The Best Macarons

Recipe Description

So what is a Macaron?  It is a French meringue-based confection made with egg whites and sweetness.  They are a sweet meringue-based confection introduced by the Italian Cehf of Queen Catherine de Medici during the Renaissance.  They can be colorful and fun to make.

Recipe Directions

• Preheat the oven to 320F or 300F for a fan oven.
• Sieve icing sugar before the ground almonds, into a bowl and mix together carefully.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the salt and egg whites until soft. Add the fine sugar a little at a time. Continue to whisk until glossy and thick. Stir in the sugar / almond mix.
• Use a piping bag with a 1cm nozzle and fill with macaron mixture. Place a silicon mat onto a baking sheet. Use the piping bag to form small blobs on the sheet.
• Tap the side of the baking sheet to help the mixture lose air bubbles. Leave to dry for 20 mins. It will become shiny.
• Bake macarons for 7-8 mins then open the oven to release steam. Close and cook for another 7-8 mins. They are fully cooked when they are firm.
• Slide mat onto a wire rack to cool completely. They break easily if not completely cooled.
• Make the filling:
• Take the softened butter and beat it until it is fluffy, then add the icing sugar and continue to beat it. Beat in any other flavorings you choose here.
• Place 1/2 tsp of filling on flat side of one macaron, and place it together with another like a sandwich. Twist slightly to bond the two.
• Macarons can be eaten immediately but are best after put in the refrigerator for 24 hours.