This month’s Mactweets theme is vacation macarons. So since I am leaving today for nearly 7 weeks in France, I felt it my duty to make “macarons bleu, blanc et rouge” in homage to the French flag! And, whilst I am not technically on vacation in Paris (I’ll be doing some recipe development, teaching some classes – macarons and cupcake decorating – at La Cuisine Paris as well as shadowing many of their chefs throughout a variety of classes, then leading a culinary tour of Paris in association with La Cuisine Paris and Le Dolci for a week), I AM on vacation from my real job and WILL BE on vacation with Neil and my mum and dad in early August in Champagne and Sablet.
Sadly, things did not go to plan the first couple of tries with this endeavour. Because you know, macarons ARE temperamental. I can’t tell you how many emails I get from students who have taken my classes with photos of macarons like these <<<. So in the spirit of full disclosure, I show you that not always do I have perfect macarons. But I work hard at getting them right and understanding them. And finally I got an ok looking batch! So if you make your own and they don’t always turn out, don’t despair. Patience and practice is what it takes!
Sadly though, the week these worked out was extremely hot and humid in Toronto and they did not last very long at all – even taking them out to photograph them for 10 minutes in the natural light, many of them got sticky and soggy (it was 100% humidity on that day!). So while they looked good, only a very few of them had the right texture – the majority of them were too soggy 🙁
The red shells were pomegranate and the blue were blueberry. They were filled with a simple cream cheese frosting.
I was pretty happy with how they looked (after a few attempts!) – really vibrant colours are not something I typically like in a macaron and these *are* a little garish! But for what they are, they totally work.
Viva Paris! Viva la France!
Want to join me for a culinary tour of Paris this July? Read all about it here. Only one spot left!!!
Can’t join me in Paris this summer? How about “Un après midi à Paris” – a new class I will be teaching at Aprhrodite Cooks this coming October? Join me for a sweet afternoon learning the secrets to some classic French desserts: the elusive macaron, profiteroles, tarte au citron, madeleines and mendiants. We’ll be making “petit four” sizes of each in a hands on class and participants will leave with a box of the class’s creations. After the class you will receive recipes to help you recreate your Parisian treats at home. Refreshments of tea and coffee and infused waters enjoyed throughout the afternoon. Click to book your spot for this exciting new class on Saturday October 13th 2012.
Follow my travels on Flickr this summer with my Summer 2012 set of photos – updated regularly!
And everyone, can I just say how cool is it that I have a REAL ATLAS (National Geographic, bien sur) that Mardi was able to use as backdrop… 😉
Right… right…
These are beautiful, Mardi!
Have a great trip.
Thanks Cher!
I’m always in awe of your macaron pics. They’re on my to attempt list one day 🙂 And from one dream location to another… safe travels! 🙂
You just need to jump in and have a go!
Those look absolutely perfect….I have yet to conquer the macaroon making…one of these days.
Sounds like a wonderful trip….happy travels:)
Many thanks! And hey – just go for it!
So colorful. Love them!
Thanks!
Good luck in France…it’ll always be a vacation there doing what you love! Beautiful colours Mardi … not garish at all. Sometimes the vibrancy gets you into a happy mood! WOW!
I totally agree!
Mardi: these are wonderful! I know you made them thinking of the French flag, but they are perfect for an all-American patriotic celebration on July 4th. And of course, bon voyage!!!
The could be 4th July macs too!
I did not realize that you would be spending almost 7 weeks in France. How glorious! Macs are difficult enough to bake to perfection without having to contend with humidity issues. Glad that some made it through the day. Have a wonderful time in France and safe travels Mardi.
Thanks Paula! And hey, no pressure – teaching macarons here in humid France – YIKES!!
Are they French or American? Both! And just in time for 4th of July!
A bit of both for sure!
Above all, good luck in France.
Cakes are wonderfully colorful
Many thanks!
You may say they are imperfect or unruly but I think they’re fantastic! I would gobble up a handful in a second 🙂 Can’t wait to see you!
:)))))) And maybe make macarons? 😉
these are so pretty, love the colours.
Cheers!
These are so cute! I bet they were a blast to make (and eat!)
Well they were a challenge for sure!
Ah you, North Americans and your obsession for macarons…
They’re cute though.
Actually I am Australian by birth 😉 And I am obsessed because I teach classes and I need to get them right!
Mardi,
Can’t believe time has flown already you’ll be here! Love your Tricolours and Mr Niel’s map. Bon voyage. Paris is suddenly BUSY, queues, tourists… but still fun. Hope you packed an umbrella.
Fortunately I am avoiding many of the tourist traps but cannot avoid the rain. It’s ok though. It’s Paris!
Those are adorable….can’t believe we don’t see more like that here….especially around Bastille day!
I know, right? There is a market for them for sure!
these are beautiful – love the bright, vibrant colors!
Thanks I am learning to like them too!
Macarons certainly are temperamental, but I love how these ended up coming out!
Thanks Elyse!
I’m new to macarons. I want to make some red ones for Valentine’s Day. What did you use to get that beautiful red color for your gorgeous macarons?
I could eat them off the page.
I used a powdered colour from Crystal Colours that I buy at http://www.goldaskitchen.com