i have had allot of fails at making french macarons, but i was determined not to be beaten and now i think i have the hang of it, i think i have had 7 attempts and only twice did they resemble macarons the other batches they where either cracked, hollow or saggy.
i would recommend looking on pinterest for tips and watching video tutorials on you tube so you can see the method of making them before you start.
Italian macarons are allot easier but i kept at it.
the recipe i found worked best for me was
1 cup powdered sugar
3 1/4 cup ground almonds
2 egg whites
5 table spoons granulated sugar
there are so many tips and recipes but i think its a case of trial and error and what works for you.
to start you need to mix the powdered sugar and ground almonds and sift it in to a bowl, if you have a food processor then put it in that for a minute, in another bowl whisk the egg whites until frothy then start adding one table spoon of sugar at a time while whisking it with an electric whisk i added a bit of lemon juice to strengthen it. continue whisking until you get stiff peaks and add your food colouring and whisk it in ( i always turn the bowl upside down and if if stays in the bowl its done if it starts to slide whisk it a bit more) now you are done with the whisk.
add the sugar and powdered almond mixture a quarter at a time and use a spatula to fold it in once combined add the next quarter. once all of it is fully combined put the mixture into a piping bag with a round nozzle and pipe on to either a parchment paper lined baking sheet or a silicone macaron mat, which it what i used, you can get one from wholeport.com
then once you have piped out your macarons pop any air bubbles that you can see, tap the tray onto the surface to bring any to the top and make sure they are all popped.
leave the tray on the side so the macarons can form a skin, this can take 15 mins to an hour i think it depends on the weather i always leave mine to rest for ages. once your macarons have a skin preheat the oven at 150c (i always wait for my macarons to have a skin before i preheat the oven to save electric) and place them in and after 8 mins take them out and turn the tray around then put them back in for another 8 minutes. once cooked leave them to cool for about 30 minutes to an hour and then take them off the paper or mat. then you need to fill them. for these i used a strawberry butter cream, i just mixed 2 parts powdered sugar to one part butter and added flavouring and colouring and piped it on, i make the flowers with sugar paste
Your macarons are beautiful! I've been working on these, too. I found a great recipe for chocolate ones … I think I'll try your recipe too. It's slightly different. I just purchased a macaroon baking sheet to help get the circles just right. Can't wait to try it. Your photos are gorgeous.
thank you for sharing these delightful cookies at the link party at http://www.memoriesbythemile.com/ They are so pretty and I bet their yummy!
Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile
(I'm off to pin them)
I've been meaning to try them for awhile. Thanks for the recipe, tips and inspiration. I enjoyed the photos most of all. 🙂 Take care and have a good week.
I have been making these for a while too ! They are so much fun…!!
Yours looks so pretty !
http://www.curiositaellya.blogspot.com/
Aimee,
Thank you so much for linking up this week. I featured you on today's Follow Up Thursday.
Hope you'll come back next week for Tuesday Trivia.
Hugs,
Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile
I think I will just buy some! I do not think I have the patience or the skill to make these. They are little works of art, Aimee.
These are sooo pretty! I love your photography ~ such soft photos. Is it a special lens or photo finishing? I'm working on getting better photos for my blog… TFS!
I found you today thru the From My Front Porch – Treasure Hunt Linky. I hope you get a chance to stop by my blog and leave a comment, too!
~ Megin of VMG206
http://www.vmg206.blogspot.com
These look absolutely gorgeous, I love the addition of the little bows, just perfect for all those pretty pastels! Will have to give this a try, they look perfect for an Easter table.
delicious macarons!!!
V.
I haven't mastered these little treats yet so I will have to give your recipe a try. I adore them and ate way too many of them when we were in Paris in December!
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
Your macaroons are so pretty! I've made them but I couldn't get the tops smooth and pretty. I think you've solved my problem… I need a macaroon tray!
Your macarons are a piece of art! I'd love to try the recipe … It sounds easy – all I need is a macaron form -plate /That secures the smooth form I guess. I enjoyed your pretty pictures – would make some wonderful posters!
Nina
Newest follower here! I found you through the blog hop. You have a super cute blog, I can't wait to read more. You can find me at meandmr.com
-Melanie @meandmr.com
So pretty and delicate!
Thanks for sharing!
Stacey of Embracing Change
Beautiful, Aimee, as always! Linda
Thanks for linking up at the Create & Inspire Party last week! Tonight we're featuring YOU! Would love to have you back to link up something new! xo, Kimberly