Page 22 of Millie's Cruise Ship Mysteries
The participants politely applauded.
“Today we will be making chocolate croissants using only four ingredients. Simple, delicious and easy. The trick, as you will soon see, is in the roll.” Amit invited the group to the prep station. “My assistant, Barty, will be handing out aprons.”
Barty, Amit’s replacement as Annette’s “right hand man” scurried toward them. In his haste, he collided with the corner of the cabinet. He stumbled and started to fall.
Annette lunged forward, catching the stack of crisp white aprons before they hit the floor.
Barty quickly recovered, apologizing profusely.
“You were only trying to be efficient,” Amit kindly replied.
After a quick hand wash, the guests got to work, breaking the bars and sneaking samples.
Millie grasped Annette’s arm and pulled her aside. “Do you think having Barty assist Amit was a good idea?”
“I didn’t have the heart to tell him he couldn’t help his friend,” Annette whispered in her ear. “Both are klutzes, but to be honest, I figured how much can go wrong with a four-ingredient recipe?”
“True. At least knives and an open flame aren’t involved.” Millie lowered her voice. “How is Barty doing?”
“Much better. The only time we have issues is when he gets excited. I’m thrilled to report accidents are few and far between.”
As soon as the croissants were placed in the oven to bake, Amit and Barty worked as a team, passing out cups of coffee and tea while they waited.
The timer chimed, and Amit removed them from the oven. “I made a few extra, Miss Millie and Annette, if you would like to try them.”
“Thank you, but I’ll pass.” Millie patted her stomach. “I need to cut back on the sweets.”
“I’ll take one.” Annette thanked Amit for the decadent treat and promptly took a big bite. She closed her eyes, savoring the warm, melted chocolate. “You used dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate this time.”
“I did,” Amit said. “You have sampled both now. Which do you prefer?”
“The dark.”
“Now I’m curious,” Millie said. “I don’t know how it could possibly taste better than the croissant I had the other day.”
Annette offered her a bite.
Millie nibbled the edge. “Yummy. Although I think I prefer the milk chocolate version.”
The cooking class ended and Millie wrapped it up by thanking the participants. Gloria and her friends hung back, waiting for the galley to clear.
“I’m not sure if you remember my cousin, Gloria from Michigan.” Millie introduced the women to Amit.
“I do, but only a little bit,” he said. “It must have been a long time ago.”
“Ages, or at least a few years.” Gloria held up her empty plate. “Your chocolate croissant recipe is pastry perfection.”
“Liz missed out on this one.” Lucy dabbed at the last drop of chocolate and licked her finger. “I’m going to try making these when I get home.”
“Me too,” Dot said. “Ray loves chocolate.”
“You’ve created a culinary masterpiece,” Margaret said. “I can already feel the pounds packing on.”
“I’m ready to do a few laps on the walking track,” Gloria said. “After we’re done we’ll go find Liz.”
Millie walked them to the door, promising to catch up with them later during her break. She returned to help Amit, Barty and Annette clean up. “Thanks again for hosting the baking class.”
“I enjoyed it very much,” Amit said. “It went off without a hitch.”
