French Macaroons

Goodbye trendy cupcakes. Hello french macaroons.

First a brief history via Wikipedia:

A french macaron is a confectionery whose name is derived from an Italian word “maccarone” or "maccherone". This word is itself derived from ammaccare, meaning crush or beat, used here in reference to the almond paste which is the principal ingredient. It is meringue-based: made from a mixture of egg whites, almond flour, and both granulated and confectionery sugar. The confectionery is characterized by its smooth, domed top, ruffled circumference, and flat base. Connoisseurs prize a delicate, egg shell-like crust that yields to a moist and airy interior. The French macaroon differs from other macaroons in that it is filled with cream or butter like a sandwich cookie, and can be found in a wider variety of flavors that range from the traditional (raspberry, chocolate) to the exotic (truffle, matcha tea).

In my research it became apparent that people use two different names for the same heavenly treats. Some places you will see "macaron" and other places you will see "french macaroon". Macaron seems like the more proper french term while macaroon is the American term. I am personally going to stick with calling them french macaroons.

What is not to love about these sweet whimsical looking sandwiches? I love the array of colors, very feminine and delicate. Flavors range from poppy flower and pistachio to the darkest of chocolate. There is something effortlessly elegant and fancy about them. So so lovely.

Word on the Street:

Alexandre Trouan, a French pastry chef and owner of San Francisco's L'Artisan, says that up until a year ago, people would look at his macaroons and ask, "What are those little colored hamburgers?" Now his customers are calling them by the French pronunciation and ordering them by the dozen.

Nadège Nourian, the talent behind Toronto’s 9-month-old Nadège patisserie, says the 2006 film Marie Antoinette incited the current macaroon mania. In the movie, star Kirsten Dunst satisfies her sweet tooth with macarons supplied by Ladurée.

Click below for French Macaroon Recipes:

Via Martha Stewart
Via Epicurious
Via Food Network

Places to buy French Macaroons:

Laduree
Sucre
Williams-Sonoma
Paulette Macarons