Macarons are one food that I am yet to master. I am always inspired by my friend Holly's beautiful macaron creations (she's such a fantastic baker!). I find them so intimidating that I put it on my birthday list to attempt them again this year. If you are not familiar with birthday lists, it's something Elsie and I (and others!) do every year. We make a list of goals for the upcoming year that corresponds with our age. For example, last year my list included 26 things to do before I turn 27. I will be celebrating another birthday the end of this month, so I'm trying to wrap up any unfinished goals and make my plans for next year. One thing I had yet to accomplish was to attempt macarons again. I wish I had a picture of my first attempt (almost 3 years ago). They were a DISASTER! Ha!
As you can see I still have some more practicing to do. :) But these were MUCH better than my first attempt. And although they were not cosmetically perfect, they were definitely delicious. They are cinnamon macarons (they taste like a snickerdoodle cookie!) that I filled with Nutella. I will share the recipe but for instructions on the method I would highly recommend this blog, and she also provides links to other fantastic bakers who have offered up more instructions as well.
For these cinnamon macarons I used: 110 gm slivered almonds, 202 gm powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 100 gm egg whites aged at room temperature overnight and 50 gm granulated sugar.
My main issues with this batch was that some of them cracked while baking and the tops still had a prominent tip from piping. (I also have a suspicion that I didn't fold the batter enough.) I got some suggestions from friendly IG users on how to remedy these problems. To keep macarons from cracking, it was suggested that I lower my baking temperature and allow them to bake a little longer. Or I can try letting them rest for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. And for getting rid of the piped tips it was suggested that I could give my baking sheet a tap on the counter before baking to level them off.
I was proud to have gotten some decent "feet" out of this batch at least. :) What about you? Have you ever been intimated by something you wanted to do? Or have you ever baked anything challenging? xo. Emma
I have always ALWAYS wanted to make these bad boys.... but they are a tad terrifying when I can't even make cakes right most of the time ;)
xo
Posted by: Annabel P | January 10, 2013 at 05:34 PM
I have attempted these several times and failed miserably as well. However, i did read a recipe for a different technique recently from Annie Eats where she uses am Italian Meringue method instead of the French method, and assures that it is more fool-proof. I have yet to find an entire afternoon to attempt it without interruption, but when I do my hopes are high for success! Congratulations on making it pretty darn close!
Posted by: Heather Hagler | January 10, 2013 at 05:55 PM
macarons are so finnicky. theyre one of my favorite treats, but not to bake. my patience doesnt stretch far enough lol.
Posted by: jacqueline frey | January 10, 2013 at 05:57 PM
Yum! This look super tasty!
Posted by: Shopgirls Boutique | January 10, 2013 at 05:57 PM
I've just started baking macarons, too, and I've had varying results. I've made two batches now, sandwiching them with an egg-free, dairy-free, gluten-free orangey chocolate spread, much like the beloved Nutella! It was just what I had to hand, but it actually made for some very luxurious macarons. I'd like to try making some flavoured macarons, rather than just plain almond ones. I also adore the brightly-coloured ones - they're just SO purty.
Just about to take a Chocolate Buttermilk Cake out of the oven! Thank so much for all your gorgeous and stylish posts - your blog has made my life more beautiful.
Liz
Posted by: Liz | January 10, 2013 at 05:58 PM
They don't look that bad. It is so hard to get the base right. Practice make it perfect.
(just a thing: it is «macaron» with only 1 «n»; macaroon is another kind of biscuit :)).
Posted by: Nolwenn | January 10, 2013 at 05:58 PM
Yummy!!!!!
MY DAILY OUTFITS IN http://cravingforbarneys.com
Posted by: CRAVING FOR BARNEYS | January 10, 2013 at 06:03 PM
These look pretty good to me! I could go for one right now :)
Posted by: Melanie | January 10, 2013 at 06:03 PM
Cannot wait to try these. Thanks for the idea!
Sabrina
http://bbutterflybrain.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Sabrina | January 10, 2013 at 06:04 PM
Macaroons are my absolute favorite treat (I could live in Laduree!) I've never tried making them though!
xoxo
juliette laura
http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Juliette Laura | January 10, 2013 at 06:09 PM
Kudos for attempting macaroons (twice)! They really do look delicious -great job! You've inspired me to give them a go and also start a birthday goal list! Thanks for all the inspiration- love your work!
Posted by: Taylor Dillon | January 10, 2013 at 06:10 PM
Oi desperately want to give macarons a crack too! They are sooo popular here in Australia (look up Adriano Zumbo, his macarons are to die for! He's the Willy Wonka of baking!)
Posted by: Claire | January 10, 2013 at 06:13 PM
This look so amazing! I probably couldn't get mine to look anything close to this! And these photos definitely make me want something sweet and chocolatey.
Carlee
http://almostendearing.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Carlee | January 10, 2013 at 06:18 PM
I like the piped tip, it makes it look homemade which makes if feel all the more special!
Posted by: Gwen | January 10, 2013 at 06:21 PM
Gorgeous! I think they are pretty darn good, and probably absolutely delicious. What a great idea: "practicing" macaroons. Experimentation is always fun!
Posted by: Juliane at Modern Mural | January 10, 2013 at 06:23 PM
Thanks for the blog link!!! I made macaroons 3 times and none of them met my expectations!! Well, atleast they are getting better each time :) Oh and LOVELY feet on those!:)
Posted by: Ariana To | January 10, 2013 at 06:25 PM
eggs benedict...but now i have mastered it!
Posted by: saidkelley | January 10, 2013 at 06:30 PM
This was on my list of things to do last year! I made them twice, but I couldn't get them pretty. Yours look great!
Posted by: Naomi | January 10, 2013 at 06:34 PM
I love the idea of a birthday list! My birthday is in 7 days, so I don't know if I'll be able to make one and complete it this year (26 things is a lot to do in 7 days!) but it might be fun! And I've always wanted to master macaroons, too. But I've made this, which I think are close, and I LOVE! http://www.bakerella.com/chewy-chocolate-meringues/
I love your perspective, too, that you're "practicing". It's refreshing ;)
Posted by: Mariah | January 10, 2013 at 06:37 PM
Super cute! I think by the third try you'll have it down.
http://sarahthearchitect.com/
Posted by: Sarah | January 10, 2013 at 06:48 PM