This week I had a choice of which recipe I would try for French Fridays with Dorie. I was talking with my dear friend Lindsey from the yummy Gingerbread Bagels , and we both decided on something sweet (of course!
).
). Lindsey made her cake first and she told me it was so easy she already memorized the recipe. She told me, “Just don’t burn the caramel.” Great advise. I kept a close eye on my caramel. It was a super easy recipe. The juicy raisins add the right sweetness to this light dessert. The caramel topping is the best part. I kind of ADORE caramel! Just a wee little bit.
We aren’t publishing the recipes from Dorie’s Around My French Table. If you would like the recipe, you will have to buy the book. I think you won’t regret it. 
I think you should become a part of this fun! Join French Fridays with Dorie here and follow along on twitter.
(This is a fictional story I wrote inspired by these recipes.)
The days were getting shorter. It seemed the temperature was dropping by the minute. It was difficult for Chantal to get used to the unfriendly winters in Paris. She missed the beaches in the South of France. She missed the palm trees and the warmer winters. Sometimes the nostalgia was overwhelming. Chantal loved this vibrant city, but there was something missing.
Chantal left briskly after her heart was broken. She hadn’t intended to stay in Paris as long as she did. Aunt Dorie told her, “Stay, my love, as long as you would like. As long as is necessary.” Aunt Dorie had an empty apartment available and Chantal made it as comfortable as her little place she missed dearly with the calming view of the sea.
Working at the boulangerie was her refuge. Meeting Jean-Marc was unplanned. He seemed to be all she could think of and she was frustrated for having less will power. A broken heart is delicate and needs time to heal. At least that was what she had told herself. He came to visit her almost daily. Entering the shop with a huge smile and always a spontaneous plan. The spontaneity was not her style.
Two months had passed since they first met. When Jean-Marc proposed a short getaway, she didn’t hesitate in responding yes. He said it would be a surprise and to pack lightly. She couldn’t hold back her excitement. She jumped up and hugged him so tightly in front of the last customers. Jean-Marc said they first had to be go by his grandmother’s place to check in and make sure she would be fine for the next two days.
Marie-Helene was just finishing a dessert for them to have with their tea. She always baked something on the days she knew they would stop by. The smell was a familiar smell. It reminded Chantal of a cake she used to eat when she was little. Marie-Helene knew they had something to share.Marie-Helene felt that this was real love that she was witnessing. She decided to hide her joy. The tea was ready and she passed them each a slice of the sweet smelling cake still warm from the oven. They each tasted the delicious cake as they talked about where Jean-Marc was possibly bringing her. The cake was another perfect creation by a talented baker. The caramel topping was irresistible. Chantal served herself another slice and started to daydream about where their journey would take them.
You can read Part One here: Paris: A Love Story
You can read Part Two here: Paris: A Love Story
Sorry the group does not publish recipes from Dorie’s Around My French Table.
I think you should become a part of this fun! Join French Fridays with Dorie here and follow along on twitter.
Cake Duchess is where you can follow the baking adventures of me! Hi! I'm Lora, a mom of two cuties in South Florida. I got into all this baking mess because of them. 
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
Anything with caramel is awesome in my book. Great post!!
I love semolina cakes! I made one once for my blog and it turned out great. I will have to try Dorie’s recipe. I’m sure I would not be disappointed. And the caramel on top…I have an obsession for caramel so this is my kind of cake!
Beautiful cake and a cute story to match.
excellent recipe!
I am not sure where to start here with all these fabulous cakes, omg I found heaven! love them all this one is something I have always wanted to try, I diffinitely am bookmarking this one…have the semolina all ready! thanks for sharing looks wonderful!
Oooh, it looks lovely!!!! I may have to use chocolate chips in place of raisins to appease the family…do you think that would be OK? Thanks, Lora…this will be coming up on my baking list
Very nice! Enjoy the liberty-taking of the story to go with it.
Delicious cake and wonderful story
I have a few of Dorie’s books on my Amazon wish list.. I’m hoping the boy toy gets the hint when I leave it up on the computer since Christmas is right around the corner!
What a fun post! The cake does have a very frenchy feel!
I agree with Debbie B. anything with caramel is gold star for me!!
This sounds delicious! Caramel makes everything better
Beautiful photo!
Great! I wish I had made this to go with my chicken! I’ll tackle it tomorrow. Yours looks so good!
Trevor Sis. Boom.
I love caramel too and I can imagine how tasty this cake is! Love reading your story.
what an interesting concept. i usually keep my semolina for pasta…..might have to spare some for a cake.
Yum, caramel just makes this cake I bet! Wonderful flavors
) I will have to look this cake up in my book!
This looks soo yummy especially with the semolina. Thanks for sharing
Great cake and love the story.
what a pretty cake:)
Oh Yum. I love caramel everything… Can I please have a slice? hehe…
Thank you for the very nice comment at Chef Dennis’ blog. I look forward to reading more of your delicious posts. Have a great weekend. Michael
That is one pretty cake and all the better for hearing it was easy. Your stories are so sweet!
Love your story.
Beautiful cake!
My dear, I just love the stories that are accompanying your recipes. Can you please do this again and again? I think that your writing is great adn your cake looks supurb. (I adore caramel) Thank you for sharing, sweet woman!
This cookbook is on my birthday/Christmas wish list, as well as her Baking: From My Home To Yours. I’ve never made a semolina cake before, I’ve only used my semolina to make pizza dough, lol. I can’t wait to get this cookbook! Your cake looks gorgeous. Thank you so much for visiting my blog today – you have a beautiful blog here!!! I’m looking forward to following you and seeing what delicious recipes you come up with next. Have a great weekend!
I can smell this cake now. Wish I had a piece.
I have seen several recipes from this cookbook and they all look amazing! I might have to just go out and buy it
Then I can join in on the fun!
I love your cake and your story. I hope mine turns out as good as your did!!
Your cake turned out beautifully and I mentally casted your story with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr (a la An Affair to Remember).
Oh your pictures are amazing. Really really pretty. I love caramel too, unreasonably so. I got food poisoning in Mexico last week (*frown*) and I can’t wait to recover so I can make this!!!
Your blog is beautiful, by the way.
Onewetfoot is right about the story…I loved that movie with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. Classic!
Lora, I loved your semolina cake, so smooth, can creamy. Reminds me of my childhood, having to eat Cream of Farina.
Beautiful photo, as well!
I cannot wait to make this cake in the next couple of weeks – it looks amazing. So glad you joined FFWD!
I adore anything caramel! This looks truly tempting!
food so good it inspires a story–i love it! looking forward to making this cake myself.
Looks lovely! I want some right now:) Can’t wait to make it.
What a lovely story to go along with a delightful dessert