For anyone who has been lucky enough to taste and enjoy a french Macaron, especially in France, it's hard to come back to the states and realize that not many people know what they are or where to get them. The first thing people assume is that they are those coconut macaroons. Oy! These are different. Macarons, meaning "fine dough", are made primarily of almond flour, sugar, and egg whites. The most important part-the outside crust on both cookies should be crunchy, with the inside texture very moist. When this is perfected, these cookies are built around a satisfying creme/jam that just melts away.
On a recent trip to Las Vegas, I made it a point to venture to Jean Phillipe in the Bellagio to stabilize my cravings for the next few weeks (or days) and stock up. To my delight, I came across a large raspberry flavored version with FRESH raspberries and a wonderful creme in the center. It was like eating a work of art....the guilt passes after the first taste, though.
Usually, they come in chocolate, raspberry, pistachio, coffee and vanilla, but, if you are more the adventurous type, Paulette Macarons in San Francisco have delectable flavors like rose, lemon, caramel pecan and lychee. Even better, they are certified kosher dairy.
If you are in the NYC area, Mad Mac NYC's gluten free macarons are always getting rave reviews. I honestly don't know a better idea than their wedding cake with tiers of macarons!
Maybe you aren't in one of these areas & don't want to risk spending so much money for something you haven't tasted. Not a problem! Check out your local Trader Joe's freezer and you can find a $3 assorted 12-pack of your liking. Now, I haven't had them personally and have heard mixed reviews. But, I think even if they are a little more tender than normal due to the freezing, they will still satisfy your taste buds a plenty.
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