Are you looking for something different for your bachelorette party or your girlfriend’s bachelorette party? You don’t have to travel outside of Montreal and it doesn’t have to be crazy wild! Here’s a fun and YUMMY idea for you!
I met Jessica, an amazing baker, back in 2013 when I first tried my hands at making macarons! It wasn’t like any other baking classes I’ve taken. First, we were welcomed with a glass of champagne! Then, the next couple of hours flew by SO quickly because Jessica was such a fun and energetic instructor, she made everything sound SO easy! I was beyond excited when I found out about Jessica’s bachelorette parties. If you’re looking for something different to have some fun and girls bonding time before the wedding, Jessica would be the PERFECT person to contact, and I promise you will not be disappointed!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
“Well, I’m from the west of Ireland, though my accent has mostly disappeared now! I spent the fist half of my life there, then got a degree and a masters degree, worked for a number of years in France, China, Ghana, Scotland and Argentina, and then found myself here in Montreal! Apart from traveling like a maniac, I do wing chun (a type of kung fu), dance tango and salsa, sing in a choir, work as a freelance journalist and editor (that’s my professional background) and of course run my baking business. I guess I’m the kind of person who wants to be kind of good at everything, rather than really excellent at one thing!”
I’m sure you’re the jack-of-all-trades… just like me LOL
Do you remember the first thing you ever baked?
“Yes, the first recipe my mum taught me was a ‘Victoria Sponge Cake’, when I was probably about 6 or 7 years old – which is still one of my all-time favorite recipes to teach today, because it’s so quick, easy and seriously delicious! I use that recipe every singe week and tweak it to make things like vanilla cupcakes, spiced apple cake, blueberry lemon bread and breakfast muffins. But the classic way to serve it is sandwiched with jam, whipped cream, and strawberries. Ooh, I’m drooling just thinking about it!!”
I’m drooling too! Wish I can take ALL your classes!
How did Lincoln Apartment Bakery come about?
“When I moved to Montreal, I quickly realized that not everyone learns to bake at home, and that most people think it’s difficult, or labour intensive – which is not true at all!! I wanted to share my love of sweet things, and I really love to teach, so I started inviting friends to workshops at my apartment. Word got out and it grew into a boutique baking school that was too big for my home! I do sometimes miss the days where I would greet people at my front door..!”
See these macarons? Yup I made them! I’m so happy to know that I was there “back in those days” when the workshops were still at the original Lincoln Apartment! These were the macarons I made… yay!
How did you first come up with the idea of giving bachelorette parties? What a great idea for ladies’ bonding time!
“A few years ago, I was talking to someone who was lamenting the fact that options for bachelorette parties were often limited to copious amounts of alcohol and scantily dressed men! She wanted something more fun and sophisticated to do with her girlfriends and so the idea of Lincoln Apartment Bachelorette Baking Parties was born. I now get lots and lots of bookings throughout the year from groups of ladies who want to bond, learn something new, and eat lots of sweet treats! I feel so honoured to be part of that special day, and do everything I can to make it unforgettable.”
I didn’t have a bachelorette party when I got married, mainly because I didn’t find anything interesting and worth doing. I would TOTALLY do this though!
What do you do at a bachelorette party like this?
“It depends on the package, but a typical party involves the girls getting dressed up in the cute aprons, pouring mimosas, and doing photos with the photographer. Then we all get to know each other with a little game, start baking (it’s all hands-on, I’m mainly the supervisor!) and put our desserts in the oven. While the dessert is baking, we create fillings, toppings, and decorations, depending on the recipe they choose. Then it’s time for tea and tasting, as well as more photos, before we pack up all the leftovers in adorable little boxes for everyone to take home (or, as is often the case, eat at 2am after the bar closes…!)”
Who wouldn’t love to take these home… <blush!>
Can the bride or bridesmaids, whoever is organizing the party, customize and request certain types of desserts they’d like to learn?
“Absolutely. I always send out a list of dessert suggestions, but if there’s something they know the bride-to-be would love to learn, or if someone in the group needs to make a gluten-free/vegan/dairy free dessert, I can accommodate that! Sometimes, the organizer knows the theme or colour scheme of the wedding, and chooses a dessert based on that. There are also options to have a professional photographer there and to bring your own alcohol. It’s very flexible.”
Get in touch with Jessica McGovern
Lincoln Apartment Bakery
Website: www.lincolnapartmentbakery.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheLincolnApartmentBakery
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lincolnapartmentbakery
