Nothing says, “Summer’s here!” more than strawberries. Whether they’re topping a shortcake or filling a pie, there’s something about their sweet, almost candy-like smell that immediately transports you to thoughts of warm days, filled with sun and fun.
Because strawberries are available year-round, you don’t have to wait for summer to enjoy this delectable little fruit. They can bring their sweet freshness to a homemade dessert any time of year, as they do in these incredible Strawberry Macarons.
What are these dainty little treats? French macarons are small but sophisticated delicacies, combining the contrasting textures of a light crisp shell with a soft and gooey filling. They create a delicate dance on your palate, which starts with the initial crunch, and is followed by a blissful melt-in-your-mouth experience, thanks to, in this case, a luscious strawberry filling.
Strawberry macarons are the perfect example of opposites attracting. A perfectly baked macaron has a thin, crunchy exterior and a soft, chewy interior that makes this French pastry oh-so-delectable!
While mastering French macarons can pose a challenge, the feeling of accomplishment when you achieve those perfect, airy shells, filled with a decadent strawberry frosting, is incredible. There's a sense of pride that comes with conquering a complex recipe like this one and serving up a plate of beautifully crafted macarons to friends and family. While there are a few steps in the macaron making process, they are all doable and we are here to help you embrace and enjoy this new learning opportunity.
Ideal for entertaining, these dainty and beautiful two-bite cookies bring together craftsmanship, presentation, and flavor. Homemade macarons are suited for any event, but they truly shine on special occasions. Think of high tea, bridal showers, or even as gorgeous handmade gifts! Their elegance and the hint of sophistication make them ideal for times when you wish to impress.
If you want to experiment with your strawberry macarons, in terms of flavor, there are many options, but you do have to be mindful of how much liquid is added, as too much can change the texture of the cookie.
With that in mind, here are some ways to add flavor to macarons:
Dry Flavorings: Dry ingredients are your safest bet when it comes to flavor additions. You can use dried, ground zest from lime, lemon, or orange, or cocoa powder. You can also replace half of the almond flour with pistachio or hazelnut flour. Remember that ground nuts are coarser than nut flours and are not interchangeable in this recipe.
Infuse Sugar: Use a mortar and pestle or food processor to grind granulated sugar with dry ingredients like herbs, tea, or citrus zest. This infuses the sugar with flavor and creates a finer texture, much like baker’s sugar, which will help it to incorporate into the meringue.
Add Extracts: Add half a teaspoon of extract to the meringue once it reaches soft peaks. Remember, extracts can have an exceptionally strong flavor, so it’s important not to add too much as it can overpower the other ingredients and sometimes leave an artificial taste. They are also a liquid, so more than just a touch can alter the texture of both the shells and the filling.
| Food Component / Nutrient | Amount | % , Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2&½g | % Value Not Available |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | % Value Not Available |
| Omega-3 | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Cholesterol | 10mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 70mg | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Soluble Fiber | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Insoluble Fiber | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Sugars | 23g | % Value Not Available |
| Protein | 2g | % Value Not Available |
| Vitamin D | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Calcium | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Iron | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Potassium | 60mg | 2% |
| Vitamin A | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Vitamin C | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Vitamin E | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Thiamin | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Riboflavin | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Niacin | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Vitamin B6 | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Folic Acid | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Vitamin B12 | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Pantothenic Acid | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Phosphorus | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Magnesium | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Zinc | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Manganese | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Selenium | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Copper | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Beta-Carotene | Value Not Available | % Value Not Available |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | ||
For warm and wholesome comfort food, there isn’t much that can outdo the classic French onion soup. You may already be familiar with several variations of this traditional homestyle soup. Classic ingredients with bold flavors come together in a hearty, rich broth, topped with a layer of gooey, melted cheese. It’s a rustic dish that nevertheless brings an air of elegance and fills the kitchen with the aroma of gourmet cooking for home chefs of all skill levels.
