Let’s Make Macarons – By Malsha – eLanka
Indulgence knows no boundaries when it comes to dessert, and there’s a treat that can elevate your cravings to new heights: the elegant macaron. Despite its seemingly daunting reputation, fear not! With our step-by-step guide, mastering macarons becomes a delightful adventure. The best part? You can personalize them to your heart’s content. Seek a spectrum of colors? Play with diverse food coloring. Craving an exceptional icing flavor? Infuse a touch of lavender extract for a touch of floral sophistication. With each delectable bite, you’ll be whisked away to the enchanting streets of Paris.
Here’s what you’ll need to create 30 exquisite macarons:
For the Macarons:
- 1 ¾ cups of powdered sugar (210 g)
- 1 cup of finely ground almond flour (95 g)
- 1 teaspoon of salt, divided
- 3 egg whites at room temperature
- ¼ cup of granulated sugar (50 g)
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 drops of pink gel food coloring
For the Vanilla Buttercream:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter (230 g) (2 sticks), at room temperature
- 3 cups of powdered sugar (360 g)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons of heavy cream
Let’s embark on this delightful journey:
Making the Macarons:
- Begin by processing the powdered sugar, almond flour, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a food processor until finely ground. Pass this mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl.
- In a separate large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat the egg whites and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks emerge (yes, you can even hold the bowl upside down without fear).
- Introduce the vanilla extract and gently blend. Gradually add the food coloring and mix until just beautifully combined.
- Add the sifted almond flour mixture to the beaten egg whites in thirds, folding gently with a spatula until everything is lovingly incorporated. The batter should fall into ribbons, allowing you to draw a graceful figure eight with the spatula.
- Transfer this luscious macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
- Create a secure parchment paper base on a rimmed baking sheet by placing small dots of batter in each corner to adhere the parchment.
- Carefully pipe the macarons onto the parchment paper, creating charming 1½-inch (3-cm) circles, leaving at least 1 inch (2 cm) between each.
- Give the baking sheet a gentle tap on a flat surface about 5 times to bid farewell to any lingering air bubbles.
- Allow the macarons to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour, until they feel delightfully dry to the touch.
- Preheat your oven to 300˚F (150˚C).
- Slide the macarons into the oven for 17 minutes, eagerly awaiting the sight of well-risen feet and the joyful moment when they gracefully part from the parchment.
- Transfer the delicate macarons to a wire rack to cool completely before welcoming the final flourish – the filling.
Crafting the Vanilla Buttercream:
- In a generously sized bowl, take the butter and, using a mixer, beat it for a minute until it transforms into a light, fluffy cloud of goodness.
- Now, sift in the powdered sugar, ensuring a harmonious union of flavors, and beat until every particle is dancing together in sweet harmony.
- Introduce the vanilla extract, letting it gracefully join the symphony of flavors within the bowl.
- Gradually incorporate the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat, until the desired luxurious consistency is reached.
- Eureka! Your vanilla buttercream is ready to grace those delightful macaron shells.
Assembling the Masterpiece:
- Equip yourself with a piping bag fitted with a round tip, and fill it with the heavenly vanilla buttercream.
- Grace one macaron shell with a generous dollop of this luscious buttercream.
- Crown it with another macaron shell, creating a divine sandwich that’s a match made in dessert heaven.
- Delight in this wondrous ritual, repeating it with the remaining macaron shells and buttercream, crafting each with love and care.
- To let the flavors harmonize and mature, nestle your delicate creations in an airtight container for a day, allowing them to “bloom” into perfection.
Indulge in this Parisian dream you’ve created, and let every bite transport you to a world of elegance and sweetness. Your taste buds will thank you as you savor the exquisite macarons you’ve skillfully brought to life.