Why This Financier Carrot Cake Is Worth the Extra Step | Dish With Mary (S01E02)

On this episode of Dish With Mary, we skip straight to dessert. Host Mary Mammoliti is joined virtually by acclaimed Edmonton baker Giselle Courteau, co-owner of the beloved Duchess Bake Shop and author of two cookbooks, to make a stunning financier carrot cake.

Together, Mary and Giselle walk through the techniques that elevate this dessert, from browning butter to building flavour and texture in a cake that’s rich, nutty, and perfectly balanced.

Along the way, they share thoughtful tips for home bakers, practical insights into working by feel and instinct in the kitchen, and a relaxed approach that proves baking doesn’t have to be intimidating to be impressive. Between steps, Giselle opens up about her journey from self-taught home baker to bakery owner, her years living in Japan, her love of French pastry, and why teaching home bakers has become such an important part of her work.

It’s a warm, honest conversation about food, creativity, and finding joy in the kitchen. This episode is perfect for anyone who loves baking, wants to learn professional techniques in an approachable way, or simply enjoys watching great food come together with great conversation.

Find the full recipe online - https://www.ami.ca/Dish-Carrot-Cake

#DishWithMary #FinancierCake #CarrotCake #BakingFromScratch #HomeBaking #DessertRecipes #CanadianChefs #DuchessBakeShop #FoodTV #BakingShow

Highlights
• Introduction (00:00)
• Giselle Courteau (00:36)
• Today’s Ingredients (01:03)
• Prep Steps (01:39)
• Making Brown Butter (02:49)
• Sifting Dry Ingredients (05:31)
• Pro Tip: Separating Egg Whites (06:25)
• Adding Egg Whites, Vanilla & Brown Butter (07:25)
• Add Grated Carrot & Transfer to Cake Pan (09:27)
• Ready to Bake (09:56)
• Dishing with Giselle Courteau (10:25)
• Starting a Bakery (12:15)
• Duchess Atelier (13:14)
• Professional Versus Home Kitchen (13:57)
• Cream Cheese Frosting (15:49)
• Topping with Candied Walnuts & Carrot Chips (19:36)
• Taste Test & Closing Remarks (20:11)
• End Credits (20:56)

About Dish With Mary
Mary Mammoliti—a home cook and food blogger who is partially sighted—knows her way around the kitchen and proves it during fun cook-alongs with renowned Canadian chefs.

About Giselle Courteau -
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/au...

Giselle Courteau is the co-owner of the hugely popular Duchess Bake Shop, Duchess Atelier, and Cafe Linnea, all in Edmonton, Canada. She is a self-taught baker who has been cooking and baking her whole life, and she is passionate about real food made from scratch with no mixes, preservatives, or shortcuts. Her cooking is inspired by her French and Quebecois heritage and her Franco-Albertan upbringing.

Duchess Bake Shop
https://duchessbakeshop.com/
Since opening in 2009, Duchess Bake Shop has created a reputation as one of the leading bakeries and patisseries in Edmonton and in Canada. With a commitment to quality ingredients and attention to detail we strive to excite and bring joy to everyone that enters our bake shop.

About AMI
AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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