Have you made Macarons yet?? I was so nervous about them, I went and took a class on how to make them. I’m not sure I got my money’s worth because I did not make very good Macarons in the class or at home!
I really enjoy making Meringue cookies, so I thought I would be a pro at Macarons. But, OH NO! Not even close!
It’s such a science to get it all right and perfect! I must not have done everything perfectly when I was making these.
I wanted to make something Special and Different for my in-law’s 45th Wedding Anniversary. My Sister-in-Law put together an awesome gift basket full of Sapphire colored treats! Let’s just say that if it had a blue label, bottle, or package, she put it into the gift basket. It turned out really great and I’m sure they are still picking out things from the basket. One of my contributions were these Macarons. (Hence the blue ones in attempt #2)
On my first attempt of the day, I made some Chocolate Macarons following the recipe by David Lebovitz (found here). Even he could not get it perfect, so I didn’t feel too bad….
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This time I sifted the almond flour as I added it the (blue) meringue. I also allowed them to sit on the counter for 15 minutes prior to putting them into the over. They turned out better, but still not perfect. They were hollow inside. Not good.
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There are a bunch of filling suggestions on the Martha Stewart, but I made a basic chocolate ganache filling.
3 1/2 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped (preferably 70% cacao)
1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, softened
Bring cream to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour cream over chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let stand for 2 minutes. Add butter, then whisk mixture until smooth. Let cool, stirring often. Use immediately.
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You are so brave. I've seen the pictures of the perfect colored goodies and figured I'd better not attempt them. It looks like you really did well with practice! They look yummy!
Thanks. Those pictures are very intimidating!
Those look pretty perfect to me!!! 🙂
Thanks so much, but I'm not sure they'd pass in a real bakery….
They don't quite look like Ladurée (a friend of a friend brought some back from NYC, worth every penny, esp. someone else's penny) but they look better than what I've seen for sale around Chicago. You should be proud!
I've had ALL of those recipes sitting on my desk for about 6 months – too afraid to try.
I think yours looks pretty darn good
That's sweet. Give it a try. What's the worse that could happen? Ugly food?
I've always wanted to try these too but feel intimidated to try! Yours look amazing! 🙂
I've never tried macarons but I've been thinking this might be the year. Even though you made them three times they look great to me! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
I appreciate that. Give them a go. If you can make meringue, you can make these!
I've never made these, but you posting this recipe has inspired me to add them to my list! Maybe I'll try making them for upcoming holiday parties. 🙂
Good luck! I'm sure a chocolate one with peppermint filling would be great!
Oh my! These looks so yummy… You are an inspiration…. 🙂
hugs ~ Crystelle
Thanks, but no… I'm just a copy-cat. Gotta try them again!
Macarons are on my bucket list. I appreciate you trying out all these recipes so I can just use your third one! Great post. Please share this at my Farm Girl Blog Fest: http://fresh-eggs-daily.blogspot.com/2012/11/farm-girl-blog-fest-7.html
And while you're visiting, be sure to enter to win an Egg Skelter!
Lisa
Fresh Eggs Daily
I've been wanting to try and make these – but I'm nervous too – I guess I should take the plunge. These look good!
They look wonderful! I've never made them because they scare me. My Mom told me to weigh the ingredients too. Man, that's so precise. But your look beautiful! Great job!
I have been DYING to make these, and am so glad I found your blog! I have all the ingredients, but have just been too chicken to attempt them yet! I think yours look great, and I will definitely be using your blog for inspiration and advice! Thanks!
They look great! I've made thm a few times too, but every time, they get a little better. I set mine out on the counter for one hour!
That's a long time, but I'm willing to try it!
I agree with everyone else, you are a brave woman! I have always wanted to try these, but have never had the guts! I appreciate all of your tips and photos!
I am going to pin these and will be back to read this again! Perhaps I can work up my courage!
Cynthia at http://FeedingBig.blogspot.com
They all look good if you ask me! I haven't attempted macaroons, too intimidated. I did buy almond meal at Trader Joe, but it sits in my cupboard, alone. I impressed you tried them 3 times! Again, I think they all look wonderful!
Pure determination! I HAD to get them at least "better".
Hi Karyn,
These Macarons are just beautiful we will just love them. Hope you have a fantastic weekend and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
YUM! These look fantastic!!
Thanks for partying with us this week at Keep Calm & Link Up!! Happy Friday!!
xo, Meredith @ http://www.waittilyourfathergetshome.com
Love French macarons! These are beautiful! Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday. Please come back Sunday and vote.
I would love for you to share this (or any of your other great ideas) at the link party going on now at ‘Or so she says …’. We’ve also got a fun “Favorite Things” giveaway going on right now. Hope to see you there! http://www.oneshetwoshe.com
Your macarons came out BEAUTIFULLY! They look great! I've tried making them several times, with only one semi-successful attempt! Yours look great! :o)
Try using Bob's Red Mill almond meal. I sift the almond meal, then process with powdered sugar in a food processor. When combining the almond/sugar with the meringue, make sure you fold the mixture so that it flows slowly like a ribbon, but not too much! After piping I always tap cookie sheet firmly on the counter a few times and have them rest 30-45 mins. to help form the skin on top so the feet form in the oven. Good luck!
Nice work, I enjoyed your trial runs most. It helps to know what not to do.
Karyn,
These Macaroons look beautiful. So sorry to hear it took three times to get it right. I would NEVER have that much patience, lol. I'm sure your in-laws loved the finished product. Thanks so much for linking up to Creative Thursday. Can’t wait to see what you share this week! Have a wonderful week.
Michelle
Thanks for linking up! Hope to see some of your great ideas again this week on 'Or so she says …' http://www.oneshetwoshe.com
These look so good!! I mean so good that I probably would eat way to many of them!!
They look delicious! I made them using the first link that you provided. I also read the Martha Stewart recipe beforehand, many, many times. I was afraid, even intimidated by making Macarons, too. I had been putting it off for a few years, in fact. I was taking a public speaking class (as if that isn't intimidating enough) and needed to do an informative speech. There aren't many steps in making Macaron's and since my speech couldn't be longer than 5 minutes, I decided to use making Macaron's as my topic. I made them with perfection on my very first try. I was floored.
The other student's enjoyed my Macaron's and I can mark it off of my bucket list! 🙂
Cheers!