Palmiers

Palmiers have been my favorite cookie ever since I lived in France in fourth grade. They are a very simple cookie consisting of layers of puff pastry and sugar, they shouldn't be too dry and flaky nor should they be squishy and moist. I have been on a pursuit to find a palmier that tastes most like a French one, I still have not found one. We were fortunate enough to visit Paris last year and I couldn't wait to finally get a good palmier. On our first day in Paris I planned a little picnic in the park across from the Eiffel Tower. I stopped at the fromagerie to get a plateau de fromage pour les enfants, amazingly the merchant knew I was asking for a cheese plate my kids would enjoy. Next stop was the bakery for baguettes and palmiers. We set up our little picnic on a bench near a man playing fetch with his little dog. They looked like they came from Central Casting, perfectly Parisian! The kids only liked the brie, the rest of the cheeses were a little too pungent. Finally it was time for our palmiers, I had talked these cookies up for years and the anticipation was palpable. At the very moment I was bringing my cookie to my lips, a sopping wet rubber ball whacked my hand,and the cookie fell in the dirt. I had been slimed by the French guy's ball he was throwing to his dog and I lost my cookie! Sadly, we didn't get another chance for palmiers, my longing continues.