Cécile CorchiaToday, the team decided to share with you their recipe for traditional French macarons but, first, let’s talk a little about the macaron itself.
This mythical delicacy has become, over the years, one of the representations of France. The macaron as we know it today was born in Paris in the 19th century, when renowned pastry chefs (such as the grandson of Louis-Ernest Ladurée) had the idea of joining two shells and filling them with a ganache. . It was therefore at this precise moment that the macaron became a monument for all tourists: ready to wait in front of a bakery to obtain the best macarons in Paris. The reputation of the macaron is well established, but it seems important to go back to the basics. These delicious little cookies, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, are made from almond flour, sugar and egg whites, and they come in a variety of flavors. Chocolate, vanilla, coffee or even rose macarons, there really is something for everyone. Put on your apron and let’s go!
PS: If you’re lucky enough to come to France and Paris, you’ll find the best macaroons on our blog article the TOP 10 best macarons in Paris
Table of Contents
For our recipe, for about 40 macarons:
Preparation time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Medium
Average : cost
Ingredients
Macaron shell:
– 100 g of egg white
– 125 g of sugar
– 125g icing sugar
– 125 gr of extra-fine almond flour
– Food coloring
Chocolate ganache:
– 100 g of dark chocolate
– 100 gr of liquid cream (30% fat)
– 1 box of butter-1 case of sugar
Preparation of the macaron shells:
- Mix and sift the icing sugar and almond powder.
- Put the mixture in a bowl with 40 grams of egg white.
- Add the food coloring of your choice.
Preparation of the Swiss meringue:
- Mix the rest of the egg white with the sugar. Cook in a bain-marie. Whisk everything together until the sugar has completely melted.
- When the egg white is homogeneous, switch to an electric mixer.
- Blend until smooth and shiny.
- Gently fold the meringue into the first preparation.
- Once everything is homogeneous, you should obtain a smooth and shiny consistency.
- Once the perfect consistency has been obtained: Put the preparation in a piping bag fitted with a plain tip.
Little tip: To be perfect, the macarons must be the same size and equidistant to ensure even cooking.
- Leave the macarons to rest in the open air for at least 30 minutes.
Tip: When you touch the top of your macarons, if it doesn’t stick, they may be baked in.
- Bake the macarons at 140° for about 14 minutes.
Tip: to check if the macarons are cooked: try moving them. If you move, add 2min.
- Take the macarons out and let them cool.
- Garnish the macarons once the shells have cooled.
Preparation of the chocolate ganache
- Boil the cream with the butter and sugar.
- Mix until a homogeneous mixture is obtained
- Off the heat, add the chocolate chunks. Leave to stand for 5 minutes then mix until a smooth cream is obtained.
Assembly
• Assemble the macarons in pairs, of the same size. Fill your macarons with your ganache.
• Store in the refrigerator at least 24 hours before eating
There you go, we’ve given you all the resources you need to get the best macarons! Something to impress your friends and delight their taste buds. And if you want to take pastry lessons with passionate chefs, visit our Kweezine website for unforgettable culinary experiences.
What are French macarons?
French macarons are delicate and colorful sandwich cookies made from almond flour, egg whites, and a sweet filling. They have a light and airy texture with a crispy exterior.
How do I make French macarons at home?
To make French macarons at home, you’ll need almond flour, powdered sugar, egg whites, granulated sugar, and your choice of flavoring or food coloring. Follow a reliable recipe, like the one found here (insert link), and pay attention to the precise measurements and techniques for achieving the perfect macaron shell.
Why are French macarons so difficult to make?
French macarons require precision and attention to detail. The process involves properly measuring ingredients, achieving the right consistency for the batter, and mastering the macaronage technique (folding the batter). Factors like humidity and oven temperature can also affect the outcome. With practice and patience, you’ll improve your macaron-making skills.
How can I achieve the perfect macaron shell?
The key to achieving the perfect macaron shell is to properly mix the batter to the right consistency and allow the piped macarons to rest before baking. This resting period helps to form a smooth, dry skin on the macarons, which is essential for creating the characteristic “feet” during baking.
What fillings can I use for French macarons?
You can use a variety of fillings for French macarons, such as buttercream, ganache, fruit jams, or even flavored creams. Consider complementing the flavors of the macaron shells with fillings like chocolate ganache, raspberry jam, or pistachio buttercream.
How do I store French macarons?
French macarons are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can typically be kept for up to 3-4 days, but for optimal freshness, it’s recommended to consume them within 1-2 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving.
Can I freeze French macarons?
Yes, you can freeze French macarons. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating the layers with parchment paper. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then bring them to room temperature before serving.
How can I troubleshoot common macaron issues?
If you encounter issues with your macarons, such as cracked shells, hollow interiors, or uneven feet, it could be due to factors like over-mixing the batter, under- or over-baking, or improper oven temperature. Consult a reliable troubleshooting guide or recipe to help diagnose and correct the specific issue you’re experiencing.
Can I customize the flavors of my macarons?
Absolutely! French macarons are incredibly versatile, and you can experiment with various flavors and fillings. Consider adding extracts, food coloring, or even crushed freeze-dried fruits to the batter to create unique flavors.
Are there any gluten-free options for French macarons?
Yes, French macarons are naturally gluten-free as they are made primarily with almond flour. However, it’s essential to ensure all ingredients used in the recipe are gluten-free and labeled as such to avoid cross-contamination.
Where Can book a macaron class in France or Paris
You can easily book a great macaron class in Paris or France with Kweezine. We have a lot of choice of pastry classes and great macarons classes for all the family. Go here: https://kweezine.com/en/thematic/cours-de-patisserie
Cécile Corchia
David