Move over cupcake, there’s a new treat in town! Maybe it was the bright colors that first caught my eye, or maybe it was the intriguing presentation of a bite sized cookie sandwich. Whatever is was, I’m glad these delicious French pastries came into my life.
Traditionally defined as a French confection made from two small almond or meringue cookies sandwiched together with jam or ganache, macarons have modernized into daring, brighter colors and exotic fillings such as lychee and green tea. One argument still exists, are these macaroons or macarons? Pierre Herme advertises them as macarons, Websters New World Dictionry of Culinary Arts has two definitions for macaroons, one the chewy cookie, the other is the sandwich version. What I love most about these complex cookies, is the multitude of textures you get with every bite. The outer portion is a delicate and flaky shell which shatters upon contact, followed by the inner layer of chewy cookie, then a creamy center filling which is typically ganache, buttercream or jam.
Enjoy them at the ‘Kitchen Buffet Bistro’ at the Edmonton Marriott at River Cree Resort, or take them home from Duchess Bake Shop.
