I'd like to say that my first foray into the world of french macaroons was easy breezy, but after following a recipe for famous macaroons to the letter with the utmost care... twice... and failing, I finally did a little forensic baking, altered the recipe and made my way to success on round three.
But sweet success it was...
... full of beautiful crispy confections...
... lovely fruit...
... the best strawberry shortcake variation I've ever had...
... spring pastels...
... and easter eggs.
Yes, the third time was definitely the charm.
French Egg Macaroons:
4 egg whites (room temperature)
1 cup plus 3.5 tablespoons finely ground almonds or almond flour.
2 cups confectioners sugar
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 pinch salt
Beat egg whites in an electric mixer with a pinch of salt until they become foamy. Then add the granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time and beat the whites until they just form stiff glossy peaks.
In a separate bowl whisk together the confectioners sugar and almond flour. Pour half the almond/sugar mixture into the egg whites (they will deflate) and gently mix in with a rubber spatula. Once incorporated add the other half of the almond mixture. Make sure not to over-mix. Once mixed, knock the bowl on the counter to help push out any air in the batter.
Spoon the mixture into a piping bag (if you don't have one you can use a plastic freezer bag and cut off the tip) and squeeze out any air.
For macaroon easter eggs, pipe egg shapes 1" apart onto parchment lined baking sheets. Let sit at room temperature for around 30min to an hour or until they form a smooth skin. Then bake at 300 degrees for 15-18minutes or until they are firm to the touch and can be gently lifted off of the parchment. Let cool on a rack.
Fill with your favorite filling and refrigerate until firm.
Fillings Shown Above:
Honey Cream Cheese Frosting: Whipped cream cheese with a bit of cream and honey to taste. Colored with natural food coloring.
Strawberries and Cream: Whipped cream and diced strawberries (The combination of unsweetened whipped cream, fresh strawberries and sweet chewy almond macaroons is perhaps now my favorite dessert ever).
Filling Suggestions:
Fruit Jam
and so much more...
Happy Spring!
P.S. Don't forget to enter our Garden Book Giveaway!!
*Last time in Recipes: Hugs and Kisses
