I’m back with my second post investigating some more of the flavour combinations from the McCormick Flavor Forecast 2012. Last time, I was inspired by the trends presented in the report to create my own flavour combination and ended up with Coconut-chili butternut squash soup, so this time I decided to investigate some of the McCormick chefs’ featured flavour combinations.
Right off the bat, I was excited to see the combination of Meyer lemon with lemon-thyme, Limoncello and lemon peel as lemon is one of my absolute favourite flavourings. I pretty much put lemon zest in everything, sweet or savoury! Tarte au citron is also of my all-time favourite desserts (up there with crème brûlée) so I was happy to see that McCormick was featuring the “Ultimate lemon Tart with Limoncello blackberries” figuring with a flavour combo like that, what could go wrong? The fact that we happen to have our own Limoncello (made with Meyer lemons) on hand (thanks Mr Neil) made this an easy choice for me.
I started out making the lemon curd. So easy!
I used the lemon curd recipe from the Flavor Forecast – it literally took me under 30 minutes to whip up.
Once I had that cooling, I set to work on the blackberries. As soon as I saw the combination of blackberries and Limoncello with lemon-thyme, I knew I wanted to make a jam out of that. How I would work that into the tart, I would figure that out later. But those flavours were screaming to be jam-ified! I couldn’t find lemon-thyme (fresh or dry) for the life of me so I used a combination of fresh thyme with lemon zest. Perfect!
An easy blackberry jam with a twist!Easy blackberry jam with Limoncello and thyme
Ingredients
Instructions
As soon as I had finished making the jam and curd (and, errr… tasting it!), all thoughts of making lemon tarts flew out of my head because I knew this would make the PERFECT filling for macarons. I’ve been playing with macaron fillings lately and have been looking to jazz up my flavour combinations. Lemon macarons (with a hint of zest in the shell and filled with lemon cream cheese frosting) are my “go-to” macarons if people ask me to make them (and one of my standards in the macaron classes I teach) and I knew that this would up the flavour ante tenfold.
I was very gentle filling the macarons as I didn’t want to risk over-filling them – it might have made the delicate shells collapse under the weight. But by being very light-handed on the blackberry jam (which was a fairly strong flavour), they worked perfectly.
And the flavour?
Wow – these really pack a punch. The tartness of the lemon mixed with the sweet blackberries and the earthy thyme is a fabulous combination and one I’ll try again. The boozy jam is genius and inside the macaron, it solidified a little making for a delightful, chewy jelly-like surprise. I am so happy to have tried something I might never have thought of – the thyme with lemon and now I am definitely on the hunt for the McCormick dried lemon-thyme – I can think of so many dishes (both sweet and savoury) where it would work so well.
I’m submitting these macarons to this month”s Mactweets because, thanks to McCormick’s Flavor Forecast 2012, they really do have “an unexpected combination of flavours to wow!”
For more inspiration, please be sure to visit the McCormick Flavor Forecast.
Disclosure: I was provided with compensation as well as a kit of herbs, spices and other ingredients featured in the McCormick Flavour Forecast 2012 in exchange for writing two posts about the Flavor Forecast. All opinions are 100% my own.
Wow! So that’s what the lemon curd was for. I’m in love with those cookies 🙂
Ah yes… you remember the epic day in the kitchen too!
woooowww ….lucen perfectos una maravilla me encantan,abrazos hugs,hugs.
Merci – Grazie – Gracias!
These sound delicious! I guess I wouldn’t expect less from the queen of macarons 🙂
Evan, you flatter me!
These were a DELIGHT. I mean, I will admit to having become a macaron snob, of course…loved these.
My only nitpic is the small seeds in the jam, which I always grumble about (raspberry, etc).
But as far as flavour (not Flavor, Mr. McCormick!) these were spot on.
Of course, the home-made Limoncello was the extra-special touch, right? 😉
Next time I think I would strain the jam so no seeds! And of course the homemade Limoncello was the best!
Besides the wonderful photography, the recipe itself is absolutely brilliant – the flavours and colour combinations are fantastic!!!
You have a heavenly blog 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Latest: Two Tone Choc-Blueberry Cheesecake
Many thanks – so kind!
Wow, beautiful! I have some lemon curd, need to learn from you how to make those macarons.
I would love to teach you!
These macarons are gorgeous! I just love the flavors too.
Thanks so much – I was happy with the flavours too!
Oh wow, these must have such an intense and unusual flavor! I also love the color contrast between the jam and the macarons 🙂 Looks and sounds fantastic!
Yes the intense flavours were so good!
These sound luscious and look absolutely gorgeous!
Cheers!
I will be dreaming of these tonight. I’m truly grateful.
Sweet dreams!
Oh wow, these look really good. I can just imagine the taste. Your photos are as stunning as always.
Thanks Kim!
these look more than perfect! I’m in love and I wish I could’ve tried them. the word divinde suits these beauties, I’m sure!
Thanks Raquel
Even just the name takes my breath away! They look and sound amazing. Brilliant! What a combination. Well done Mardi. I want a job as taste tester for you!
Yes they are a mouthful, for sure!
These look positively wonderful. I can taste them just by viewing your photo. Plus the ingredients sound fantastic! I’ve been working on perfecting macarons, hopefully I get them down to perfection soon. Lemon with lemon curd sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing.
It’s all about practice!!! Good luck!
Delicious flavour combinations Mardi and the macarons look beautiful. I know your class must have loved them and your lesson for the day. The photographs of these are really wonderful.
Yes it was nice to bring a treat to my students!
