The Delta-Psi chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, Union’s history honor society, will be hosting their 16th annual Franco-American Confection and Bake Sale beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Student Union Building on Wednesday, April 10.
Stephen Carls, history department chair and faculty advisor for Phi Alpha Theta, came up with the idea shortly after moving to Jackson. Carls’ wife, Alice-Catherine Carls, is a native of France and made croissants for their son’s school. The pastries were a hit, and the idea was born.
The honor society put on the bake sale and saw success, but then the sale lay dormant for several years. In 2003, Phi Alpha Theta decided to start the sale back up, and they saw much success once again. The sale has continued ever since.
Mac Hazlerig, junior political science major and Phi Alpha Theta member, commented on why students should support the sale.
“The food is historically good,” Hazlerig said. “And who doesn’t love dessert for breakfast?”
The sale is also a way to experience another culture without traveling out of the country. Alice-Catherine Carls always provides a wide array of traditional French desserts- spongy, lemon-flavored Madeleine tea cakes and croissants are always a staple at the sale.
Her chocolate truffles, something Stephen Carls was introduced to while visiting his wife’s father, are based on a family recipe. Her cinnamon rolls, though, are the one of the hottest sellers. Freshly baked around 5 a.m., the pans are still warm when Carls brings them in from his vehicle.
Not only have students been introduced to French pastries, Alice-Catherine has been inspired by American desserts.
“My wife was introduced to [cake balls] by one of the students who made them about three years ago,” Stephen said.
Other American desserts that will be available are chocolate chip cookies, brownies and chocolate peanut butter bars.
Proceeds from the sale will cover student travel expenses to the Phi Alpha Theta national conference, donations to preserve historical sites, book donations and other Phi Alpha Theta expenses.
The sale will begin outside of Barefoots at 8:30 a.m. until 9:55 a.m. It will be moved to the chapel foyer from 10:55 to 11 a.m. The final location will be outside Cobo from 11:10 a.m.- 12:35 p.m., or until supplies last.
