Margarete (fake macarons)

Delicious Daisy Recipe (Fake Macarons)

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Drying time: 24 hours
Baking time: 12-14 minutes
Total: 24 hours 44 minutes
Number of servings: 20 daisies

Who doesn't love a sophisticated and attractive dessert? Daisies, also known as "fake macarons," are an excellent choice to impress guests or to indulge yourself with something sweet. These delights are not only a feast for the eyes but also an explosion of flavors and textures. Moreover, they are perfect for filling with various creams, thus offering a personalized experience. Let's see how you can prepare them!

Ingredients

- 2 whole eggs
- 140 g powdered sugar
- 140 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
- Essence (vanilla, almond, or other preferences)
- Food coloring (optional, for a vibrant appearance)

Necessary Utensils

- Large bowl
- Electric mixer
- Silicone spatula
- Piping bag
- Baking tray or parchment paper
- Oven

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Base Mixture
Start by cracking the 2 whole eggs into a large bowl. Add the vanilla sugar and mix together with the electric mixer. It’s important to use a quality mixer, as properly mixing the ingredients is essential for the final texture of the daisies. Continue mixing for about 20 minutes until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture becomes fluffy and voluminous.

2. Incorporating the Powdered Sugar
Once the mixture is fluffy, sift the powdered sugar in 3 batches, gently mixing each time. This is a crucial step, as it helps achieve a fine and delicate texture. Use the silicone spatula to carefully fold, making bottom-up movements to avoid losing air in the mixture.

3. Adding the Flour
Now, it’s time to add the all-purpose flour. Continue mixing with the spatula, also using slow bottom-up movements. It’s essential to be gentle at this stage to maintain the air in the mixture. When you achieve a smooth batter that flows off the spatula like a ribbon, you’re on the right track!

4. Colors and Flavors
If you want to add a splash of color, now is the time to include the food coloring. Add a few drops, mixing gently. You can also add your chosen essence, whether you prefer classic vanilla or aromatic almonds. Mix well until everything is uniform.

5. Shaping the Discs
Prepare the baking tray, whether using a special macaron tray or parchment paper. Use the piping bag to pipe the mixture into uniform discs, ensuring to leave enough space between them as they will expand slightly during baking.

6. Drying the Mixture
Once all the discs are formed, let the tray dry for 24 hours. This step is crucial as it helps form a fine crust on the daisies, giving them that smooth and shiny appearance.

7. Baking
After they have dried, preheat the oven to 140 °C. Bake the daisies for 12-14 minutes. It’s important not to open the oven in the first 10 minutes, otherwise, they risk collapsing.

8. Cooling and Filling
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the daisies cool for 5-10 minutes. This will make it easier to detach them from the tray. Once completely cooled, fill them with your preferred cream (chocolate, vanilla, or fruit) and arrange them carefully.

Practical Tips

- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh eggs and quality powdered sugar for the best results.
- Drying the Mixture: Don’t skip this step! Drying is essential for achieving perfect daisies.
- Varieties of Creams: Try different creams for filling, such as chocolate mousse or cream cheese, to add variety.

Nutritional Information

Each daisy has approximately 70 calories, depending on the filling. These delights are low in fat but rich in carbohydrates from sugars. They are a good choice for a portion-controlled dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Why do the daisies collapse?
If they were not dried sufficiently or if the oven is too hot, the daisies may collapse. Make sure to follow the steps correctly.

- Can I use whole wheat flour?
White flour is recommended to achieve the desired texture, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, even though the texture will be different.

- How can I store the daisies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the daisies with a cup of aromatic coffee or fragrant tea. They pair perfectly with a sweet wine or brut champagne, adding a touch of elegance to your table.

Variations and Tricks

- Adding Fruits: You can add fruit puree to the filling for a burst of freshness.
- Decorations: Sprinkle cocoa or ground nuts on top of the daisies for a unique look and texture.

These daisies are not just a dessert but a culinary experience. Let your imagination run wild and customize the recipe as you wish. I assure you the result will meet your expectations! Enjoy every bite and relish the compliments from your loved ones!