However, if there is one thing you should know about me, it is that I LOVE DESSERTS--ALL DESSERTS. Ice cream, cobblers, deep dish cookies, cakes, marshmallows, cinnamon rolls, with ice cream on top of all it--you name it!--That is my happy place.
And, recently I have developed an infatuation for the sweet, colorful, delightful pastry, the French Macaron! Have you had one?! If not, I highly recommend finding them as soon as possible! you'll love them so much you'll want to try to make them on your own.
It was only a couple of months ago that I had my first Macaron (or Macaroon as many refer to them in English). They were made by Ally & Eloise Bakery in Columbia, SC. I was in. heaven. Shortly after my inaugural macaron tasting, I saw Ally, the owner of Ally & Eloise, at the local downtown farmers market and asked her the name of the flavor I had tried. It was raspberry and buttercream--a flavor I would have never tried had I known it was raspberry. Ever since I had these little macarons I have been very fascinated by these petite pastries--not to mention craving them.
Thanks to this frigid January weather and endless time to spare indoors (thanks to Christmas break), I had the opportunity to explore the mystery behind making these delicate cookies and experiment by making them on my own. I wanted them to taste just like the ones I had from Ally and Eloise so that I could share this splendid treasure with my family at home.
After watching a handful of YouTube videos, and reading several French Macaron filling recipes, I was able to make my own Raspberry macarons very similar to those made by Ally! ( but not quite as good--I still need some practice) So with that, I encourage you to get your hands on a french macaron as soon as you get the chance and then explore making your own using the links posted below! Enjoy!
FOR THE MACRON/MACAROON SHELLS:
I used "Beth's Foolproof Macaroon recipe" found on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ636Y8N6E8
Another wonderful aspect of these little treats is that you can make the shells any color you can imagine! I started with none other than my favorite color--PINK:)
Another wonderful aspect of these little treats is that you can make the shells any color you can imagine! I started with none other than my favorite color--PINK:)
FOR THE FILLING:
I used
1. French butter cream and seedless raspberry jam <--THE BEST
2. French buttercream only
3. Raspberry jam only
The sky is the limit with macaroon filling! (jams, frostings, chocolate, ganache, salted caramel…)
I can't wait to make dolce de leche salted caramel macaroons next!
The sky is the limit with macaroon filling! (jams, frostings, chocolate, ganache, salted caramel…)
I can't wait to make dolce de leche salted caramel macaroons next!
French Buttercream recipe found on POPSUGAR:
"Basic Macaron Buttercream Filling"
http://www.popsugar.com/food/Basic-French-Macaron-Recipe-21651110
