I have made this almost every year since I was about 7 years old, working with my mother. It is not hard if you follow all the steps, and it never fails to please.
Note that the prep time listed here is for this final assembly step. Eachother step has its own prep time. Expect to spend about 2 to 3 hours from start to finish, with some time in between for the cake to cool before filling it.
This unusual and delicious creation was served at Annette's Fancy French Birthday. 
A simple but time-consuming soup that serves as an elegant start to a French-style or any formal dinner.