I’ve been playing with lemon curd a lot lately (we have lemons all year here), but have yet to do a macaron since the ones we did for daring bakers a loooong time ago. I’ve actually been meaning to with the curd. Now I want to do it even more :). Oh and that blackberry thyme jam… um.. yeah that has to be made even if I don’t do the macs.
Lemons all year round? SO LUCKY!
Oh my gosh! These are adorable! Love how you shaped them into little meyer lemons, and the blackberry thyme jam looks to-die-for! I can’t wait to go back to Costco and buy another huge box of meyer lemons. I used them in a tart not too long ago, but I really wanted to make a macaron. Thanks for the inspiration.
Actually… err… the lemon shape was a happy accident!
These are so lovely… And, I really love the combination of flavors! I bet that jam is pretty amazing on its own, too. 🙂
Yes. Like also on a brioche/ croissant!
Mardi, these pictures are gorgeous. I love the whimsy touch of the thyme sprigs and the zest flecks.
Thanks, I was hoping it didn’t look too “staged” 😉
going to bookmark your recipe – love the sound of the flavour combination and have a lovely bottle of homemade limoncello in the cupboard
Homemade limoncello is the best!
These are absolutely brilliant! I love the flavor combination of lemon and blackberry and your photos are just stunning!
Thanks! I was happy with these this time!
These sound and look amazing! Genius to use lemon curd 🙂
I can’t believe I have not done this before!
Each element of these is just incredible. I can’t even imagine how incredible they are! Congrats on making the Foodbuzz Top 9!
Tasty, for sure! Thanks!
Blackberry & Lemon – wat a luscious combo for a mac. Mouth. Watering.
Yes, they were!
What great flavor combinations:) I love the use of Blackberries with thyme. Congratulations on the Foodbuzz Top 9.
Thanks so much!
Love lemon and thyme but add the limoncello and blackberries and whoosh – fabulous, Mardi! Beautiful shots, too.
It’s a winning combo Jill!
Omg! Those flavors must be delicious and so elegant! Congrats on the Foodbuzz top 9! You deserve it!
Thanks! I was pretty pleased with how they came out!
Oh this is a dream! A wintery food dream! Love
Thank you!
These look amazing! I love lemon desserts (and macarons)
🙂 Mmmmm me too!
Wow! I have never had macarons before, but have been itching to try them. I love lemon anything and blackberry anything, and I cannot imagine how great these must be!
This is a good combination of flavours!
Mardi, I’m like you- I ADORE lemon. These look amazing. I love a strong tart lemon flavour. Like the thyme addition- sounds very intriguing. I have to try that flavour combination.
I’ll make you some 🙂
Wow! Gorgeous photos! Congratulations on Top 9!! Buzzed your post! Have a fabulous weekend =]
Many thanks!
Those look amazing! The jam is awe inspiring… I must try these
Thanks Sandie!
It seems like everywhere I look I see recipes calling for Meyer Lemons. I think I need to do a little research and see if I can find some here in Germany. Your macarons look delicious, but then, I’m a sucker for lemon desserts in most any form.
Yeah, I am not sure about their availability elsewhere. But if you see them, buy them!
These sounds and look fantastic. Lemon and blackberries are a great combination.
It’s a wonderful combination.
oh YUmmm! Will you be opening a macaron shop soon?
LOL! not likely! But thanks for the vote of confidence!
Just bookmarked this, I made a lemon blackberry combo last year that I still remember well. I’ve been wanting to try lemon macs and I think this would send them over the top. I was a little worried about the moisture factor of using curd in the filling, but I don’t think they will last long enough for that to be a problem. Thanks for this great recipe. Hope you have a great weekend.
-Gina_
No they certainly don’t last long enough for the curd to be a problem. Also, I keep them in the fridge – that helps a little with the moisture issue.
I’m loving the fillings, Mardi!
Thanks 🙂
Wow, these sound utterly divine Mardi. Re: the macaron fillings, got this book Zumbo (http://adrianozumbo.com/zumbo-book/) for a Christmas present. Has some amazing ganache recipes in it eg. red wine ganache. Needless to say, you were the first person I thought of when I saw it – Mr Neil was second!!!
Will email you some of the weird ganache recipes he has for his zumborons (does in exchange for the Limoncello recipe sound like a deal I could make!!!!!!!!!!)
I WANT the Zumbo book. VERY much!!!!
You would totally love it Mardi…….it’s amazing what Adriano does with his delights. Am enjoying wathcing his TV series at the moment :))
Invested in a new printer on the weekend, so some recipes headed your way soon.
I am so impressed with these macaroons. I wonder if I have the talent to make them, but I sure would like to learn more about it!
Thanks – it’s been a long road to getting them right!
These are gorgeous!
Thanks so much 🙂
Great combo, I get asked for chocolate all the time but I would rather have lemon , and limoncello of course. Do you think it tastes healthier? Hehe sounds good though:-)
Of course it tastes healthier :)))))
they look just perfect!
Why thank you!
this post looks like a magazine spread – gorgeous! and i think this might be the best combination for macarons yet.
Aw thanks Cat – I will have to try to make some for you guys in June!
Well dome Mardi. These are beautiful and certainly do pack a punch. Love the exciting flavours.
Hi Mardi! I came here from Jill’s site. These macarons are amazing! I love Meyer lemon and I would love to have this over my regular favorite chocolate sweets. What a fabulous looking dessert!
I am glad you enjoyed these!
These sound incredible Mardi!! Oh my goodness! I’m amazed by your creativity. Yum! Another amazing batch of macarons.
I have just stumbled onto your website after stalking Jill! I love it! I am making these for Christmas this year! i will let you know how they are received!