THE DEFINING
CHARACTERISTICS
The ideal macaroon should be
a uniformly round, light golden
brown biscuit with a smooth,
slightly shiny surface. Ideally
yourmacaroonsshouldbecrisp
on the outside – particularly around
the edges – and slightly chewy on
the inside.
THE ESSENTIAL
INGREDIENTS
EGGWHITESThese are the key
toalightmacaroon.Itmayseem
pedantictoweighouttheegg
whites, but medium eggs in the
shell can range in size from
between 53g and 63g each and
varyingweightscandrastically
affect the consistency of the
macaroon mixture and how much it
spreadsbeforeandduringbaking.
You’re af ter a slightly firm rather
thanaloosemixture.
ALMONDSMake sure your nuts are
fresh.Theygostaleeasilyandthe
oilswithinthenutstarttotake on
an unpleasant flavour.
SUGARIliketousegoldencaster
sugar in all my baking because it
addsagoldentingeandaslightly
caramelised flavour – but ordinary
caster sugar will do fine if that’s all
you have.DEBBIE’S TIPS
FOR SUCCESS- Don’t over-whizz the nuts in
step 2, either before you add the
sugaror once they’re mixed
together. Over-whizzing will cause
oils to be released from the nuts,
making the mixture claggy and
heavy,resultingingreasybiscuits. - Use sturdy, heavy-duty baking
sheetsthatwon’ttwistintheheatof
the oven, potentially spoiling the
finished shape of the macaroons. - Linethebakingsheetswithrice
paper or non-stick baking paper.
Ricepaperistraditional.Ilikethe
professional finish it gives but it
isn’t essential and non-stick baking
paperworksjustaswell. - Ifyoufindthemacaroonsaren’t
baking evenly, turn the trays and
swap the oven shelves. - Piping rather than spooning the
mixture onto the baking sheets is
quickerandgivesthemacaroons
a more uniform size and shape. →
favourites.
Turnthepagefora
twist on macaroons→Howtojazzupyourmacaroons
- Addatouchofcocoa powderto the mix. Whizz it
brieflyintothegroundnutsandsugar(step2). - Stir 50gdark chocolate chipsinto the finished
mixture(step3),thenspoonthemixtureontothe
sheetsasthechipsmayclogupapipingnozzle. - Swapthealmondextractforanotherflavouring.
Vanillaisgreat(seehazelnutmacaroons,p46)but
orange or lemon extract,orafewdropsofrose
or orange blossom water,alsoworkwell. - Forafter-dinnercoffeemacaroonsadda
teaspoon ofinstant espresso powderand a few
drops ofcoffee extractto the mixture. These
work well filled with thechocolate ganachefrom
the hazelnut macaroons overleaf. - Add a pinch ofspiceto the mixture.Ground
cinnamon,nutmegormixed spicework well.