We start our adventure in the kitchen by preparing delicious macarons, a refined dessert appreciated all over the world. In a bowl of the food processor, we add powdered sugar, an essential component for achieving a fine and sweet texture. Along with the sugar, we also add almond flour, which will give the macarons that distinctive and aromatic flavor. We mix the two ingredients until homogeneous, ensuring there are no lumps. Subsequently, to achieve an even finer mixture, we sift the mixture 2-3 times, being careful to discard what remains in the sieve, as this step is crucial to avoid any unwanted graininess.
On another note, we focus on the egg whites. We beat them vigorously with a mixer, gradually adding the granulated sugar, continuing to mix until we obtain a stiff, glossy meringue that holds its shape. If we want our macarons to be colored, this is the ideal moment to add food coloring, thus customizing the dessert according to our preferences. Once the meringue is ready, we start incorporating the almond flour and powdered sugar mixture. This step must be done gently, adding the ingredients gradually in three stages, and mixing with a spatula in a folding motion from top to bottom, so as not to lose the air incorporated into the egg whites.
When the mixture becomes fluid and flows off the spatula forming a wide ribbon, we are ready to transfer it into a piping bag with a round tip. Using this tool, we carefully pipe the mixture onto a tray specially prepared for macarons. After we finish forming the circles, we gently tap the tray on the table 2-3 times to release any trapped air. Now, it is important to let the macarons dry for 45-50 minutes, until the surface becomes non-sticky, an indication that they are ready for baking.
With the oven preheated to 150 degrees Celsius, we place the tray with macarons in the oven and bake for 13 minutes. It is essential not to open the oven door during baking, as this could affect the delicate structure of the dessert. Once the time is up, we let the macarons cool on the tray for 10 minutes, which will facilitate their release from the baking paper. After they have completely cooled, it is time to fill them with our favorite cream, whether it be a chocolate ganache, a flavored buttercream, or a fruit paste. Thus, we enjoy the final result, an explosion of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion!
On another note, we focus on the egg whites. We beat them vigorously with a mixer, gradually adding the granulated sugar, continuing to mix until we obtain a stiff, glossy meringue that holds its shape. If we want our macarons to be colored, this is the ideal moment to add food coloring, thus customizing the dessert according to our preferences. Once the meringue is ready, we start incorporating the almond flour and powdered sugar mixture. This step must be done gently, adding the ingredients gradually in three stages, and mixing with a spatula in a folding motion from top to bottom, so as not to lose the air incorporated into the egg whites.
When the mixture becomes fluid and flows off the spatula forming a wide ribbon, we are ready to transfer it into a piping bag with a round tip. Using this tool, we carefully pipe the mixture onto a tray specially prepared for macarons. After we finish forming the circles, we gently tap the tray on the table 2-3 times to release any trapped air. Now, it is important to let the macarons dry for 45-50 minutes, until the surface becomes non-sticky, an indication that they are ready for baking.
With the oven preheated to 150 degrees Celsius, we place the tray with macarons in the oven and bake for 13 minutes. It is essential not to open the oven door during baking, as this could affect the delicate structure of the dessert. Once the time is up, we let the macarons cool on the tray for 10 minutes, which will facilitate their release from the baking paper. After they have completely cooled, it is time to fill them with our favorite cream, whether it be a chocolate ganache, a flavored buttercream, or a fruit paste. Thus, we enjoy the final result, an explosion of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
75 g almond flour; 110 g powdered sugar; 50 g granulated sugar; a pinch of salt; 60 g egg white; coloring as desired;