newbies?”
“Yes, this is the first class we’re teaching.” Chantelle smiled at him. Lucy couldn’t get her tongue or lips to work. When she finally did manage to speak she could only say one thing.
“Hugo, you’re Hugo.”
“Why yes I am.” He laughed, a deep throaty laugh, that inspired a silly grin from her.
“I’m sorry, I’m just such a big fan.”
“Aren’t they all?” He winked and stepped inside the classroom. “Let me guess, macarons?” He sniffed. “Rather simple to make aren’t they?”
“We enjoy them.” Chantelle folded her arms and eyed him with some annoyance.
“Macarons can be quite technical even though the recipe is simple. But that’s what’s so wonderful about them. You can make them with so many different flavors, for so many different occasions,” Lucy said.
“Yes, but essentially they’re just a sandwich cookie, no?” He lifted an eyebrow.
“But they are very delicious. I guarantee it. I’ll save you one today and you can try it yourself,” Chantelle said.
“Oh, no need.” He touched his flat, muscular stomach. “I have to watch the abs you know. Good luck with your little class.” He glanced over at Lauren who had been silent since he stepped inside. “Oh, you again?” He chuckled. “I guess you don’t give up.”
Lauren glared at him, but didn’t say a word. Hugo laughed again, then walked out of the classroom.
“What a jerk.” Chantelle stuck out her tongue towards the door. “I don’t see why you like him, Lucy.”
“He’s not quite like I imagined.” She frowned and looked over at Lauren. “Are you okay?”
“Sure, I’m fine.”
“Do you two know each other well?”
“I’d rather not discuss it.” Lauren nodded to a flood of students that walked into the room. “Looks like it’s time to start class.”
Lucy’s attention was swept up by the large throng of students that arrived. After she passed out all of the recipes and made sure everyone knew the steps to the process, she began to guide the students through the first step of whisking the egg whites and sugar to the right consistency. Although, she’d been nervous about being able to teach, she found she fell into the groove pretty fast. Chantelle took over from her for the next step while Lucy walked around to be sure that everyone followed the first step correctly. About midway through the class, Sophia, the owner of the cooking school, stuck her head inside the classroom.
“Hello everyone, sorry to interrupt.”
“Hi Sophia.” Lucy smiled at her. “Come in, we’re just working on the cream cheese mixture.”
“Mm, it smells wonderful in here.” Sophia walked up to the front table. It was hard to miss her in her bright blue blouse, which made the matching color of her eyes pop. “I just wanted to be sure that you had everything you needed and that everything is going smoothly.”
“Yes, just fine.” Chantelle picked up a tasting spoon and scooped up a small amount of the cream cheese mixture. “Taste test?”
“Oh yes, thank you.” Sophia took the spoon and smiled as the mixture hit her tongue. “Well, this is absolutely delicious. I can’t wait to taste the finished product.”
“It won’t be long.”
“Good, good.”
“Can we take a quick picture?” Chantelle held up her phone. “To hang in the patisserie.” She smiled.
“Of course!” Sophia nestled herself between the two sisters and Chantelle handed her phone over to one of the students. “I’d love to have this to use in the brochure for the school, too, if you don’t mind.”
“No problem, I’ll send it to you.” Chantelle smiled.
“Good, good.” Sophia lowered her voice. “Listen, I know that Hugo stirred up trouble in here earlier. Just ignore him, he has an ego problem.”
“We gathered that.” Chantelle cringed. “He seemed to have a problem with Lauren, too.”
“Yes, and I have no idea why. He’s always so cold to her. Anyway, don’t take anything he says to heart, he just likes to stir up drama.”
“I understand.” Lucy looked over the recipe to be sure they hadn’t missed any steps. Even though she’d made the macarons hundreds of times, she always double-checked. “Fame can do strange things to your behavior.”
“Hello everyone!” Hugo waved as he walked into the classroom and drew the attention of everyone there. “Oh yes, I know I’m interrupting, but I have such exciting news I was certain that everyone would want to hear it. I’ve just confirmed the venue for my latest cookbook launch, and I will also be celebrating the launch of my new dessert sauce line. The invitations have all of the information you will need on them.” He handed the invitations out to each of the students, even Lauren, though she refused to look at him, then held some out to the three women at the front of the classroom. “Now, these sauces are likely too refined to use as part of your macaron fillings, but perhaps if you ever make a more complicated dessert, you might want to have some around.” Hugo grinned.
“Thank you.” Lucy spoke up before Chantelle could open her mouth. She stepped on her sister’s foot behind the counter. “It’s quite kind of you to invite us, Hugo.”
“I don’t like to forget the little people.” He made a kissing sound in her direction, nodded to Sophia, then headed out the door. Sophia stared hard at the invitation. Her face grew pale and her lips tightened.
“Sophia, are you all right?” Lucy reached for her elbow to steady her as she was afraid the woman might pass out.
“Fine, thank you. I’m sorry, I have to go.” She pulled away from Lucy’s touch and hurried out into the hallway. Lucy stared after her with mounting concern. It seemed that her attitude had shifted the moment that Hugo came into the classroom.
“Ouch Lucy!”
“Oops, sorry.” Lucy pulled her foot off her sister’s and offered a sheepish grin.
“It’s a good thing you did it. I was about to let Hugo know just what I thought of him.”
“I assumed you might. The thing is, we don’t wa
nt to burn any bridges with him. Who knows, he could decide he likes our macarons and we could become famous.”
“I don’t think I’d want to be.” Chantelle scrunched up her nose. “Too much drama.”
“Probably.” Lucy laughed. “I’m going to check and see if everyone is ready for the final process. Piping the cream cheese filling between the shells.” Lucy walked through the tables and checked on the progress of each student. As she paused beside Lauren’s table, she was stunned. The macarons she created were perfect.
“Great job, Lauren. Are you sure you haven’t made these before?”
“Me?” She laughed. “No, never.”
“You have a real talent then. It’s not always easy to get them right the first time.”
“Well, I did have your help.” She smiled as she met Lucy’s eyes.
“Good point. But I hardly think one lesson compares to natural talent.” Lucy grinned in return. “Okay everyone, now we get to the best part. Taste testing! Ideally I would like for them to rest in the fridge overnight, but they should still be okay to taste now. For this step I’d like you to swap with the other person at your table. Many times people think baking is just about getting the recipe right, but it’s also about knowing how to tell what is lacking or overdone in your finished product, so that you can adjust your recipe as needed. Pay attention to the flavor, texture, and overall composition of the macaron, then each of you can let us know what you think.”
As the students exchanged and rated their macarons Lucy caught sight of someone standing in the doorway of the classroom. It was Sophia. She lingered there for a moment, then disappeared from the door.
After the students had finished tasting Lauren walked up to Lucy with her purse in tow.
“I’m sorry, but I have to leave now, I have another class to get to,” Lauren said.
“No problem, well done on your macarons. They were delicious.”
“Thank you for the class, it was great,” Lauren said as she walked towards the door.
After cleaning up from the class Chantelle and Lucy headed out to the parking lot.
