We've already started writing the first chapter of the book "2014"...)) Write it as well as it's just possible..
For me,I've decided to have a sweet start... The first post of the year is going to be about tiny little classy cute and nice French "macarons"..one of the most coveted cookies not only in Europe...
I'm a big big fan..and today I've decided to share some interesting stuff about this little pretty princesses with all of you..
Macaroon is a type of light, baked confection, described as meringue-like cookies depending on their consistency. The original macaroon was a "small sweet consisting largely of ground almonds" similar to Italian amaretti.
The English word macaroon and French macaron come from the Italian maccarone or maccherone. This word is itself derived from ammaccare, meaning to bruise, used here in reference to the almond paste which is the principal ingredient.
Most recipes call for egg whites (usually whipped to stiff peaks),almonds,coconut, or nuts. Almost all call for sugar. Macaroons are sometimes baked on edible rice paper placed on a baking tray.
The earliest recorded macaroon recipes are for the almond meringue variety similar to amaretti, with a crisp crust and a softer interior. They were made from egg whites and almond paste.
The name of the cookie comes from an Italian word meaning paste, maccarone. About the origin, culinary historians claim that macaroons can be traced to an Italian monastery of the 9th century. The monks came to France in 1533, joined by the pastry chefs of Catherine de Medici, wife of King Henry II. Later, two Benedictine nuns, Sister Marguerite and Sister Marie-Elisabeth, came to Nancy seeking asylum during the French Revolution.The two women paid for their housing by baking and selling macaroon cookies, and thus became known as the "Macaroon Sisters".Recipes for macaroons (also spelled "mackaroon," "maccaroon" and "mackaroom") appear in recipe books at least as early as 1725 (Robert Smith's Court Cookery, or the Complete English Cook).
Italian Jews later adopted the cookie because it has no flour or leavening (macaroons are leavened by egg whites) and can be enjoyed during the eight-day observation of Passover. It was introduced to other European Jews and became popular as a year-round sweet.Over time,coconut was added to the ground almonds and, in certain recipes, replaced them.Potato stretch is also sometimes included in the recipe, to give the macaroons more body.
Regional varieties
Scottish
The Scottish macaroon is a sweet confection with a thick velvety centre covered in chocolate and topped with roasted coconut. Traditionally they were made with cold leftovers of mashed potatoes and sugar loaf. When the macaroon bar became commercial the recipe no longer used mashed potato because of shelf life limitations. The modern macaroon is made from a combination (depending on producer) of: Sugar, Glucose, Water and Egg White. These ingredients make a fondant centre. This recipe was reportedly discovered by accident in 1931, when confectioner John Justice Lees was said to have botched the formula for making a chocolate fondant bar and threw coconut over it in disgust, producing the first macaroon bar.
North American
In North America, the coconut macaroon is the better known variety. Commercially made coconut macaroons are generally dense, moist and sweet, and often dipped in chocolate. Homemade macaroons and varieties produced by smaller bakeries are commonly light and fluffy. Macaroons made with coconuts are often piped out with a star shaped tip, whereas macaroons made with nuts are more likely shaped individually due to the stiffness of the dough. Because of their lack of wheat and leavening ingredients, macaroons are often consumed during Passover in many Jewish homes.
Coconut macaroon
DominicanA coconut macaroon is a type of macaroon most commonly found in Australia, the US,The Netherlands(Kokosmakronen) and Germany, and is directly related to the Scottish macaroon. Its principal ingredients are egg whites, sugar and shredded dried coconut. It is closer to a soft cookie than its meringue cousin, and is equally sweet. Many varieties of coconut macaroons are dipped in chocolate , typically milk chocolate. Versions dipped in dark or white chocolate are also becoming more commonly available. Nuts are often added to coconut macaroons, typically almond slivers, but occasionallypecans,cashews or other nuts. In Australia, a blob of raspberry jam or glacé cherries are often concealed in the centre of the macaroon prior to cooking.
