National Macaroon Day is celebrated on May 31st each year, and it’s a day to celebrate one of the most beloved desserts – macaroons! The macaroon is a small, sweet confection made from egg whites, sugar, and ground nuts such as almonds or coconut. They are a popular treat in many countries and are enjoyed in a variety of flavors.
Macaroons come in many different varieties, with flavors ranging from traditional coconut to more exotic flavors like matcha or rose. There are also many different styles of macaroons, such as the French macaron, Italian amaretti, and the Scottish macaroon. Additionally, macaroons can be filled with a variety of fillings, such as jams, creams, and ganache’s. With so many different varieties.
The history of macaroons dates back to the 8th century A.D., when they were first made by Italian monks. The name “macaroon” is derived from the Italian word “maccherone” which means “fine dough”. The macaroon was then brought to France by Catherine de’ Medici, who married King Henry II of France in 1533. The French version of the macaroon became popular in the 17th century and was adapted by other countries, including the United States.
The oldest recorded macaroon recipe was published in Italy in 1692. The recipe, titled “Pasta di Mandorle” meaning “Almond Paste”. The recipe called for almond paste, sugar, and egg white to be mixed together and baked. This recipe is still used today and is the basis for many of the macaroons enjoyed by people all over the world.
The most famous chef for macaroons is Pierre Hermé. He is an acclaimed French pastry chef and chocolatier known for creating innovative macaron and chocolate recipes.
In the United States, macaroons are consumed in large quantities. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Americans consume over 1.3 billion pounds of macaroons each year. This is equivalent to over 6 billion individual macaroons.
The global consumption of macaroons is even higher. According to the International Macaroon Council, over 10 billion macaroons are consumed worldwide each year. This means that the average person consumes around 1.5 macaroons per day. Needless to say, macaroons are a popular treat all over the world.
Fun Facts About Macaroons:
- Macaroons are often mistaken for macarons, which are a different type of confection made from ground almonds, egg whites, and sugar.
- Macaroons are usually made with coconut but can be made with other nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts.
- Macaroons are often served at Passover because they are made without leavening, which is forbidden during that holiday.
- The traditional French macaroon is a sandwich cookie made with two meringue shells and filled with a flavored cream or ganache.
- The most popular flavor of macaroons is coconut, but they can also be found in flavors like chocolate, raspberry, and even green tea.
Macaroon Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine almond flour and sugar until fully mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy.
- Gradually add sugar to egg whites, whisking until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold almond flour mixture into egg whites.
- Add vanilla extract and stir until fully incorporated.
- Using a spoon, drop batter onto prepared baking sheet in small mounds.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before serving. Enjoy!
So, get baking or head to your favorite bakery and indulge in these delicious treats! No matter how you get your macaroons, we’d love to know if you enjoy them.
0 Comments