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.
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Denne historien er fra September 2023-utgaven av Better Homes & Gardens US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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TIMELESS CHARACTER
Well-worn finishes and upcycled materials mix with muted colors and rich textures to elevate wintry icons into instant heirlooms.
Natural DELIGHTS
Modern interpretations of evergreens and mistletoe imbue spaces with cozy warmth and textural impact. Use fabric, wood, yarn, and wool felt to assemble holiday decor with farmhouse-friendly appeal.
THE bright side OF THE season
Let your decor shout with joy. Vivid colors highlight seasonal favorites, bringing lively energy and unexpected excitement to Christmas trees, tabletops, and packages.
WARM WISHES
It's the most wonderful time of year to hunker down and experiment with cozy fabric, felt, trim, yarn, and more. No sewing required!
ARCTIC playmates
A pink-cheeked snowman scouts the landscape with furry friends to explore cold-weather joys. Paint, glitter, and greenery customize the clay crew.
Peppermint WITH A Twist
Sweet as candy, these decorative dynamos inject texture and whimsy using red-and-white stripes and swirls. Complete each eye-catcher using simple techniques and a few standard materials.
Winter IN THE Forest
Burnished gold, mossy green, fiery red, and burnt orange celebrate the season's glories. Create a woodland utopia filled with cheeky mushrooms, tiny birds, and chic trees.
Make it THE MOST magical time OF THE Year
Fairies cavort. Snowmen sled. Wreaths welcome. Holly dresses place settings. Clues to the season scatter mesmerizing intrigue on doors, trees, tables, and walls.
Enthralled WITH FALL
When crisp coolness fills the air, warm colors and haunting characters cast an enchanting spell. Use felt, faux suede, burlap, and other comforting textural materials to whip up a cozy collection of delights.
READY, SET, FUN!
Skip the hassle of gathering supplies. These DIY kits put everything you need into one convenient package.