This sweet “hamburger” is surrounded by many legends. The closest relative of it, oddly enough, is an Italian soup macaroni. Today we will talk about one of the most popular and delicious European sweets, about an incredibly beautiful French pastry – macaroons. And, of course, enjoy the variety of their shades!
The first filling of the cake was the creamy chocolate ganache.
The origins of macaroons are very controversial. According to one version, a delicacy got to France from neighboring Italy, together with the chefs of Catherine de Medici. Other sources claim that one of the main desserts was invented in France in the local monastery in the VIII century.
The Day of macaroons is celebrated on March 20 in France. This festival is initiated by Pierre Hermé and during it you can enjoy colorful cakes for free in Paris.
The perfect macaroon looks like this: macaroons’ surface is perfectly smooth, without cracks and roughness, of uniform color, the filling is visible around the diameter, but does not go beyond the proprietary “skirts”.
Tastes of macaroons have no rigid framework. There are even versions with capers and fish, smoked foie gras and tomato puree.
One of the main fans of macaroons was the Queen of France Marie Antoinette. She had loved the almond pastries since childhood and even named in their honor her cat!
Initially, the cake was coated with a cream on top, but it was very impractical. In order to remain with clean hands, the stuffing has begun to be hidden between the two halves of the dessert.
The famous Parisian Maison Ladurée invents every year for the true fans and sophisticated gourmets a new fragrance and tint of macaroons.
The closest relatives of the gastronomic macaroons are Italian meringue and almond soup, known since the Middle Ages.
Macaroons are popular not only in France but also in the United States, Japan, Canada and other countries.
