If that's all you know of her, you might think her work is all about grand perfection. But "perfect" isn't her style.
"We bake for love. Whether it's for ourselves, to show love for a child, friend, or partner, or to celebrate a rite of passage, there is no denying the incredible effect cakes can have," Claire explains in the introduction to her latest cookbook, Love Is a Pink Cake. (The title comes from a 1950s series of lithographs by Andy Warhol, one of her favorite artists.) "My main drive is to make things taste good. To me that means luscious strokes of buttercream instead of perfect fondant. When it's imperfect-like when your mother or grandmother or friend or lover makes it for you it feels so much better than something that's perfect and out of a factory."
Her flavor-driven style is heavily influenced by her growing up in California and her stint as a pastry chef at Chez Panisse, the storied Berkeley restaurant often cited as the birthplace of California cuisine. A focus on local, seasonal ingredients and what she calls "a Californian sensibility" are notions Claire brought with her when she moved to London in 2005 for love, and they define her recipes. "I go to the market to see what the farmers are growing and then decide what I will bake for my friends or put on the menu at the bakery," she says.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Very MERRY MORNING
When hosting overnight guests, it helps to have a crowdpleasing breakfast recipe in your back pocket.
Party READY
'Tis the season to take some smart cooking shortcuts. Food stylist Susie Theodorou shows how to transform pantry staples into impressive holiday apps in minutes.
Wanda Wen
The expert gift wrapper and owner of stationery store Soolip shares the secrets to creating a beautifully packaged present. (Hint: It's not about the biggest bow.)
COOKIES of the Season
In our quest for the season's best cookies, we scoured new and classic cookbooks and asked creative bakers from around the globe to share favorites. Prepare to steal the show at this year's cookie swap with any of these small wonders.
That's the Spirit!
A FAMILY OF SIX TAKES A HOMESPUN AND ALL-HANDS-ON-DECK APPROACH TO DECORATING THEIR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
hanging up holiday cheer by the yard
Get your people together for a crafty afternoon to make handmade garlands.
Swirling Up -CHRISTMAS
Marbled papers and ribbons in candy colors were all the inspiration stylist Jennifer DeCleene needed for her Christmas look this year. See how she weaves the theme through every part of her holiday decor.
Showstopping Roasts
Go all out for the oohs, aahs, and yums at this year's holiday feast. Admittedly these special cuts cost a little more and take a bit of extra effort, but think of them as another gift to those you love one that will be the talk of the table.
POSH PALETTE
Trimmings in muted jewel tones and soft, chalky finishes set the stage for a handmade holiday. We'll show you how to make these sophisticated beauties for a look that's no glitz but all glamour.
A Sweet Tradition
Inspired by a beloved family friend, writer Riche Holmes Grant shares how a day of decorating gingerbread houses can build lasting memories.