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January 21, 2014

My First French Macarons - Success!

I was inspired to bake the famous French Macaron when my friend told me how hard it was to make them. This was my first challenge of the year so I read about some tips on how to make them from different sites. I also watched two Youtube videos demonstrating the steps and I combined what I learned plus I found out my own tips to share with you guys. But, first of all, I wanted to share the recipe I found from howtocookthat.net. To tell you, I only choose recipes with 5-star rating and this one is definitely worth-keeping! Click here to view the complete recipe.

I honestly had a hard time looking for the ingredients because I thought I'd easily find them in store. When I searched for the words "caster" and "pure icing" only did I realize I already have them at home. LOL. You only need four major ingredients to make a macaron:
1) Caster Sugar - I also read they use the term "castor". I was surprised to learn that this is the sugar I have at home - granulated cane sugar. Only this should be extra fine, almost powdery. I do not have the time to buy so I just used our blender to grate/blend/chop it. Though I saw some stores actually offer "Extra Fine Granulate Cane Sugar". Anyway, I just pressed whatever button just to cut it in smaller/finer pieces.
2) Icing Sugar - So this one is also known as powdered or confectioner's sugar! Funny I even asked the store employee if they have such and she said she doesn't have any idea.
3) Almond Meal or Flour - Almost hard to find! They don't have one at Target, Walmart and Safeway. Good thing I went to Weis and found only one brand (Bob's Red Mill Finely Ground Almond Meal/Flour) and it's gluten-free. It's the most expensive flour I've seen! I think I bought a pound for $17.99 and that's excluding tax. Now I know why macarons are expensive as they say. Friends say it costs $3 in the US and Php 60 in the Philippines.
4) Eggs - Needed at room temperature, the older the better.
5) Salt
* Gel Food Coloring - You can use any color you like! Isn't that wonderful? But you better be careful because if you need deeper shades, it might affect the batter's consistency.
Use non-stick flat parchment paper.
 
Let it sit for at least an hour.

The first batch I baked was good for a first-timer.

I still have to work on a few breaks in my foot.

The browning is normal because if not, it's going to stick in the paper. Watch them carefully even before it's done because every minute is crucial to these sensitive cookies!

The next batch, I almost burnt them, isn't that weird? It's because I used the same pans I put in the oven the first time. It didn't have time to totally cool off. So do not do that.

For more tips, head over to joyofbaking.com and howtocookthat.net

French macarons they say are the hardest cookies to bake. For me, they're just sensitive and it's lengthly especially if you don't have a good stand-alone mixer. Imagine I only used a hand-mixer, I already finished an episode of Charmed and I am still not done mixing! These times I wish I had a Kitchen-Aid mixer or at least borrowed one.

Anyway, until my next try of these cookies! I'd like to make red and black. :)

DISCLAIMER
I was not compensated in any way to do a review of the product/s or service/s mentioned above. Everything was based on my 100% honest opinion.

16 comments :

  1. that was really not bad for your first time baking of macarons, they look delish, can i have a bite? hihi

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  2. I am very intrigue with this dessert i might going to try one if i have the chance.

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  3. wow! this is another thing i would love to learn how to bake! best for visitors and tea's and gifts too! they looks very yummy and you did a great job!

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  4. I love macaroons. I agree with you having a good stand mixer is very important in making this kind of pastry.

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  5. can i say you are a genius? oh am geeee! hardest cookies to bake but you nailed it! so worth all your time and effort. keep baking!

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  6. wow, i so envy you, haha, I remember my first macaroon was a total disaster that my younger brothers were laughing at me, haha!! those look so yummy!!!

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  7. Oh wow! I don't think I can do French macaroons! I have two boys who keeps calling my name! hehehe! They look like baked by a pro! Congrats! I bet it's yummy too!

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  8. I'd like to invite you in my house, so we can bake (lol). I'm only saying it because I have a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer which I haven't used in a while. Gone are the days of baking a cake weekly. Are you anywhere near NY?

    Anyway, you did a great job. They sure look like my favorite Laduree. You just made me crave for some. :-)

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    1. Oh no, I'm in MD. :D It's still considered close though. LOL! Can't buy Kitchen Aid mixer at the moment! Whew!

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  9. Wow, that is awesome. I have never liked baking so admire people like you who does.

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  10. Good job! I never tried baking macaroons yet. I need to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing.

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  11. Wow!!! That looks really good and pretty I don't think I can dare eat them! Lol. I might try this one of these days! Thanks for sharing and congrats on the success with just one try! :)

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  12. Good job! Now im craving for desserts :)

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  13. I want to have a taste for your french macaroons, I love the color everyone must love it.

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  14. Pretty good! You did a marvelous job! I am so green with envy! I wish I could do that too! In my dreams! Hahahaha!

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  15. Congrats with your first french macarons! Give me some please hihi. :)

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Thanks for sharing your thoughts!