photo from marthastewart.com
Not just the city of light, Paris is undoubtedly the city of love! There’s something inherently romantic about the French capital that draws in couples every day seeking to enhance their passion on mini city breaks. While Paris is famous for many things such as art, films and fashion, food is arguably the key to its success.
Classic French cooking is not just a style; it’s a way of life for many chefs around the globe. Indeed, food in France is so important that the ‘Gastronomic Meal of the French’ is an event of cultural heritage so distinguished it is even recognised by UNESCO.
For anyone who visits France, usually, a trip to the patisserie is the highlight of their holiday. With the array of colourful cakes glistening like gems in the windows, it’s hard to resist.
And the most popular of all the charming confectionaries is arguably the tiny little macaron. These have become especially fashionable lately and have featured everywhere from top TV shows to Vogue magazine, so let’s get to know them a little bit better.
The marvellous macaron
The spelling of macaron is often the source of some confusion with people tending to add an extra ‘o’. However, the Macaroon is a very different delicacy altogether.
Though famous as a French confectionary, the macaron is made with Italian meringues and anyone who has ever attempted to make these tiny treats at home will know just how difficult it is. It really is an art in itself that requires incredible baking skills (and some fancy kitchen equipment) to get it right.
Top tips for trying at home
The master bakers who make these delicacies daily recommend wedging the oven door open with a wooden spoon to ensure an even temperature and a steady bake so the macarons can let off steam.
An important feature of the macaron is the ‘foot’; the rustic rise at the bottom that supports the glossy dome. This is achieved by leaving your macarons to stand before baking so they develop a skin. Don’t forget, banging your tray on the work surface once they have been piped will also help the finished look as it will release the air bubbles for a smooth finish.
If you pipe your macarons on to baking paper, a top tip to lift them off easily without them sticking is to pour water between the paper and the baking tray. This will help loosen the biscuits so they simply slip off.
But if it’s all a bit too complex for you to try then what more by the way of an excuse do you need to visit Paris than to sample some of these magical culinary creations.
DISCLOSURE: This post was in cooperation with UNESCO
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