Macaroons

Just watched this clip from Studio 5 about making Macarons...they sound so delightful!


Tahitian French Macarons - Macaron Base:
Ingredients:

3 egg whites, aged*
5 tbsp granulated sugar
2/3 cup almond flour
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract (amount will differ with variations )

Method:

In a food processor, process almond flour and confectioners sugar until well mixed. Sift the mixture through sieve, and divide in half.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, whip egg whites until foamy.

While beating on high, slowly add sugar. When soft peaks form, add extract and food coloring if desired.

Beat until stiff peaks,has a glossy texture, and mixture doesn't drip from the beaters.

Into the whipped merengue, fold in the first half of the almond mixture. When just blended, add additional dry mixture, folding until mixture is blended.

Be careful not to over-mix!

Place mixture in a piping bag fitted with round tip.

On to a parchment lined baking sheet, pipe in small circles, about the size of a quarter; leaving room for the batter to spread.

Rap sheet firmly against the counter, or flat surface. This helps the macaron to get it's pied shape.

Before baking, let batter dry, uncovered for 30 minutes.

Heat oven to 300. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Cool completely.

Pipe a small amount of french buttercream on flat side of macaron, top with other half making a sandwich. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen filled macarons.

* Aged egg whites: Covered and set at room temperature overnight.

Variations - Guava Passionfruit:
Ingredients:

Add about 8 drops pink food coloring to meringue mixture.
Add 2-3 tbsp frozen guava passion fruit concentrate to buttercream;

Method:

beating well after addition.

Kiwi Lime:
Ingredients:

Add 1/2 tsp vanilla and zest of 1 lime to meringue mixture
Add about 8 drops neon green food coloring to meringue mixture
Add 3 tbsp kiwi purée, adding sugar to purée as needed to buttercream;

Method:

beating well after addition

Mango Tangerine:
Ingredients:

Add 1/4 tsp vanilla and zest of 1 tangerine to meringue mixture
Add1/4 tsp orange extract to meringue mixture
Add about 8 drops of orange food coloring to meringue mixture
Add 2-3 tbsp frozen Mango Orange Concentrate or Mango purée to buttercream;

Method:

beating well after addition.

Island Pineapple:
Ingredients:

Add 1/4 tsp vanilla to meringue mixture
Add 1/4 tsp banana extract to meringue mixture
Add about 8 drops of yellow food coloring to meringue mixture
Add 2-3 tbsp frozen Pina Colada concentrate ( Bacardi's ) to buttercream,

Method:

beating well after addition.

Blue Coconut:
Ingredients:

Add 1/4 tsp coconut extract to meringue mixture
Add 1/4 tsp rum extract to meringue mixture
Add about 8 drops of neon blue food coloring to meringue mixture
Add 1 tsp coconut extract to buttercream,

Method:

beating well after addition.

French Buttercream:
Ingredients:

3 eggs
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup water
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, and stirred.

Method:

In a medium sized mixing bowl, beat eggs for about 5 minutes.

Eggs should be light and fluffy.

In a small sauce pan, heat water and sugar over medium high heat.

Cook until mixture comes to a soft ball stage. To test, spoon a small amount of mixture into a glass of cold water, if the syrup forms into a ball that can be picked up, it is ready.

While mixer is running, pour a fine, thread like stream into the egg mixture. Beat mixture until the bottom of the mixing bowl is cool to touch .

Add softened butter in 2-3 separate increments. The frosting will dramatically change texture. Do not be alarmed!!

Keep beating and it will lighten and become smooth again, about 5-7 minutes.

When adding flavorings, the butter cream will separate again.

Repeat beating process until smooth again.

Fill macarons with a small amount of buttercream. Leftovers may be refrigerated or frozen for next use; mixing well after becoming room temperature.

Makes about 2 1/2-3 cups