macaron making is my fave
Yes, I know macarons have been replaced with donuts as the it dessert but I’ve wanted to try making them for years (mostly because it pains me to pay $2 a piece for them). I’ve looked at numerous recipes and articles but usually give up when I get to the part where the author states that they are notoriously finicky. I decided if I was going to do it, I was going to do it right. I contacted Emily (who I swear knows every person in the Denver area) and she connected me with Samm Sherman, a local pastry chef, who was willing to spill her secrets. So I gathered up some lady friends and we made a little party out of it.
Samm used a basic recipe for the cookie. Here are a few tips she shared in the process:
- use a scale for accuracy in measuring out your ingredients
- do not skip the sifting step
- the trickiest part is folding in your dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix
- after piping, let the batter sit until only slightly tacky (about 10 minutes) before baking
She also treated us to two different fillings (that’s where the flavor comes in), a chocolate ganache and caramel macchiato buttercream made with Starbucks® Discoveries Iced Café Favorites™ – Caramel Macchiato.
It’s easy to pull together a party when it’s centered around an activity that can triple as the refreshment and favor. I had these boxes set out to fill with finished macarons for the taking.
We learned. We chatted. We munched and sipped. A perfect little lady gathering. After seeing how simple it was all to put together, I’ve resolved to make it a regular occurrence.
Bonus! I’ve put together a box to go along with this party. And it’s up for grabs today! It includes:
- theo chocolate bar
- stripe twist scarf
- I Love Macarons
- notebooks
- textured mug
- macaron card
- $25 Starbucks Discoveries Iced Café Favorites™ coupons
To enter, simply comment on this post before eod Friday, May 23rd. Winner will be randomly chosen then notified by me via email. Good luck!
*No purchase necessary to participate or win. Void where prohibited by law. Open to legal US residents eighteen (18) years of age or order, except employees and the families of Bellalimento.com (“Sponsor”) or any company or agency responsible for the sweepstakes or any prize provided (“Sweepstakes Participants”). Enter by posting comment on the Site from May 21 – 23 A winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries. The prize is a variety of goods valued at $100. One entry per person, per email address. All determinations by Sponsor are final. Winners will be notified by email and must respond within 48 hours or another winner may be chosen. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. No cash substitutions for prizes and prizes are non-refundable and non-transferable except at sole discretion of Sponsor who reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value. Entrant’s name and entry may be used for promotional purposes without additional compensation unless prohibited by law. Winners release Sweepstakes Participants from all claims and damages associated with the Sweepstakes and use of the prize. Subject to all federal, state and local laws. Winner is responsible for any taxes on prize.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Company. All opinions are my own.
photos: Jennifer Little
