Macarons with colorful candies

Macarons with Colorful Candies

If you are looking for an elegant and colorful dessert, macarons are the perfect choice! These French delights are not only a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds. With a crunchy exterior and a soft interior, macarons are ideal for any occasion. Moreover, the colorful candies add a splash of joy to every bite. Let's see how we can prepare this refined yet fun dessert at home.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 13 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 20 macarons (approximately 10 pairs)

Ingredients

For Macarons
- 3 egg whites (at room temperature)
- 50 grams granulated sugar
- 200 grams powdered sugar (sifted)
- 110 grams almond flour (sifted)
- A pinch of salt
- 50-60 small colorful candies

For Cream
- 240 ml milk
- 20 g cornstarch
- 25 g sugar
- 125 g butter (at room temperature)
- Food coloring of desired color
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Optional: mint extract

Brief History

Macarons have a fascinating history, popularized in France but with ancient roots that date back to the mists of time. These delicacies were initially made from eggs, sugar, and almonds, and their popularity has grown over the centuries. Today, macarons are a symbol of culinary refinement and are served in the most sophisticated pastry shops around the world.

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Egg Whites

1. Separating the eggs: Make sure the egg whites are completely clean and free from impurities. It is essential that there are no traces of yolk in the egg whites, as this will prevent proper whipping.
2. Whipping the egg whites: Use a clean, dry metal bowl. Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt, using a large whisk or mixer, until soft peaks form.
3. Adding the sugar: Gradually add the 50 grams of granulated sugar. Continue to whip until the mixture becomes firm and forms peaks that hold their shape.

Step 2: Preparing the Mixture

1. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the almond flour with the powdered sugar and sift to ensure a fine texture. This step is crucial to avoid lumps in the macarons.
2. Incorporating the dry mixture: Add the flour and sugar mixture to the egg whites and fold gently with a spatula, using circular motions from bottom to top, until well combined.
3. Adding the candies: Finally, carefully fold in the colorful candies, making sure not to overmix – a maximum of 50 folds.

Step 3: Forming the Macarons

1. Preparing the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a pencil, draw circles of 3-4 cm in diameter, leaving a distance of 2-3 cm between them.
2. Forming the macarons: Use a piping bag to place the mixture in the center of the circles.
3. Removing air: Hold the baking sheet with both hands and gently tap it on the table a few times to remove air from the macarons. Let them rest for an hour until the top crust becomes shiny and not sticky.

Step 4: Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 150°C.
2. Baking: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 13 minutes. Do not open the oven during baking, as the macarons may deflate.
3. Cooling: After baking, let the macarons cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Preparing the Cream

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the cornstarch, sugar, and cocoa, adding a few tablespoons of milk from the total amount. Mix well until smooth.
2. Cooking the cream: Add the remaining milk and place the bowl in the microwave for 2 minutes on maximum power. Remove, stir, and microwave for another 1 minute. Let the cream cool.
3. Incorporating the butter: When the cream is at room temperature, add the butter and mix well to achieve a smooth texture. If desired, add food coloring and mint extract.

Step 6: Assembling

1. Filling the macarons: Between two macarons, place a teaspoon of cream, sticking them together.
2. Decorating: You can decorate the top with a few candies for a festive look.

Serving Suggestions

Macarons are delicious when enjoyed with a cup of flavored tea or a well-brewed espresso. They also pair perfectly with a glass of champagne, making them an elegant dessert for special occasions.

Nutritional Information

Each macaron has approximately 70-80 calories. This dessert is not only delicious but also a source of protein from the egg whites and healthy fats from the butter. Almond flour provides vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E and magnesium.

Possible Variations

- Flavors: You can add various flavors to the cream, such as vanilla, coffee, or chocolate.
- Colors: Experiment with different colors of food coloring to create macarons that match the theme of a party or event.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Why didn't my macarons rise? Check if the egg whites were whipped correctly and if you followed the drying times.
- Can I use another type of flour? Almond flour is essential for the specific texture of macarons, but you can experiment with coconut flour for a gluten-free version.
- How do I store macarons? Keep them fresh longer in the fridge, in an airtight container. They are best consumed within 3-5 days.

By making macarons at home, you not only enjoy a sophisticated dessert but also a creative moment in the kitchen. Happy cooking and savoring!

 Ingredients: 3 egg whites, 50 grams of granulated sugar, 200 grams of sifted powdered sugar, 110 grams of sifted almond flour, a pinch of salt, a few small colored candies. For the cream: 240 ml of milk, 20 g of cornstarch, 25 g of sugar, 125 g of butter, food coloring of your choice, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, optional mint essence.