Join us for a cozy teatime gathering hosted by renowned pastry chef Zoë François to celebrate the release of her New York Times bestselling cookbook, Zoë Bakes Cookies. The event will be held at the beautiful Minnetonka lake house of our beloved Women Who Really Cook founder, Sue Zelickson!
Picture this: The smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house as we sip tea by the lake, surrounded by friends and food enthusiasts. What better way to spend a Friday autumn afternoon?!
Zoë François first discovered her passion for baking through cookies, with early memories of visiting Jewish bakeries in Brooklyn. These moments have stayed with her, influencing her journey in the world of pastry.
Zoë studied art at the University of Vermont, where she founded a cookie company as a creative way to earn extra income. Her passion for baking led her to the Culinary Institute of America in New York, where she honed her pastry skills. She went on to work as a pastry chef in several Twin Cities restaurants and co-author the bestselling Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day book series. Her award-winning book, Zoë Bakes Cakes, her hit TV series Zoë Bakes on the Magnolia Network, and her Emmy nomination alongside Andrew Zimmern for their special Holiday Party with Andrew and Zoë, have all made her a household name in the world of pastry.
She lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Graham, and their poodle, with her two grown sons coming home often for - of course - cookies.
Website: ZoëBakes
Instagram: @zoebakes
In her latest book, the New York Times Bestseller Zoë Bakes Cookies, Zoë François brings together 75 irresistible recipes for classic cookies and bars, each inspired by her life’s journey. From her childhood on a Vermont commune to her Jewish heritage and Midwestern home, Zoë’s recipes are rooted in personal stories and family traditions. The book includes a “Cookie Academy” section, where Zoë shares tips and techniques from her career, helping bakers perfect their cookie-making skills. With chapters like “The Vermont Commune” and “Bubbe Berkowitz’s Cookies,” readers can expect delicious recipes like Ultra-Peanut Butter Cookies, Hazelnut Spice Speculaas, and Blueberry Gooey Butter Bars.
We’ll gather for an intimate afternoon at Sue Zelickson’s lake house, with fresh-baked cookies made by Zoë herself and warm tea to match the cozy autumn atmosphere. Zoë will share stories from her culinary journey, her inspiration behind Zoë Bakes Cookies, and her tips for baking the perfect cookie. This event is a wonderful chance to meet Zoë, hear about her career, and enjoy an afternoon filled with sweet treats and inspiring conversation. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase!
Space is limited, so RSVP today and join us for a cozy lakeside afternoon!
Location: : Sue Zelickson’s Lake Home, 110 Wildhurst Road, Tonka Bay, MN, 55331
Parking: : Free parking is available along Wildhurst Road.
We can’t wait to see you there!