Make French Macarons - the most foolproof method [VIDEO]
By livelonger
If you've never tried French macarons (macaroons), you really should. Imagine an Oreo sandwich, except instead of the cookies you have something that's delicately crisp on the outside, and moist and chewy on the inside, with the delicate flavor of almonds, and instead of the white "creme" filling, you have a chocolatey ganache, a rich buttercream, or even a jam. They almost melt in your mouth, and if you've ever seen them in bakeries or shops, you'll know the pleasure of eating one comes at a steep price: $1.50-$2.00 apiece here in San Francisco.
Fortunately, making your own macarons is actually not impossible, and you can do it for a much lower cost than buying them at boutique shops. And, believe it or not, it can be fun!
The technique I've laid out in the video above is almost foolproof. I've made them using this method (the sucre cuit, or Italian meringue, method) 5 times now, and they've always turned out great. The devil is in the details, so be sure to follow the directions as I've laid them out in the video, and if you prefer written instructions instead, with pictures, have a gander at my Hub on How to Make French Macaroons.
Macaron Troubleshooting: Some of the usual pitfalls that I think this method does a great job of avoiding are macaron shells that:
- don't have "feet" (the ruffly bottoms)
- stick to the baking sheet
- are not smooth and round on the top
- crack and "erupt"
- are hollow-looking inside
- are dried-out and crunchy
This method really does avoid all of these. Follow the directions carefully—don't make any substitutions—and see if they don't work out for you!
Questions or Comments? Leave them below. :)
Thanks, Ari!
Wow, that was an amazing video! You make it look so easy. I definitely want to try this recipe and will use your video as a guide. ;)
Thanks, Robin! They are a lot easier to make with this method, in my experience. Hope you give them a shot!
Incredible video, so many great pointers for making French Style Macarons right before my eyes! Loved the bag/glass tip, I will be using this not only for making your recipe here, but other piping recipes as well. Very streamline and soothing to watch, and your "hand model" is simply beautiful. One of the best video Guides I have watched. Thanks for sharing. Up across the board!
HubHugs & Shalom my Friend~
K9
Thanks, K9! You didn't think the hand model was a little, too, um, hairy? ;) We're actually going to be doing a lot of icing piping this week, too (we're making cupcakes) so we'll have a lot of bags perched up in glasses. Thank you for your comment, and shalom (and l'shana tova), my friend!
Those kind words, "L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem" always make me crave delicious apples and honey... a sweet year to you as well LL. ;)
Those look absolutely delicious and you did an excellent job on the video!
Thank you, Karen!
Oh yummy! I know what I'm doing tomorrow :) can't wait to try this wonderful recipe...I will be a hit in my neighborhood. These macarons will also make wonderful holiday gifts and decorate any party. Thanks.
vocalcoach~
These macarons would make a nice gift if they were wrapped in a nice box with a bow and tag.
my family love macarons and i have my recipe but this one seems to be even better than mine,i will try it for sure
Nice, would like to try tomorrow. thank you for the tips
so i guess u dont have to dry them?
Andrew: Do you mean the egg whites? Nope, you don't have to using this method.
Great video on how to make macarons! Really, it looked so professional - well done, I could learn a thing or two from you :)
This looks like a great replacement for the recipe I lost from my Nana. Sounds yummy.
Ari Lamstein 7 months ago
Great video Jason!