Macarons are a sweet French delicacy that is loved by many people around the world. They are small, colorful, and filled with various flavors. However, many people think that making macarons is difficult and time-consuming. In this article, we will show you an easy recipe for making macarons.
Ingredients
To make 20 macarons, you will need:
100g ground almonds
100g powdered sugar
75g egg whites (aged for 24 hours)
25g granulated sugar
Food coloring (optional)
Buttercream or ganache for filling (optional)
Ingredient Notes
Ground almonds can be found in most grocery stores or online. Powdered sugar is also known as confectioner's sugar. For the egg whites, separate the whites from the yolks and leave them in a bowl at room temperature for 24 hours. This helps to remove any excess moisture and makes the macarons more stable. Granulated sugar can be found in most grocery stores. The food coloring is optional and can be added to give the macarons a pop of color. Buttercream or ganache can be used to fill the macarons, or you can use any other filling of your choice.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Almond Flour and Powdered Sugar
In a medium bowl, sift together the ground almonds and powdered sugar. This will help to remove any lumps and create a smooth texture. Set aside.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they become frothy. Add the granulated sugar and continue to whisk until stiff peaks form. This will take around 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the egg white mixture and gently fold them together using a spatula. This will create a smooth and glossy batter. If you want to add food coloring, add a few drops at this stage and continue to fold until the color is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Pipe the Batter
Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Tap the baking sheet on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
Step 6: Rest the Macarons
Let the macarons rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. This will help to create a smooth top and a crispy shell.
Step 7: Bake the Macarons
Bake the macarons in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The macarons are done when they have formed a smooth and shiny shell and have developed feet (the small ruffled edge around the bottom). Remove from the oven and let cool completely before removing them from the parchment paper.
Step 8: Fill the Macarons
Once the macarons have cooled, you can fill them with buttercream, ganache, or any other filling of your choice. Sandwich two macarons together with the filling in the middle, and gently press down to make a sandwich.
Nutrition
Each macaron contains around 70 calories, with 4g of fat, 8g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. The exact nutritional content will depend on the filling that you use. Macarons are a sweet treat and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Making macarons can be a fun and rewarding experience, and this easy recipe will help you to create delicious macarons in no time. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy these sweet treats at home. Experiment with different flavors and fillings to find your favorite combination.