Monday, September 8, 2008

Blueberry macarons

Blueberry macarons

Making macarons – talk about a brave decision! And here I thought that chopping off 4 inches of hair, like I did a couple of months ago, had been a bold move.

I’d had an eye on these pink beauties for quite a while but it was Helen’s wonderful tutorial that gave me the courage to finally try making macarons. And even though they don’t look like hers or the Master’s – which I was lucky enough to try – I was very glad with the results. So glad that I intend to make a new batch next weekend. :)

Recipe adapted from here (shells) and here (filling).

Blueberry macarons

Blueberry macarons

50g ground almonds
140g icing sugar
2 large egg whites
1 tablespoon caster sugar
violet food coloring paste

White chocolate blueberry ganache:
¾ cup chopped white chocolate
¼ cup cream
1 tablespoon blueberry jam

Start by making the macarons: grab two large pieces of baking paper and, using a cookie cutter, trace 4cm-circles, 3cm apart from each other, all over the paper. Turn the paper sheets around and line 2 large baking trays with them.
Sieve the ground almonds and icing sugar together into a large bowl. Put the egg whites into a separate bowl, and using an electric hand whisk, beat to soft peaks. Add the caster sugar, and whisk until glossy. Fold into the almond and icing sugar mixture, along with a very small amount of the food coloring – it’s easier to use a toothpick to remove coloring from the bottle. Mix until just combined and evenly violet – the mixture will reduce as the air bubbles in the meringue burst.
Put the mixture into a disposable piping bag, snip off 1cm from the end. Pipe blobs onto the circles on the baking paper so you have about 28-30 in total. Set aside for 30 minutes to dry – this is important as it gives the macaroons the correct texture.
Preheat the oven to 190ºC/375ºF. Bake for 5 minutes, then turn the baking sheet and bake for another 4 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool.

Make the filling: pour the cream in a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until hot. Remove from heat, add chocolate and jam and mix vigorously until chocolate is melted and ganache is smooth. Set aside to cool until firm enough to be piped or spooned between macarons shells.

Peel off the baking paper from the macaroons, then sandwich 2 together with a blob of blueberry ganache in the center. Repeat to give you 14-15 in total.

Store the macaroons in an airtight container for up to 3 days – I kept mine in the fridge.

Makes about 15

Blueberry macarons

39 comments:

Cannelle Et Vanille said...

they look beautiful. great job!

Helene said...

Yippee Yeah! You did fantastic!! I love the idea of blueberries...hope you don't stop there...I am feasting with my eyes!!

Unknown said...

You've done a great job, Patricia! I love these! Haven't tried with blueberry jam yet, and I shall try.

Susan @ SGCC said...

Oh, Patricia! They are beautiful! I have been wanting to try macarons for ages, but I'm too intimidated. It is always so humid here.

Anonymous said...

These look amazing, Patricia! I've never tried to make these either. And, you know what? I've never even eaten a macarons. Time for that to change, don't you think?

Susan from Food Blogga said...

This looks like a smashing success to me, Patricia!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anita said...

They look wonderful! I think you did a great job! And blueberry, yum!

Meeta K. Wolff said...

oh you have done such a fantastic job my friend. i need to conquer these! well done!

Anonymous said...

Patricia, remember the lunch you should have together ? Don't forget to bring for dessert these lovely cookies! ;-)

Anonymous said...

I meant the macarons ! But the cookies look great also, so bring them both !!;-)

Kana said...

The look wonderful Patricia maybe now I will conquer my fears and go forth and make them as well!

Happy Homebaker said...

Oh what lovely macarons you have made! I have never thought of making them...and you know what, I've not even eatan a macaron! Looking forward to your next batch soon :)

Manggy said...

Oh, Patricia, you are too critical again! They would look welcome in any pastry display case-- good job :) Now you are officially braver than I!

Anonymous said...

Wow I've never seen Blueberry Mac's what a great idea! Love it and they are so good looking too.

Alexa said...

