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HATS OFF TO FEMALE CHEFS IN WESTERN COLORADO Words by Kimberly Nicoletti | Photos courtesy of the Chefs
Emily Oyer
A
n old proverb quips that a women’s place
seven. She finished law school but discovered she
is in the kitchen, but most professional
“really found pleasure in baking and creating.”
chefs are men. Still, there are plenty of females
So, she decided to integrate her French pastry
cooking up a storm in restaurants, bakeries and
heritage into American culture. She follows
catering services throughout the nation. Here
French traditions like low sugar and no food
are just a few in Western Colorado who bring
coloring while making her tarts, eclairs and other
home the bacon — and fry it up in a pan.
pastries — just a little larger for Americans. She began baking three years ago as a hobby, selling
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FRENCH PASTRIES
pastries at local shops. About six months ago,
Growing up, all Clémentine Bouton wanted was
she started posting on Instagram, and now her
to get away from her family-owned restaurants
followers line up every Sunday morning at The
in France, which she had worked at since age
Cirque Boutique in Paonia to savor her sweets.