Macaroons in the Dominican Republic are very dark. Grated coconut is mixed with ginger and cinnamon.
French
In France, the coconut macaroon is known as the "congolais".Another name for the coconut macaroon is "le rocher à la noix de coco". The almond flour version is simply called "le macaron" in French.
Spanish
In Asturias, Spain, there is a macaroon variety made with hazelnuts and honey called "carajitos."
Puerto Rican
In Puerto Rico, coconut macaroons are called besitos de coco (little coconut kisses). A few variations of besitos de coco can be found on the island, the most popular ones including lemon zest and vanilla as additional ingredients.
Indian
Tuticorin and Mangalore have their own varieties of macaroon made with cashews and egg whites, adapted from those introduced in colonial times.
Ireland
A macaroon chocolate bar is made by Wilton Candy in Co. Kildare, Ireland. The description on the packaging is "macaroon pieces in Irish milk chocolate." It was first made in 1937.
And with good reason: From the light, melt-in-your-mouth outer shell to the delicious array of creamy fillings, these sweets are a sophisticated alternative to a box of cookies. So, in honor of our newest favorite holiday, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite purveyors:
Behold the beautiful La Dureé packaging. (Image: LOUISE BECHE )
La Dureé
Paris, France
Perhaps the most revered macaron of them all hails from Paris institution, La Duree. Though it started as a small bakery in 1862 on 16 rue Royale, the high-end confectionary is now a chain with shops from New York City to Japan. And while each of the outposts is lovely, a visit to the Victorian-era inspired Champs-Elysées Paris location tops many a foodie list. The brand attributes its culinary success to a secret ingredient, though their incredible attention to detail doesn’t hurt. You’ll leave all of the locations with your purchases packed in a mix of gorgeous boxes and bags.
Chantal Guillon
San Francisco, Calif., United States
San Francisco-based Chantal Guillon is a favorite on the West Coast. One of their specialties? The macarons glacés, which are filled with ice cream instead of the usual ganache or buttercream. Perfect for warm weather! And if you’re unprepared to deviate from the original formula, there’s plenty of those to go around too: the Tahitian Vanilla, Italian Pistachio and Espresso Coffee are to-die-for. Shipping is available only for a 24-piece box of 12 seasonal flavors.
Variations from Dana’s Bakery include Easter specials! (Image:Dana's Bakery)
Dana’s Bakery
A relative newcomer to the macaron scene,Dana's Bakery puts a twist on the traditional. With fun American flavors like Orange Creamsicle and Birthday Cake, you can’t go wrong. Holiday offerings are especially popular: The new Easter box is filled with Creme Egg (think: Cadbury), Marshmallow Peep and Peanut Butter Egg variations. The best part? The online-based shop ships nationwide. Oh, and they’re gluten-free.
Creamy, indulgent centers are a Pierre Hermé staple
Pierre Hermé
Paris, France
Also offering nationwide shipping (thankfully!) is Pierre Herme , without which no macaron list would be complete. The solely Parisian-based shop offers incredibly charming packaging and flavors for a sophisticated palette, like caramel with fleur de sel, lemon and caramelized fennel, and hazelnut praline. Yum!
Bisous Ciao
New York, NY, United States
Don’t let the size of these tiny downtown New York City shops fool you. The macarons at Bisous Ciao pack major flavor. In addition to exceptional standbys like chocolate and vanilla, seasonal collections are also popular. Available now are Blood Orange, Blackberry and Thai Tea. In addition to an assortment of tastes, there’s a myriad of box sizes and shipping options to choose from.
This little cookies are so light and beautiful that I,personally, feel like having them at all kinds of Italian/French cafes,restaurants or just take them home to share with my loved ones..
For me,it's a perfect detail to bring a bit elegance to the celebration,or your breakfast table...Simply chick :)
Just had a dream..another one to go lay in my huge DreamBox and wait it's turn - wouldn't it be great to appear somewhere in Paris..sitting in a classy cafe..enjoying some kind of nightly green tea that would go great with my sweet macaroons...?...))
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