There is nothing quite like a Spring morning. Birds chirping, the warmth of the sun beating down on your face as you enjoy a nice cup of coffee or tea on an outside patio. It seems to be the recharge we all need before we start our new day.
Some days, however, it’s nice to think outside the box and try something new.
We always look to embrace classic flavor with a new spin. Why not substitute that apple fritter or doughnut for a traditional Macaron? The French knock it out of the park when it comes to a lot of things; elegant and flavorful pastries being la crème de la crème. We’ve found a tried and true base Macaron recipe and could not wait to share. While our take highlights a delicious Rose from Lunetta, push the envelope and incorporate any of your favorite flavors. Simply omit the rose water from the batter and switch up the food coloring. When it comes to the filling, you can use anything from a deep berry jam to dark chocolate ganache and salted caramel. Do not be afraid to broaden your horizons -we’ve had macarons with fillings like, basil-strawberry, pear-elderflower and orange-campari.
Lunetta Sparkling Rose
Italy
$12
https://www.palmbay.com/producers/Lunetta/portfolio/Lunetta-Rose
Tried and True French Macarons
INGREDIENTS
For the Macaron Shells:
2⅓ cups almond flour
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
¼ teaspoon rose water
8 drops red food coloring
6 egg-whites, divided
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons water
For the Champagne Jelly:
⅔ cup granulated sugar
½ cup Lunetta Sparkling Rose
1 teaspoon powdered fruit pectin
For the Rose Buttercream:
1½ cups confectioners’ sugar
3 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon rose water
½ teaspoon kosher salt
4 drops red food coloring
DIRECTIONS
1. Make the macaron shells: Preheat the oven to 285º and line 3 baking sheets with silicone mats. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, confectioners’ sugar, rose water, red food coloring and 3 egg whites. Using a baking spatula, mix until smooth.
2. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the remaining 3 egg whites until foamy. In a small saucepan, heat the granulated sugar and water over medium-high heat until it reaches 234º according to an instant-read thermometer, 2 minutes. With the stand mixer motor running, slowly stream in the syrup. Then increase the speed to medium high and beat the egg mixture until stiff peaks have formed and the meringue is cool to the touch.
3. Fold a third of the meringue into the almond flour mixture until smooth, then continue folding in the remaining meringue, one third at a time. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a ⅝-inch round pastry tip.
4. Pipe 2-inch shells (about 2 tablespoons per shell) 2 inches apart from one another on the prepared baking sheets. You should end up with 48 shells. Slam the trays on a sturdy work surface to spread the batter and smooth the shells. Let the shells dry at room temperature until a skin has formed and they are no longer tacky to the touch, 30 to 45 minutes.
5. Bake the macarons, rotating the trays halfway through, until they have risen and the shells are matte in appearance, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely before releasing the shells from the trays.
6. Meanwhile, make the Sparking Rose jelly: In a small saucepan, heat the sugar and Lunetta Rose over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar is dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle in the pectin and once hydrated (no longer white in appearance), whisk to incorporate. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
7. Make the rose buttercream: In the bowl of the stand mixer, cream the confectioners’ sugar and the butter until light and fluffy, then beat in the remaining ingredients until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a ⅜-inch round pastry tip.
8. Pipe a circle of buttercream around the outer edges of half of the macaron shells. Spoon 1 teaspoon of Jelly in the center of the buttercream and top each with another shell. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm the buttercream, then serve.
Everyday_Vino 