Introduction to French Macarons

Because of their pretty, brightly colored exterior and their endless flavor possibilities, macarons make for beautiful favors as well as stylish decor.

My pics and video from Paris.

What's a Macaron?

1 part cookie [ground almonds + egg white + sugar] +
1 part filling [buttercream, ganache, jam] +
1 part cookie [ground almonds + egg white + sugar] =
1 complete macaron [happiness]

The macaron of Paris is considered a delicacy - its batter composed of finely ground almonds, a snowy cascade of sugar, and feathery peaks of egg whites.

Shall I describe the taste of a vanilla macaron or a rose petal macaron? Each is incredibly delicate-- the vanilla is soft and sweet, like the best Italian gelato you've ever tasted with a slight crunchy texture. The rose petal tastes just like England-- despite the fact that it's a French dessert. It tastes like afternoon tea and delicate floral china. The orange blossom, too, and the violet each have their charms. 

The origin of the macaron remains a mystery even to confectioners today. Some believe the pastry to have originated in a European monastery while others claim it was introduced by two Carmelite nuns during the mega-tumult of the French Revolution. The macaron’s consistency has changed over time, morphing from a meringue-like texture to cream-laden and coconut-thick. The macaron, not to be confused with its more humbly dressed counterpart, the macaroon coconut drop cookie, is most definitely derived from the exquisite palace of Versailles, where the Sun King himself, Louis XIV was said to serve such temptees at his wedding.

So if you ever come across a Ladurée, or a small French pastry shop that you know does amazing food.. I suggest you try one, just a bite. You might never want a pie or cupcake again.. like me!:):)

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!