Indulge in Homemade Delights: Mastering the Art of Macarons

Ah, the French macaron – a delightful treat that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also captivates the eyes with its vibrant colors and delicate structure. These dainty Parisian confections have garnered a reputation as one of the most Instagram-worthy, special occasion cookies around. But did you know that you can easily create these delectable delights in the comfort of your own kitchen, without breaking the bank?

 

A Brief Dip into History:

 

The history of macarons is as rich as their flavor. Originating in Italy during the Renaissance period, these almond-based treats were introduced to France by the chef of Catherine de’ Medici, Queen consort of Henry II of France. Over the centuries, the macaron evolved, eventually becoming the iconic sandwich cookie we know and love today.

 

Beauty in Every Bite:

 

What sets macarons apart is not just their taste, but also their aesthetic appeal. These petite treats come in a kaleidoscope of colors, making them a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. From vibrant pinks to pastel blues, each macaron is a miniature work of art, meticulously crafted to perfection.

 

Affordable Elegance:

 

While macarons may seem like a luxury reserved for special occasions, they need not come with a hefty price tag. A quick glance at the bakery counter might reveal prices upwards of $3 per cookie – a shocking sum for such a small indulgence. However, with a few simple ingredients and a bit of know-how, you can whip up a batch of these delicacies for a fraction of the cost, at the time of posting the cost was about 20 cents per cookie.

 

Surprisingly Simple:

 

One of the misconceptions surrounding macarons is that they are notoriously difficult to make. However, armed with the right recipe and a willingness to follow directions, anyone can master the art of macaron-making. If you can whip cream and bake cookies, you already possess the skills needed to create these delightful treats. With a wee bit of practice and patience, you’ll be amazed at the results you can achieve.

 

FRENCH MACARONS

Yield: 18 sandwich cookies  Time: 90 minutes

What You’ll Need:

1 cup almond flour

2 cups powdered sugar

3 egg whites (at room temperature)

¼ tsp cream of tartar

¼ cup granulated white sugar

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch of fine salt

Gel or paste food coloring in red – optional

6 tablespoons raspberry jam

 

Here’s How:

You’re going to preheat oven to 300°F degrees – but not yet! No sense having your hot oven sitting empty for an hour.  Line a big baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.

Press almond flour and powdered sugar through a fine mesh sieve into a large mixing bowl. I found this to be the most time-consuming part of this whole recipe. You need a fine powder mixture to create a smooth top to your cookies, so put on some music, grab a glass of vino and get sifting. Set aside.

Be sure everything that touches the following egg white mixture is completely free from any oil or grease. Using a stand mixer with whisk attachment or hand mixer and mixing bowl, beat room temperature egg whites on medium speed until foamy, then add cream of tartar.

Continue to whisk, gradually adding the white sugar, vanilla and salt. When incorporated, increase speed to high and mix until stiff glossy peaks form.  Add the food coloring (I dipped the tines of a fork into the color and dabbed it into the meringue) and mix 10 seconds more. The color fades when baked so go a shade darker or brighter than your desired finished color.

Using a (clean – no oil residue!) rubber spatula, fold the eggs into the almond and sugar mixture, gently folding until the mixture makes smooth ribbons when you lift the spatula. This takes 50-60 strokes or “folds”.

Transfer the mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a ½ inch tip, or spoon into a gallon sized zip top plastic bag and cut ½ inch off one corner to pipe like a pastry bag.

Pipe 1½ inch rounds onto the parchment lined baking sheet. Gently, tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles.

Now, preheat your oven! Meanwhile, allow the cookies to sit out on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes. This lets the tops dry out and form a “skin” on top. This is the secret to success! This prevents them from spreading out when baking. Instead they rise upward making the “feet” that indicates a well-made macaron.

Bake the cookies, in the lower third of your oven, for 20 minutes. Let cool completely on parchment.

Prepare filling by passing raspberry jam through a mesh strainer to remove seeds.

Place one scant teaspoon of jam between two cookies.

Et Voila! Macarons!

They say, “All you need is love”. But a few macarons now and then never hurt.

With a few simple ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can bring the elegance and flavor of French macarons into your own home. So why wait for a special occasion? Treat yourself to a taste of luxury today – because sometimes, all you need is a little indulgence to sweeten life’s moments.

 

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