French Macarons

Do you all know, love and cherish this little french confection as much as I do? Or have you never heard of them before? And no, I'm not talking about "macaroons" made with coconut, those are good too though. These are those delightful, beautifully colored sugary treats that are big in Paris (umm, hello? Pierre Herme and Laduree??? in my best gossip girl voice, haha).

Here's a fancy pic of Ladurée macarons (not my pic)

If you do love them as I do - then you know, they're gluten free - although, be sure to double check before buying!!) -- they're made with egg whites & almond meal (among other things) to get that delicate crunchy - meringue-like texture.

We went to Paris in 2009 (remember that? full post here) and I was so excited to eat macarons, every day...

Anyway.... there is a guy I work with who is dating a fabulous woman who makes french macarons (and amazing chocolates) for a little chocolate shop here in Beacon Hill. I am lucky enough to sit near him, so that when she has "extras" or macarons that aren't exactly perfect - he brings in the leftovers to work and he has me as a best friend that day.

My birthday was last week and I thought, I should ask if she sell directly to me a big pile of macarons for me to indulge in all to myself, and sure enough - she did! I can't tell you wonderful these are. These actually taste as good (if not better) than the macarons we had in Paris. She has a magic touch, here's my assortment of cassis and hazelnut flavors that I arranged on my pretty cake plate:


OMG. So good. If you can find them, I highly recommend them. OR - maybe try making them yourself? One day I will do this. The ones that I had from Pierre Herme in Paris were rose flavored, divine, and their recipe is here. Or, I'm sure you've read Tartlette right? If not - check her out. The most gorgeous food photography, and she talks about macarons all the time.

OK - can you tell I'm obsessed?