There is some debate as to what to call them but we all know what they are and we certainly know of their supposed trickiness... Macarons (or macaroons, if you like) are a sweet treat that I have been meaning to attempt for a while. Indeed, they on my baking bucket list!
I used a recipe from Jo Wheatley's book, 'A Passion For Baking', and (apart from the buttercream needing extra butter - an issue I always seem to have with Jo's buttercream recipe) they turned out fab! I suggest you all give macarons a go - it's certainly worth it when you get something that at least half resembles a macaron.
Want to know my little tip? When you've mixed in the ground almonds and want to know if you've mixed enough, try putting a little bit on a plate and give it a vigorous shake. If it flattens out on top, etc. then you know it's right (or thereabout). If it keeps it's peek, give a couple more folds.
So, without further ado, here are my first ever macarons:
I have to admit, they didn't all turn out as nice as these. A few only rose on one side and spilled over; a couple came out hollow but the rest came out almost perfect (if I do say so myself) and, above all, they tasted great!
Go on, give them a go!
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Great job...macaroons are tricky but yours look lovely and I wouldn't mind helping myself to a few of these! Are they any particular flavour? :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you! These were chocolate, orange and hazelnut (recipe from Jo's book). Half have already been eaten by the family and some will be heading to uni with me tomorrow for friends.
DeleteThanks for stopping by! :O)
They look good! I still haven't taken the plunge yet!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I definitely recommend giving them a go. Take the plunge! haha
DeleteScary macaroons well done.Sounds like a nice flavour combo, I like those 2 flavours on their own how are they all together? I was thinking of getting Jo's book what did you think of it? I liked your oh do u bake post nice+ v true! I've just started my blog if you wanna have look :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, they tasted great - like a slightly nutty Terry's chocolate orange haha! I like Jo's book a lot. There are a few typos and anomalies in the ingredients but nothing you can't figure out with an ounce of baking experience/know-how. I did a review of her book when it came out, why not check it out: http://www.bakedwithkindness.com/2012/07/passion-for-baking-review.html
DeleteGlad you liked my other post, I will be sure to check out your blog. Have a nice (rest of the) week!
Nutty terry's orange..nice description! I checked out the review your clearly a fan, would you recomend her over anyone else at the minute or is someone else your go to?
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend,thanks 4 stopping by my blog.
I really like Jo's work. Her blog is full of great recipes and so is her book. My other go-to author/baker/cook is Rachel Allen. Her books are like my bible(s) haha
DeleteI've done a review of one or two of Rachel Allen's books on her. You should be able to find them somewhere, if you wish.
Have a nice weekend,
Ryan
wow that's impressive for a first try! I've made macarons quite a few times now but there's always an element of uncertainty when I make them because everything has to be perfect to prevent getting those annoying cracked surfaces. Well done you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Adrian! I had a good few come out like the ones in the photo (others came out with misshapen feet, but that was my only issue). I agree, there is definitely an element of uncertainty.
DeleteHave you tried Joanne Wheatley's recipe(s) from her book? That's the recipe I used and they came out well for the most part.
Thanks for stopping by, have a nice Sunday :O)