In simple terms, a Macaron (read: mah-kah-ron) is a super light, airy, sandwich cookie with a delicious, creamy filling in between. Available in a variety of alluring colors and flavors, Macaron is the perfect candidate when you are having a sweet tooth craving!
What Maketh a Macaron?
Macaron is a confectionery. The key constituents of the cookie discs, almond flour and meringue, are the reason behind the characteristic super crispy, lightly chewy texture. These sandwich cookies usually have a layer of sweet filling like buttercream, jam and ganache in between. Just like a sauce, the fillings enhance the taste of the cookies.
Let’s Delve into some History!
It is commonly believed that the Macaron was invented by an Italian chef at the court of Catherine De Medici of France during the Renaissance. During the 17th century French Revolution, two nuns known as “Macaron Sisters“, started selling Macarons for a living. Since then, France became famous for Macarons. All in all, we can say that it is an Italian cookie made popular in France.
Macaron in it’s present day Glory
For a long time, Macaron was available only in the cookie form. The credit for it’s present day form goes to Pierre Desfontaines of Ladurée, who put together two Macaron cookies with ganache filling in between in the 19th century.
Magnificent Macarons come at a price ₹$€
Macaron making is an art that takes time, patience and some good deal of experience to achieve the desired finesse. The ingredients, effort and expertise that go into it’s making are expensive. The best Macarons, called “Macaron Parisien“, are sold in Parisian tea rooms, patisseries and Macaron boutiques, where they are exquisitely decorated and exhibited.
Ladurée – A century old luxury Parisian patisserie
Founded in 1862, Ladurée is one of the oldest tea rooms of Paris. At a time when cafés and tea rooms were exclusive for men of the society, Ladurée opened it’s gates far and wide for the women. It was a milestone success.
Ladurée achieved another historical milestone in 1930s when Pierre Desfontaines created the first ever Macaron with filling. Since then, Ladurée has been spreading it’s iconic Macarons across the globe.
My experience with Ladurée Macarons
Few months ago, I grabbed an opportunity to have a taste of the famous Ladurée Macarons at one of it’s outlets in Charles De Gaulle airport, Paris. The chocolate, coffee and pistachio flavors were amazing! I loved them so much so that I packed some for my self, friends and family.
Glossary
Meringue – batter made from whipped egg whites and sugar, used in confectionery
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