Adventures as a Grown Up

French Macarons

Yesterday I decided I needed to bake something. I was sitting here at my desk (yes, at work) and I just knew I needed to. It’s one of those feelings I get from time to time. But, I also knew I didn’t want to make cupcakes again. I love those little individual cakes of happiness but I didn’t want them watching me all day begging to be eaten. Plus I just wanted to attempt something new.

I’m not sure how or why but I stumbled onto a recipe for French Macarons with Raspberry Chocolate Ganache. Now that sounds tasty right?

As I did some reading I realized that these little delightful treats were going to be a challenge. Some recipes said to let them rest before putting them in the oven, others didn’t. Some said the batter should be more runny some more thick. Some said to add the food coloring at different times. Either way, this was going to be the experiment I needed last night!

So, on my way home I stopped and bough almond flour and sliced almonds. I don’t have a food processor and I wasn’t sure my little Magic Bulletblender would work. I was pleasantly surprised when it did work! (which is good because Almond four is super expensive and a bag of sliced almonds is half the price.)

When I got home I set off to blending, sifting, and beating. I made meringue with egg whites and I folded in the dry ingredients. I made a huge mess as I piped the batter into the little “heaps”. I forgot the parchment paper but figured this was an adventure, we’ll see what happens!

I put the first two trays in right away just as the above recipe stated. They cracked and did not rise with “feet” properly. They also stuck to the tray big time (and are still soaking in my sink).The third tray waited its turn on the counter and when i put it in the oven they rose perfectly but didn’t cook all the way though.  I guess next time I will: 1) remember parchment paper 2and let them rest for 30 minutes before baking.

The ganache turned out wonderful. ‘nuf said.

I brought them to work. I’m sure people here wont care that they aren’t quite perfect yet. Not quite as fluffy and perfect as the ones from France. But they have potential.  I think I’ll try again this weekend anyway. But hey…. I tried right?