Is it really that hard to make French Macarons?
A simple look at a complicated cookie...
The short answer is no and the long answer is ..kinda : ) I have wanted to make Macarons for a long time but the more I researched them, the more nervous I got. It’s a delicate and intricate process where the smallest mistake can create big problems. Obviously, based on my photo, I had some issues. Even though I ran my ingredients through a food processor and a sifter..
The mixture still wasn’t fine enough and I ended up with a slightly lumpy top. Next time, I will sift a second time and allow more time in the food processor. Still, not a critical mistake or anything that would impact the final taste.. Next was the meringue..So many horror stories about under mixing or over mixing! Firm peaks vs. Stiff peaks! Aged egg whites? Honestly, I found it to be simple and easy. Just follow the directions and you will be fine : )
I was a little nervous about piping the batter. I wanted them to be the same size so they fit together well but I didn’t want to buy Macaron baking mats. I wasn’t sure if I should pipe blobs or circles..It really was the hardest part for me. In the end, I traced the bottom of a spice bottle on to my parchment paper and I piped blobs. It worked great and it was easy..except the lumpy tops.. Hahaha!
When researching Macarons the big enemy everyone always talks about is humidity. Some recipes actually call for you to set up a dehumidifier in your kitchen..um..no. Instead of worrying about it, I made my shells and let them sit on the counter for about an hour. When I checked them, a hard shell had formed. Easy.
Another huge problem I read about was getting the “feet” right. If you know Macarons then you know about the feet..I found that with the temperature low enough the feet didn’t spread. I did check them and lower the temperature if it seemed too hot. But again, pretty easy and if they did spread a bit..they still tasted amazing.
I found that I was intimidated by this delicious French cookie for no reason. It may be a little difficult to get them magazine cover perfect but it wasn’t that hard to get an amazing treat that looks pretty good. I filled mine with a chocolate ganache and my family loved them. If you are waiting to try and make French Macarons, don’t be scared..They are easier than you think : )
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