After yesterday I was determined to master them. I searched and searched the web, reading a million recipes and watching many videos. Finally I stumbled upon Bravetart and decided that I loved the way she wrote - she had me giggling out loud, AND I felt that I could follow what she had written. So I did - to the letter. ( well that's a slight fib, I halved her recipe amounts, but that's all I did differently) and yes, you really do whip those ( laid this morning!) egg whites for 10 minutes. Anyway, in three attempts, over 2 and a half years, I've gone from this...
Which, of course, was the most appalling disaster ever because not only did they look terrible, they also tasted awful.
To this, today!
Ta'Dah!
Now call me anal, but this worked so well that I have scored a mark on our cooker to where the exact temperature was and have written down exact timings. 6 minutes, turn tray, 6 minutes turn tray, 1 minute, turn tray, 1 minute turn tray. Well, it worked!
And even though I do say so myself, they are the most flipping brilliant macarons ever!
They are plain shells with a marscapone and raspberry middle.
Marvellous.
And now this!
Lemon buttercream...
I think I've got it!
You legend!! I bet you will be very pleased with yourself for a long time (and so you should be)!!!!
ReplyDeletePoor Lloyd will never hear the end of it!!!
DeleteWell done Laura. Persistence make perfect!
ReplyDeletethanks! I was on a bit of a roll this time!
DeleteBravo... If at first you don't succeed;-)
ReplyDelete:) xx
DeleteWOO HOO they looks delicious and very professional. Louise
ReplyDeletethey are amazingly delicious! I got some mad freeze dried raspberries last time I was down in Auckland and they've gone brilliantly in the marscapone.
DeleteOMG, dont eat them...........keep taking photos of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBloody brilliant!
they are pretty aren't they!
DeleteThey look fantastic! perseverance really does pay off.
ReplyDeleteit does. and i was determined!
DeleteHooray... they do look perfect... isn't it lovely when persistence finally pays off! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI just like that not only are they pretty, they taste ace!
DeleteWow, I am so impressed, almost makes me want to give them a try!
ReplyDeleteyou should! Once you get the hang of it they're not actually all that difficult!!! honest - not that you'd know that by my first attempts!
DeleteYou little rippa!!!! Aren't they fantastic????
ReplyDeletexxxxxxx
and thank you for all the support and laughs along the way!!!
DeleteLloyd probably won't mind eating one (or 17). :)
ReplyDeletehe was allowed one last night - just for a test! the rest are for tonight.
Deletefantastic and perfect.......... I am drooling over the keyboard as I type :)
ReplyDeletethank you!
ReplyDeletethank you! hope your keyboard doesn't suffer too much :)
ReplyDeleteDear Laura---CONGRATULATIONS! They look fabulous! I take my hat off to you for your perseverance. I bet they taste as good as they look, so enjoy!
ReplyDeletethanks mother in law!!! next time you're over I'll make some for you.
DeleteFabulous!
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteHello Laura,
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog from Our New Life in The Country. Absolutely adore macaroons, and yours look fantastic. Well done (as a fairly useless cook myself, I'm in awe).
Look forward to following your life on the farm. It looks idyllic.
Jessica
Hi Jessica, lovely to meet you!
Deletei'm a totally useless cook - honest. but i am very stubborn!!
Wow - just wow!
ReplyDeleteI think I almost admire your determination more than the actual product - almost.
I must admit I took a look at the recipe ages ago and thought No, I haven't the patience, but sorely tempted now.
oh you should try. really, just follow the recipe I linked to. Its perfect!!!
DeleteWOW! These look incredible. Just like bought ones. You must be totally chuffed. I would be. I don't think I would let anyone eat these. ; )
ReplyDeletethy are all gone! We had friends over tonight and ate the lot - but they were all impressed!
Deletewell done Laura, you really are very determined to have mastered these babies. Thanks for letting us all laugh at your misfortune both here and on Facebook. Lisa.x
ReplyDeleteI think I've laughed more than anyone :)
DeleteWell done, Laura - they look absolutely fantastic! You are the Macaron Queen :-) Jo
ReplyDeleteNow I just want to make more!!!
DeleteOh my they look amazing! I have books of recipes for them, dozens of pins on Pinterest and a very strong desire to make them, but never have. You have inspired me.
ReplyDeleteoh you must! I've been so scared of them since my first attempt - it almost put me off for life! But when you get it it's such a good feeling!!
Deleteoh wow! I've been following your amazing journey and im glad you finally mastered the macaroons!! You inspired me to start planting in my balcony a few months back and i've been eating my yummy lettuce! Thank you! Keep blogging!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad too - and so is Lloyd! That's so cool that you've planted on your balcony - are the things in pots? Happy lettuce munching!!
Deleteyes in long pots and i just started on my garlic! cant wait to see how they turn out next year. I live in Vancouver, BC so planting season is winding down. No more fresh lettuce for a while.
Deleteyummy - you planted garlic. I never grow enough!
DeleteThese look so completely awesome! I was swooning after looking at the raspberry ones and then I saw the lemon ones. Now you've got me inspired to have another go at perfecting them.
ReplyDeletexx Susan
I like the lemon ones better, actually. The raspberry marscapone ones were a very grown up flavour. And I just love lemon! I've been buying up all sorts of food colourings - watch out for some lilac ones!!
DeleteI may even devote a page especially for the macarons and add more colours and flavours as I make them! ( sad git!!)
Wonderful, well done!
ReplyDeletethank you xxx
Deletepicture perfect. looks like something out of a cookbook or magazine. i was thinking of trying to make for Christmas. think ill wait on that. dont want flops. ill give it a shot when not pressured so much. then next Christmas they'll be perfect. might even be gifts. lol if were all here that is. thanks for the beautiful pics. and inspiration....
ReplyDeletesince these ones I've gone slowly downhill! the more humid it gets the more rubbish my macarons are - I'm going to stick to winter ones!!!! Definitely something to try when there's no pressure :)
Delete