Macarons with Nutella and cherry jam

Macarons with Nutella and cherry jam - A pastel delicacy full of flavor

Who hasn't heard of macarons? This elegant dessert, with its airy texture and refined flavor, has become a symbol of fine pastry. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but what is certain is that this pastry product has won the hearts of dessert lovers around the world. In this recipe, we will play with colors and flavors, bringing together fine almonds, creamy Nutella, and cherry jam to create a dessert that not only looks good but tastes divine.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 20 macarons

Ingredients for the macaron shells:
- 125 g of almond flour
- 200 g of powdered sugar
- 3 egg whites (at room temperature)
- 40 g of granulated sugar
- Blue food coloring (turquoise)

Ingredients for the cream:
- 4 tablespoons of Nutella
- 25 cl of milk
- 20 cl of whipping cream
- 20 g of cornstarch
- 1/2 jar of cherry jam
- 100 g of butter (at room temperature)
- A few crushed cookies (optional for texture)

Preparing the macaron shells:
1. Start by sifting the almond flour and powdered sugar into a large bowl. This step is essential to achieve a fine texture, ensuring your macarons are smooth and lump-free.
2. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until foamy. It is important for the egg whites to be at room temperature, as they will whip better. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm, glossy meringue.
3. Now it's time to add the food coloring. You can adjust the amount to achieve the desired shade. Gently fold it in, being careful not to deflate the meringue.
4. Finally, add the almond and powdered sugar mixture to the bowl with the whipped egg whites. Use a spatula to incorporate the ingredients, making circular motions from top to bottom. This step is crucial; mix just until the mixture becomes homogeneous, but do not overmix.
5. Fill a piping bag or a plastic bag with the mixture and form circles of about 3-4 cm on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between them, as they will spread slightly while baking.
6. Once you are done, gently bang the baking sheet on the table to eliminate air bubbles and help the shapes settle evenly. Let the tray sit for 15-30 minutes until the surface dries slightly and no longer sticks to your fingers.

Baking:
7. Preheat the oven to 150°C. Once ready, place the tray in the oven and bake the macarons for 15-20 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door during baking, as they may crack.
8. After the time is up, remove the tray from the oven and let them cool completely before removing them from the parchment paper.

Preparing the cream:
9. In a saucepan, bring the milk and whipping cream to a boil. When the mixture starts to boil, add the Nutella and cornstarch, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
10. Once you have achieved the desired consistency, set the saucepan aside and let the cream cool for a few minutes. Add the cherry jam, crushed cookies (if using), and butter, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.
11. Let the cream cool completely in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to thicken.

Assembling the macarons:
12. Once the macaron shells are completely cool and the cream is chilled, take one shell and place a teaspoon of cream between them. Be careful not to apply too much, as it will overflow.
13. It is recommended to let the macarons sit in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to meld and achieve the perfect texture.

Serving suggestions:
These macarons with Nutella and cherry jam are delicious as a dessert but can also be served alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. You can also create a platter with different types of macarons, colored in various shades, to impress your guests.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all utensils and bowls are completely clean and free of grease, as this can affect the volume of the egg whites.
- If you want to experiment with flavors, you can add essences or extracts (vanilla, almond, or orange) to the Nutella cream.
- Macarons keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week, but it is recommended to consume them in the first few days to enjoy their optimal texture.

Nutritional benefits:
These macarons are a quick source of energy due to the sugar content and healthy fats from almonds and Nutella. Consumed in moderation, they can be a good choice for an occasional indulgence.

Approximate calories per serving: 100 calories per macaron (depending on size and ingredients used)

In conclusion, making macarons may seem like a challenge, but with a little patience and attention to detail, you will achieve a spectacular dessert that will impress any guest. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the process and let your creativity shine. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: for macaron shells: 125g of powdered almonds 200g of powdered sugar 3 egg whites 40g of granulated sugar blue food coloring (turquoise) for the cream: 4 tablespoons of Nutella 25cl of milk 20cl of liquid cream 20g of starch 1/2 jar of cherry jam 100g of butter some crushed biscuits

 Tags:  chocolate macarons