They're fussy, what can I say? But they aren't as torturous as many of the books and blogs would have you believe. I mean, I'm pretty sure I'll do a much better job next time given what I learned in this go.
Key considerations:
- Use enough food colouring. I should have added about 7 drops (red and yellow) but I only used 4.
- Really don't let your fat touch your egg whites till you're ready to mix and fold. Stupidly, I used the same bowl to measure the ground almonds as the sugar that stiffed the egg whites. Which means my egg whites were compromised in fluffing from the get go. Of course, I realized it seconds too late. As the egg whites need to sit on your counter for 24 hours, there was no do over for me.
- On that account: Make a couple of batches of the aged egg whites, so if you have an issue you aren't fucked.
- Practice your piping. That's where I really fell down. I made about 16 different sizes (and not many of them actually circular) of meringue. Hard to make them look professional that way :-) Also, I should have used a larger tip. As it is, I needed to exert too much force on the batter to get the disks onto the baking sheet. Didn't help with their shape, I know.
- Read all of Joe's posts on the topic. And really, don't worry about being too delicate. I was not delicate at all and it still wasn't a disaster.
- Ganache takes 4 hours to set, and it's probably best to let it do so outside of the fridge, if possible. Keeps it's texture better that way.
Give these a try if you are at all interested - and don't let lack of confidence stop you. They're only cookies after all. Yummy ones.
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I MUST come visit you and lock you in your house until you've made batches of all these lovely sweets for me to consume.
ReplyDeleteDid you use the Italian meringue?
ReplyDeleteWow, they are as beautiful as anything I've seen in Paris!
ReplyDeleteI would never even think of trying to make these at home.
Those look so good!
ReplyDeleteHoly cow, woman! You are my holiday hero inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI'll stick to buying them. :P
ReplyDeleteYours look yummy!
Oh I love macaroons and yours look fab!
ReplyDeleteThose are SO not the macaroons that I had envisioned. I had conjured up little coconuty balls. These are works of art!!!
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable, but undoubtedly beyond my culinary abilities!
ReplyDeleteSal: Fortunately, in this weather, that won't be much of a problem :-)
ReplyDeleteD.: No, I didn't. But I considered it. Have you used it??
Belle: What a compliment! Thank you so much.
Y: It took all my willpower not to eat the whole batch.
Historiadora: Why thank you! You can make them. Promise.
Raven: All the more time to knit!
Kate: Thank you!!
Miss C: I know that's what you were thinking. I do love those and would make them all the time, but I can't find anyone who will eat them other than me.
Janet: I thought it would be a serious stretch, but they are not as difficult as they look. Really. Give it a try...
No I have not. But if I make these things, I think that might be the road to success.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm just going to order a batch of these babies from somewhere off the internet and save myself the trying. Yes. Sounds like a plan.
ReplyDeleteD.: Try it and let me know...
ReplyDeleteE: That's a smart idea. Yummies with no waiting - or risk!