Patricia,
The macarons came out lindos! They look so professional and delicious. Makes me want to try making some as well.

Brilynn said...

Well done Patricia! You're braver than I! Macarons are always my downfall.

The Food Librarian said...

Just beautiful. Just the thought of white chocolate blueberry ganache makes me smile!!!

Silvia - Magnolia Wedding Planner said...

These macarons look fabolous! they are really perfect..almost divine ;-P
you are truley the godness of sweets and cakes dear!
have a good day!
Silvia

Emily said...

Those are gorgeous!! I demand more macarons.

I've been wanting to try making some. Maybe in a few weeks when things slow down. I may need your help!

ChichaJo said...

They look totally pro!!! Such beauties! I'm giving you a standing ovation now :) Macarons...wow!

Anonymous said...

Wow, wonderful job! Macarons are one of those things I want to make but scare me to make them. They look very pretty!

LyB said...

Those are your first macarons? Well, they look perfect to me! And the flavor combination sounds incredible. :)

Anonymous said...

Great Job! These look delicious as do all your recipes.

Anonymous said...

Oh Patricia...you're so brave!!
I'm waiting till courage arrives here but... I'm still waiting!
Congrats for this and all of your recipes!

Gigi said...

Oh Patricia! Those absolutely perfect macarons!

Anonymous said...

That's some brave baking there. How impressive!

Apples and Butter said...

Very beautiful and very impressive! I may be inspired to try macarons for the first time myself!

Sarah said...

Patricia--how nice! Your pics are just getting more and more beautiful...

Suzana said...

Way to go, Patricia! I'm yet to find courage to make those beauties. I love the blueberries showing, and the photos are indeed beautiful!

Anonymous said...

pretty macarons! and so perfectly put together.

Patricia Scarpin said...

Aran, thank you!

Helen, I was dying to hear from you, darling - thank you for being such an inspiration!
Merci!
xoxo

Arfi, thank you!

Susan, I'm sure you would make something beautiful, my friend.

Kristen, I think so, dear!

Susan, thank you!

Anita, I love blueberries!
Tks, sweetie!

Meeta, I'm sure you will!
Thank you!

Vanille, don't worry, I won't forget them! I'll bring both. ;)

Maya, I think you should!

Happy Homebaker, you should definitely try them!

Mark, you are far too kind, my dear friend - thank you for your support, it means a lot!

Cathy, I'm a sucker for berries. :)

Alexa, obrigada, querida!
You definitely should try making them.

Bri, you are such an amazing baker, darling!

Food Librarian, that filling would go so well in simple sablés, I think... YUM! :)

Silvia, long time no see, darling!
Thank you!
xx

Emiline, you wish is my command! :)
I know you'll succeed, darling!

Joey, you are so sweet, tks!

Linda, I'm sure yours would be amazing, like everything you make!

LyB, my first, indeed!
And you are so generous, tks!

Candy, thank you so much!

Sil, thank you, darling!

Gigi, thank you!

Julie, thank you!

Apples and Butter, you must! :)

Sarah, I'm glad to hear that, thank you, my friend.

Suzana, thank you, querida!
Beijos!

Diva, thank you!

Anonymous said...

Your macarons are beautiful!
I love the photographs too.

Nic said...

Oh well done Patricia - they look perfect!

Deborah said...

I think these look absolutely perfect - especially for a first timer!

Anonymous said...

Patricia, you did such a phenomenal job with your macarons! They look perfect!

Zoe Francois said...

These are lovely, as I'm sure your new hair style is too! I've been craving macarons and in desperate need of a new hair style. You will be my inspiration for both!

Jaime said...

congrats! i am still not yet brave enough to tackle macarons!

Cakebrain said...

I was going to make blueberry macarons the other day too! Your blueberry white chocolate ganache looks like a wonderful idea! I'll have to remember that and give it a try! Now that you have the macaron bug, I'll bet you'll be wanting to make them again and again in various flavours! I look forward to seeing them!

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