ten steps to the perfect macaroons.

step one:

surround yourself with really funny

cute kids as distractions and dress 

up the silliest one as your mini chefy.

Set aside 3 egg whites...

allowing them to reach room temp, 

crucial to their fluffing.

Preheat oven to 315.

step two:

giggle some more

and lose your focus.

step three:

make your desired filling; 

we chose creme patissiere

(basic pastry cream...milk, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, and flour)

step four:

get to business and set up distractions

for the little guys...

ie. oatmeal and various kitchen items.

Start whipping those egg whites.

Once stiff peaks form, 

 slowly shower in 1/4 c. (40 g) superfine granulated sugar.

Measure out 1 c. (100 g) ground almonds

and 1 3/4 c. (180 g) confectioners sugar. 

Sift almonds and sugar together.

step five:

pick a color (in our case PINK)

and have a cute ballerina

help you add to egg whites along with 

1 t. vanilla paste for flavor.

(you can also find powdered flavors such 

as raspberry etc. for whatever you're going for)

step six:

add almond mixture to egg whites.

slowly incorporate by scooping from the

bottom up and folding over until well

incorporated, but not over mixed.

tricky i know.

you need mad skills for this part, 

and a cool vintage bandana to boot.

step seven:

pipe mixture into small circles onto 

sheet pan lined with parchment or 

silpat (best for not sticking)

about 1 1/2 in. in diameter.

and it is oh, so nice to have an attentive little audience...

and only one little mishap.

step eight:

tap trays to settle the macaroons.

let them sit out and form a skin, 

about 20-30 min's
(the perfect amount of time for a little walk).

when touched you will feel a slight skin 

that has formed. this helps them to dry out.

step nine:

bake about 12 minutes

until no longer giggly when touched.

let cool...rest...go play.

step ten:

thinly slice strawberries.

layer one to two slices on one side of macaroon

and pipe a small amount of filling onto berry, 

top with other macaroon. gaze at their beauty 

and try not to eat them all. 

do share with your little helpers.

and possibly send some off to friends in sweet little

linen drawstring goodie bags!

happy monday!