Welcome to the world of Macarons

In the 1970s, it was Jell-O molds.

In the 1980s, it was frozen yogurt.

And for the past decade? 

Cupcakes, cupcakes, cupcakes. 

Trendy desserts have come and gone, and some foodies predict another treat is poised to be this decade's defining sweet:

Bonjour, Macaron! ♥

The Macaron cookie was born in Italy, introduced by the chef of Catherine de Medicis in 1533 at the time of her marriage to the Duc d'Orleans who became king of France in 1547 as Henry II. 

The first Macarons were simple cookies, made of almond powder, sugar and egg whites. Many towns throughout France have their own prized tale surrounding this delicacy.

Since then, French Macaron cookies have been nationally acclaimed in France and remain the best-selling cookie in pastry retail stores.

A macaron is a sweet confectionery made with egg whites, icing sugar, granulated sugar, almond powder or ground almond, and food coloring. The macaron is commonly filled with buttercream or jam filling sandwiched between two cookies. Its name is derived from an Italian word "maccarone" or "maccherone". It is meringue-based: made from a mixture of egg whites, almond flour.

They are fun and technical to make. Lots of colours and flavours and a variety of spices.

My personal favourite macarons are from  Pierre Hermé, but Laduree closely follows.

Pierre Hermé, Paris

In Switzerland the Luxemburgerli is similar to a French macaron but is said to be lighter and more airy in consistency.

A MUST-GO Pâtisserie  in Switzerland

The most fascinating thing about these little parcels of joy are the way you can play with the colours and flavours. You can combine offbeat and compatible flavours and make wondrous discoveries with textures and flavour profiles for one. Making macarons is highly therapeutic and a very spiritual journey at that for me. Everytime I make a batch, I discover a new destination in my culinary journey. Even though there are highly specialised and skill-fully trained experienced Macaron Chefs, the world has to offer, do not let the stories of hardships deter you from visiting this beautiful world of macaron making. You may not get it right the first time, but a couple of earnest tries, and you would get closer. I promise!

"Life is uncertain, eat dessert first."

Bon Appetite!
xoxo