Thursday, 27 May 2010

• Colorful Cookies: The French Macaron

  

  What is a macaron, you ask?

  A macaron, or French Macaron, is a confectionery whose name is derived from the Italian word, maccarone, meaning paste. It is meringue-based and 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 macaron differs from other macarons 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 (foie gras, truffle). Making macarons requires a great deal of discipline and is a process that is highly dependent on exactitude, technique, and proper equipment. For this reason it is a notoriously difficult recipe to master and a frustrating endeavor for the amateur baker.

  Macarons look like little colorful toys to play with, rather than eat. People say they are one of the best French pastries ever, but I would choose chocolate crossiants any day - I shouldn't say that, though, because I have never tried it! I have seen amazing, mouth-watering pictures of macarons in many different colors on the internet. I once found them at this place called Paris Baguette, but sadly, I couldn't buy them because I was rushing to school. I was so devastated! If I ever run into them again, I'm definitely going to try one! They just look simply divine.
  
  Have you had a real macaron? 

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